Favorite Firearms: A Remington Model 722 Comes Home

by
posted on January 19, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
comeshome.jpg

was 12 years old in 1970 when my father was stricken with a brain aneurysm the day after Christmas. He had owned a 1950s-vintage Remington Model 722 chambered in .300 Savage, but, sadly, I was never able to hunt with him. When he died, my amazing mother and some family friends stepped in to fill his shoes, but that’s another story for another time.

I hunted using dad’s rifle for a year or two, but I’m left-handed, and I was convinced that I needed a left-handed rifle, so mom listed dad’s rifle for sale. Fortunately, one of dad’s buddies quickly saw the ad and called, urging us not to sell the gun. But money was tight, and I was a persistent young boy, so we sold it to dad’s friend, and I went ahead and purchased a left-handed Remington.

It didn’t take long for me to realize the error of my ways. After graduating high school, I approached my dad’s friend to ask if he’d ever part with the 722, but he had already sold the rifle to another of my dad’s buddies. For years I would occasionally think about my father’s rifle, and 20 years later, I contacted the new owner and inquired whether he’d ever consider selling the .300 Savage. We were able to agree to a trade, and dad’s Model 722 was returned to me, no worse for wear. I was almost like a 12-year-old boy at Christmas again!

The rifle itself is nothing special, the plain walnut stock shows handling marks and the bluing is slightly worn, but it holds tremendous sentimental value to me—and it still shoots well, too. I have since harvested a couple of deer with the rifle. Thanks to generous friends and some luck, the rifle was returned to our family after a nearly 30-year absence, and our sons have promised to never let “dad’s deer rifle” ever leave the family.

Dave Birchard, Pennsylvania

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.