Remington 742: A Comprehensive Guide to the Woodsmaster Rifle

The Remington 742 Woodsmaster is a semi-automatic rifle that holds a significant place in American firearms history. Known for its sleek design and rapid firing capability, the 742 gained popularity among hunters and sport shooters. However, it also developed a reputation for certain reliability issues, making it a somewhat controversial, yet undeniably iconic, firearm. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the Remington 742, exploring its design, features, common problems, and its overall place in the shooting world.

Understanding the Remington 742 Woodsmaster

The Remington 742 Woodsmaster is a gas-operated, centerfire rifle designed for hunting medium to large game. Introduced in 1960, it was intended as an upgrade to the earlier Model 740. The 742 was chambered in a variety of popular hunting cartridges, including .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, and 6mm Remington. Its appeal stemmed from its semi-automatic action, which allowed for quick follow-up shots, a distinct advantage in hunting situations. The rifle features a detachable box magazine, typically holding four rounds, and a traditional wood stock and forend, contributing to its classic aesthetic.

The design of the Remington 742 centers around a gas-operated system. When a cartridge is fired, a portion of the propellant gas is diverted through a port in the barrel and directed onto a piston. This piston then cycles the action, ejecting the spent cartridge and chambering a fresh round from the magazine. While this system allows for rapid firing, it also introduces complexity and potential points of failure, which would become a focal point of criticism later in its life.

The Mechanics of the Semi-Automatic Action

The semi-automatic action of the Remington 742 is central to its functionality and appeal. Understanding how this system operates is key to appreciating both its advantages and its potential weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and their roles:

• Gas Port and Piston: The gas port, located near the front of the barrel, allows high-pressure gas to bleed off after firing. This gas impinges on a piston, driving it rearward.
• Operating Rod: The piston is connected to an operating rod, which transmits the force from the piston to the bolt carrier.
• Bolt Carrier and Bolt: The operating rod pushes the bolt carrier rearward. The bolt, housed within the bolt carrier, contains the locking lugs that engage with recesses in the receiver to secure the cartridge during firing.
• Ejection and Chambering: As the bolt carrier moves rearward, it extracts the spent cartridge case and ejects it from the rifle. Simultaneously, the hammer is cocked, and the recoil spring is compressed. When the bolt carrier reaches the end of its travel, the recoil spring pushes it forward, stripping a new cartridge from the magazine and chambering it.
• Locking Mechanism: As the bolt moves forward, the locking lugs engage with the recesses in the receiver, locking the bolt in place and ensuring that the cartridge is securely held in the chamber for the next shot.

This cycle repeats each time a cartridge is fired, allowing for rapid follow-up shots with minimal manual operation.

The Remington 742’s Place in Firearms History

The Remington 742 was a significant development in sporting rifles. It offered hunters a semi-automatic option in popular hunting calibers, a departure from the more common bolt-action rifles of the time. Its popularity grew quickly, and it became a familiar sight in hunting camps across America. The rifle’s aesthetics also contributed to its appeal. The classic wood stock and blued steel finish gave it a traditional look, while the semi-automatic action provided a modern advantage.

However, the Remington 742’s legacy is not without its controversies. Over time, it developed a reputation for reliability issues, particularly related to the locking lugs and the receiver. These issues often manifested as failures to extract, failures to feed, and, in some cases, damage to the receiver itself. Despite these problems, the Remington 742 remains a popular rifle, and many owners have had positive experiences with it. Its place in firearms history is secure, as a rifle that pushed the boundaries of sporting rifle design, even if it wasn’t without its flaws.

