In my young and "wet behind the ears" years, I bought a
lightly used 740 [first version] in 30-06.
It was, for me, a very reliable rifle, that put quite a bit of game on the ground
in the 2½ years I had it.
Once I started reloading, I sold it off.
I can only remember it failing to function once, and I believe it was my fault
for failing to clean the chamber properly.
It ripped part of the rim off the case, and I had to tap the empty out with a cleaning
rod.
Would have been bad if I needed a follow-up shot on a wounded animal.
Mine would shoot Winchester's old design 180 Silvertip into 1½" repeatedly.
I have nothing bad to say about these rifles, but as has been noted, some had soft rails.
Wear of these creates issues in feeding/cycling.
Eagleye.
lightly used 740 [first version] in 30-06.
It was, for me, a very reliable rifle, that put quite a bit of game on the ground
in the 2½ years I had it.
Once I started reloading, I sold it off.
I can only remember it failing to function once, and I believe it was my fault
for failing to clean the chamber properly.
It ripped part of the rim off the case, and I had to tap the empty out with a cleaning
rod.
Would have been bad if I needed a follow-up shot on a wounded animal.
Mine would shoot Winchester's old design 180 Silvertip into 1½" repeatedly.
I have nothing bad to say about these rifles, but as has been noted, some had soft rails.
Wear of these creates issues in feeding/cycling.
Eagleye.
