I've been looking at purchasing a semi-automatic hunting rifle for some time now and I have tried researching the differences between the models but never managed to come up with much. I was just wondering if any of you fine folk out there had any input on which generation of the Remington 740 ('55-'59), 742 ('60-'80), 7400 ('81-'04), or 750 ('06-'15) was better or worse and why? Thanks in advance.
Remington 740 vs. 742 vs. 7400 vs. 750
- Thread starter LT-61
- Start date
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
I like the 7400, never shot a 750 though.
Small upgrades along the way.
Small upgrades along the way.
had a 7400 brand new, no problems, traded it to a friend, he oiled the heck out of it, it jammed for him in the cold! Have and had a number of 742's, no problems, but of course they are/were in great shape and no worn parts. Have a 742 308 carbine, which I think will be with me until my last day!
- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
I have owned a 750 and 7400 both in 35 Whelen. Still have the 7400. Functions flawlessly and is very accurate. Differences between the 740/742/7400 and 750 from the Remington website -
"In the 750, the gas orifice hole is drilled at a 45 degree angle, instead of a 90 degree like the 740/742/7400. This does 2 things; it eliminates the 90 degree turn at the gas port, and it eliminates shaving off copper in the bore from the projectile. The copper shavings in the gas port of the 7400 would build up over time, and cause the gun to not cycle reliably.
The gas block on the barrel has been moved rearward and therefore the gas orifice hole has been moved rearward. Moving the gas hole back captures the gases sooner, and under greater pressure. This will greatly increase reliability by giving more consistent bolt velocities, as well as allow carbine models in calibers not possible in the 7400.
The barrel extension is now made as a cast part instead of a machined part. By casting, we can better control internal geometries, and eliminate machining burrs. This, again, translates into better reliability.
We have added a nickel/Teflon coating to the bolt head. This allows the bolt to move and cam into place more freely.
Since the gas system is greatly improved, we can now use the R3 pad, and not have to worry about functionality.
We lowered the drop at the comb so that you can use the rifle sights easily."
I installed the Timney Trigger Fix in my 7400 - a huge improvement over the stock trigger -
"In the 750, the gas orifice hole is drilled at a 45 degree angle, instead of a 90 degree like the 740/742/7400. This does 2 things; it eliminates the 90 degree turn at the gas port, and it eliminates shaving off copper in the bore from the projectile. The copper shavings in the gas port of the 7400 would build up over time, and cause the gun to not cycle reliably.
The gas block on the barrel has been moved rearward and therefore the gas orifice hole has been moved rearward. Moving the gas hole back captures the gases sooner, and under greater pressure. This will greatly increase reliability by giving more consistent bolt velocities, as well as allow carbine models in calibers not possible in the 7400.
The barrel extension is now made as a cast part instead of a machined part. By casting, we can better control internal geometries, and eliminate machining burrs. This, again, translates into better reliability.
We have added a nickel/Teflon coating to the bolt head. This allows the bolt to move and cam into place more freely.
Since the gas system is greatly improved, we can now use the R3 pad, and not have to worry about functionality.
We lowered the drop at the comb so that you can use the rifle sights easily."
I installed the Timney Trigger Fix in my 7400 - a huge improvement over the stock trigger -
Hello,
I have a pump from about 1976 in .30-06 bought it over the semi because I was teethed on the pump shotgun. At that time a couple of buddies were having problems w/ their .308 semis' jamming apparently it was the ejector which they made of a hard plastic...replaced and they had no issues from then on.
Just something to keep in mind.
I have a pump from about 1976 in .30-06 bought it over the semi because I was teethed on the pump shotgun. At that time a couple of buddies were having problems w/ their .308 semis' jamming apparently it was the ejector which they made of a hard plastic...replaced and they had no issues from then on.
Just something to keep in mind.
Not understand that point exactly.
The 740/742s were OK. BUT they needed to be kept clean clean clean. And NO oil. NONE. NADA. Anywhere. Dry lube only. For hunting they'll do fine. Excessive plinking and non-maintenance will let you down. Fours and 7400s were more reliable if less maintained as they are a refined system. As stated, the 750 is even better from what I heard too. Have had 2 742s in the family with zero problems.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
At no point did Remington use plastic to make the ejectors. The ejector is under considerable spring tension and is mounted in the bolt face. Plastic was used for the ejection port cover on the 742 and up. Some 740's and 760's had metal port covers.
This .
I recently found a 3 year old NIB 750 synthetic carbine in .308 for a good price. Sighted in with Remington 180gr Core Lokts for barrel break in. It shot so well with them I wont need my hand loads.
It did require a thorough cleaning initially. Having read some negative press I was anxious about the jamming reports. I have fired about 60 rounds with no issues whatsoever. Cycles smoothly and reliably. I did clean the chamber and action tube and spring under the forearm after every 20. I believe keeping them clean the key.
Overall I'm very pleased with the rig. The ergos are terrific. It is fast handling with a natural sight line. The accuracy is far better than I expected. The only shortcoming is the mushy/creepy trigger which I will fix with a Timney kit.
Initial sight in: 1-4 for scope setting, adjusting after each shot. Readjustment for 5&6, final for 7
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Thanks Slamfire. That 7400 of yours is a beauty-really nice wood! May I ask you which spring from the Timney kit you used?
- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
When I bought the 7400 new there were a few to chose from and I picked the one with the nicest wood. 
There are 3 springs provided in the trigger fix kit. I installed the lightest one but found it to be a bit too light so I changed it out to the medium pull spring.
There are 3 springs provided in the trigger fix kit. I installed the lightest one but found it to be a bit too light so I changed it out to the medium pull spring.
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
When looking at one of these rifles, try to look in person and check for receiver chatter, or have the buyer take pictures of the inside of the receiver so you can see the degree of chatter.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
This is specific to the 740/742 rifles with an interrupted thread bolt. Not an issue with the newer 74/7400/750 3-lug bolt design.
