Opinions on Remington 740??

Dusty23

Regular
Rating - 100%
26   0   0
Location
New Brunswick
Hi guys, just wondering what some of your opinions on these rifles are. I know the have the nickname 'jam-o-matics', but I'm looking for first hand experience here good or bad. I know nothing about these rifles and need some schooling. I'm thinking of picking up one, but don't want to regret my decision.

Thanks in advance. :cheers:
 
Considering they have been discontinued and obsolete for quite a few years, if it is in good condition it may work for you. I would not go out of my way looking for one. If it is worn it can become a 'jam o matic'. Those worn out ones aren't worth trying to fix.

Introduced in 1955 they were discontinued in 1960.. that's 54 years ago.

Then the 742 was made in 1960 and discontinued in 1980.... 34 years ago.

Then the 7400 was made from 1981 until 2014... 10 years ago.

The pump is a much better model.
 
Last edited:
Considering they have been discontinued and obsolete for quite a few years, if it is in good condition it may work for you. I would not go out of my way looking for one. If it is worn it can become a 'jam o matic'. Those worn out ones aren't worth trying to fix.

Introduced in 1955 they were discontinued in 1960.. that's 54 years ago.

Then the 742 was made in 1960 and discontinued in 1980.... 34 years ago.

Then the 7400 was made from 1981 until 2014... 10 years ago.

The pump is a much better model.

Considering the source of the above quote, you could take this advise to the bank.
 
With all due respect to the Remington fans here, I have to say it will be a very long time before I own another Remington rifle. I absolutely love my 870 12 gauge, but that 760 rifle I had was just aggravating to say the least. I have an old copy of Gun Digest's Sporting Rifle Take Down and Reassembly by John Wood, and it specifically mentions that a large number of parts interchange between the 760 and 740/742.
I'm much happier now with my Browning - it's also a bolt action, which feels better to me. Mechanical issues aside, I found a pump rifle awkward. I'm sure there are guys out there who swear by them, and by all means more power to them, but I had bad experiences and won't buy another one.
 
With all due respect to the Remington fans here, I have to say it will be a very long time before I own another Remington rifle. I absolutely love my 870 12 gauge, but that 760 rifle I had was just aggravating to say the least. I have an old copy of Gun Digest's Sporting Rifle Take Down and Reassembly by John Wood, and it specifically mentions that a large number of parts interchange between the 760 and 740/742.
I'm much happier now with my Browning - it's also a bolt action, which feels better to me. Mechanical issues aside, I found a pump rifle awkward. I'm sure there are guys out there who swear by them, and by all means more power to them, but I had bad experiences and won't buy another one.

yikes, and I am dealing on one as we speak! Anyone else care to comment real quick? PLEASE!
 
Ive had several 740's and 742's majority being 30-06 and have had absolutely 100% reliability with all of them. Currently have 1 742 in 30-06 but wish it was a 308 in a 760 or 762 series (pump), just preference. To each their own but one thing ive found is most ive come across have been moose and or deer guns and most appear to be neglected when it comes to cleaning. Cant expect reliability when the back of the actions packed with gunk. Ive heard of the actions getting battered and chewed up from the bolt but have not personally come across one.
 
nothing wrong with the pump... has a cult following !! my 7600 has never let me down... even had it magna ported

u couldn't give me the semi... like apples n oranges
 
I think that there is a general consensus about the 740/742 series.
Have had to try to work on a number of ones with problems. No fun.
If one works, great! Enjoy it.
 
From what I hear from Rem semi owners, half love them and half hate them. As far as the Rem pumps, the only complaint I've ever heard, is from the guy above. Good luck:)
 
Forgive me if I have been the "stormcloud in the corner," I was only giving my experiences with that old 760. I kept it clean and it still jammed on me when I needed it the most, on 3 separate occasions. When you asked about the 740/742 I remember reading in my old service manual and comparing exploded diagrams that they had some similarities and parts in common. If most of the others who have posted have had good experiences with the 760/7600 series, then maybe I just got a bad one. If you can find a Remington pump or semi that the previous owner vouches works well, then all the best and happy hunting!
 
The most common feed problem with 760/7600s stems from an old worn mag. The notches at the ends of the mag get rounded worn and won't hold the mag in proper position for feeding.
 
Back
Top Bottom