Remington addressed many of the 740’s problems with the release of the 742 in 1960. The basic design was unchanged, but a close look inside the gun revealed a number of improvements. The barrel of the 740 was fixed with a capstan breech ring nut that required the aid of a special spanner. The barrel of the 742, on the other hand, used a simple hex nut that could be turned out with a common open-end wrench. Needless to say this greatly eased disassembly. In order to help the user consistently tighten the fore-end for consistent accuracy, the fore-end screw of the 742 was cut with two sets of threads, each with a different pitch. The fine-pitch rear threads interface with the barrel lug, while the coarser threads move the fore-end nut back more slowly. This allows the fore-end to catch up with the nut and seat tightly against it as the fore-end screw is tightened. Consistent tightening of the fore-end keeps it from putting any tension on the barrel that would adversely affect accuracy. Changes to the bolt cam improved reliability, it was altered to smooth the bolt’s transition from rotary to lateral motion. Smoother motion delivered more consistent bolt velocity throughout its travel and reduced its tendency to bind.

The 742 remained relatively unchanged until Remington released the Model 7400 and the Model Four in 1981. Functionally, the guns were identical. The 7400 and the Model Four differed only in fit and finish. These new rifles contained a number of mechanical improvements over the 742 that focused on improving reliability. In particular, the interrupted thread locking lugs of the 742 were discarded. The bolt of the 7400 and Model Four had just four locking lugs.

This simplification allowed Remington to tighten dimensional tolerances for better contact between the locking lugs and their seats in the barrel extension.

Reliability improvements included changes to the magazine. The shape of follower and the angle of the feed lips were altered so cartridges were fed at a shallower angle. This kept the nose of the bullet from hanging up on the hood of the barrel extension. Additionally, the throat of the breech was opened up to help guide the cartridges into the chamber mouth. The 742’s riveted extractor was dropped in favor of a new variant retained in an annular groove, similar to the one used on Remington’s Model 700 bolt-action rifle.

The new Model 750 is the fourth generation of the original Model 740. Unfortunately, I had never had much of a chance to handle Remington semi-automatic rifles before, so when it pulled it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the gun’s streamlined contours and trim 71/2-lb. weight. Remington 740s have been offered with a wide variety of fore-ends, but the one on the new 750 is the handiest and most attractive I’ve seen. What I like most of all are the sharply recessed flutes that run along its entire length. The flutes really helped my support hand get a firm and repeatable grip. The free-rotating sling swivel stud on the tip of the fore-end is a feature not found on previous models. It was a welcome find. Too many modern sporters come without any means for mounting a sling. I was glad to see that the bolt stop for the magazine was carried over from previous designs.

Beneath that fore-end is an improved gas system. Remington moved the gas block on the barrel rearward in order to capture the expanding propellant gases under greater pressure. This increases reliability by promoting more consistent bolt velocities. It also opens up the opportunity for carbine models in calibers that were not possible in the 7400. Additionally, the angle of the gas port was changed from 90 degrees to 45 degrees. Remington says that this reduces the port’s tendency to accumulate copper fouling.

I mounted a Swarovski 1.7-10X 42 mm scope on the 750, thinking that the variable magnification and wide field of view would be an asset in the dense underbrush. My confidence in the gun and the scope was justified, they both held up to the springtime rain and cold Alberta had in store for me. Hunting from a stand just outside of Hi-Level, I shot two 6-ft. bears. Both were hit just behind the shoulder, and they fell less than 20 yds. from where they were shot.

Remington autoloaders are known for good handling, power and reliability. Their sleek contours, trim lines and automatic reloading make them the perfect choice for pursuing fast game in thick cover. The Remington 740 series of rifles has been in production for just over 50 years, and over that time, Remington has continually improved its autoloading rifles. The latest in this series, the 750, is the product of 50 years of continuous improvement. It is a proud addition to Remington’s storied legacy of autoloader development.

Go to Page One

Go to Page Two