Sad day...

[Pete in Proctor]

Just got off the phone with a gunsmith that has 40 years of experience and the prognosis is not good. I recently inherited the only rifle I ever remember my father carrying during the Deer season and that same rifle was the only rifle my older brother carried before he passed away. It's an early 1960's Remington model 740 semi 30-06(or 742 can't remember right now) and the Breech/receiver/action? (whatever it's called) has the tell-tale chatter/wear marks. I had dropped the rifle off at the 'smith but didn't get to speak to him until just now and he described exactly what my issues were before I could tell him what was happening. He explained that it is a common problem with the "jam-o-matics" and although he said he could fix it...he couldn't guarantee the work would last that long.

I'm disappointed because it was finally my turn to carry the legendary deer slayer and I was hoping a little Karma would rub off on me...

The good news is I get to go shopping...

Please forgive my ignorance in describing things as I'm new to this whole shooting sports/firearm thing...I've been a big game hunter for years but knew virtually nothing about guns.

[rugersol]

Very sorry fer yer loss!

FWIW, I believe this would be a suitable replacement!

[monschman]

You only need one round in the chamber. Use it once and retire it to a place of good memories.

[Pete in Proctor]

You only need one round in the chamber. Use it once and retire it to a place of good memories.

Heh...someday when my post count is higher I'll have to tell the story of my "infamous" shooting skills. It's not something I'm proud of...

Rugersol...forgive my ignorance...what is that gorgeous picture you posted? I'm such a rube when it comes to this stuff...

[ScatterGun4015]

Its a remington 750 woodsman. Pretty gun, but I'm more of a BAR fan

[rugersol]

Rugersol...forgive my ignorance...what is that gorgeous picture you posted? I'm such a rube when it comes to this stuff...

Click yer mouse thingy on the word "this", below!

FWIW, I believe this would be a suitable replacement!

... it's the descendent of yer 740/742

[870TC]

Ahlmans gun shop can convert a 742 to a pump, which would let you continue to use the gun. Cost around $225

[White Horseradish]

Wisners has a very nice writeup on these guns. Between that and what Pete said it looks like the receiver rails are chewed up. Kinda doubt converting to a pump would be any help with that.

[Pete in Proctor]

Yeah, sorry about that Rugersol.

Pump eh?...

Just to note, I have my every year deer rifle. A pre-64 model 94 30-30... So, I don't need to make a call on something quickly. I'd like a summer of shooting at the range with my new set-up to work the kinks out. Also, thanks for the replies and thank you for making me feel welcome.

[1911fan]

Ok. 742's in good shape are easy to find. Find one and but all of granddads stuff (stock, forearm, scope, etc) on it. Then it's like " this is gramps axe, but I've replaced the head twice and the handle three times. " sorta thing.

[870TC]

Wisners has a very nice writeup on these guns. Between that and what Pete said it looks like the receiver rails are chewed up. Kinda doubt converting to a pump would be any help with that.

They only convert them to a pump when they are damaged like this....no real other reason to do the conversion.

[CZscout]

I converted my 742 auto to a pump. It HAS horribly chewed up rails!!!!!!

Now it works great, accurate and reliable.

I converted my own because I was not about to pay $200+ (more than it was worth) to have it converted by someone else.

Total cost w/o AR-15 butt stock was under $10 and about an hour of time.