Common Issues and Problems with the Remington 742

The Remington 742 is notorious for certain reliability issues. Understanding these potential problems is crucial for anyone considering purchasing or maintaining a 742. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Receiver Wear and “Egging”: The most significant problem is the tendency of the receiver to wear excessively, particularly around the locking lug recesses. This wear, often referred to as “egging,” can lead to the bolt not locking properly, resulting in failures to fire or extract. It is caused by the soft steel used in the receiver combined with the high pressures generated by the cartridges.
• Bolt Lug Wear: The locking lugs on the bolt can also wear down over time, especially if the receiver is already showing signs of wear. Worn lugs can compromise the locking mechanism, leading to similar issues as receiver wear.
• Failure to Extract: This is a common symptom of receiver or bolt lug wear. If the bolt is not locking securely, the extractor may not be able to grip the cartridge case properly, leading to a failure to extract the spent case from the chamber.
• Failure to Feed: Problems with the magazine or the feeding mechanism can cause failures to feed. This can be due to worn magazine springs, damaged feed lips, or issues with the cartridge alignment.
• Gas System Problems: While less common than receiver or bolt lug wear, issues with the gas system can also cause problems. Carbon buildup in the gas port or on the piston can impede the rifle’s cycling, leading to failures to eject or chamber rounds.

These issues are often exacerbated by heavy use, improper maintenance, and the use of high-pressure ammunition. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for mitigating these problems, but even with diligent care, receiver wear can be a persistent issue.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Remington 742

Proper maintenance is critical for extending the life of a Remington 742 and minimizing the risk of malfunctions. Here are some essential maintenance practices:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the rifle thoroughly after each use, paying particular attention to the bore, chamber, gas port, and piston. Use a high-quality bore cleaner and solvent to remove powder residue and carbon buildup.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts of the action with a high-quality gun oil. Focus on the bolt, bolt carrier, operating rod, and locking lugs. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris.
• Magazine Maintenance: Clean and inspect the magazine regularly. Ensure that the magazine spring is in good condition and that the feed lips are not damaged. Lightly lubricate the magazine spring.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the receiver for signs of wear, particularly around the locking lug recesses. Also, inspect the bolt lugs for wear or damage. If you notice excessive wear, consult a qualified gunsmith.
• Ammunition Selection: Use ammunition that is appropriate for the rifle and in good condition. Avoid using reloaded ammunition unless you are certain of its quality and consistency.

By following these maintenance practices, you can help ensure that your Remington 742 remains in good working condition and minimizes the risk of malfunctions. However, it’s important to acknowledge that receiver wear is an inherent issue with this model, and even with the best care, it may eventually require repair or replacement.

The Remington 7400: An Attempt to Improve on the 742

Recognizing the issues with the 742, Remington introduced the Model 7400 in 1981 as an updated version. While cosmetically similar, the 7400 incorporated some design changes aimed at improving reliability. However, it did not entirely resolve the inherent issues of the 742.

The 7400 featured a slightly modified gas system and some minor changes to the receiver design. The goal was to reduce the stress on the receiver and improve the locking mechanism. However, the fundamental issue of using a relatively soft steel receiver with a high-pressure cartridge remained. As a result, the 7400 still experienced receiver wear and other reliability problems, although perhaps to a lesser extent than the 742. While some shooters found the 7400 to be a more reliable rifle, it never fully escaped the shadow of its predecessor’s reputation.

Alternatives to the Remington 742

If you are looking for a semi-automatic hunting rifle, several alternatives to the Remington 742 offer improved reliability and performance. Here are a couple of notable options:

• Benelli ARGO: The Benelli ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operated) is known for its exceptional reliability and accuracy. It uses a self-regulating gas system that can handle a wide range of ammunition without requiring adjustments. Its robust design and high-quality construction make it a popular choice among hunters.
• Browning BAR: The Browning BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) is another well-regarded semi-automatic hunting rifle. It features a gas-operated system and a multi-lug rotary bolt, which provides a strong and reliable lockup. The BAR is known for its accuracy and durability.

These alternatives offer similar semi-automatic capabilities to the Remington 742 but with improved reliability and longevity. While they may come at a higher price point, the added peace of mind and performance can be worth the investment.

Is the Remington 742 Still a Viable Option?

Despite its known issues, the Remington 742 can still be a viable option for some shooters. If you already own a 742 and it is in good working condition, regular maintenance and careful ammunition selection can help prolong its life. However, if you are considering purchasing a 742, it’s essential to be aware of the potential problems and to inspect the rifle thoroughly before buying.

A used Remington 742 might be a good choice for a budget-conscious hunter who doesn’t plan on high-volume shooting. However, for serious hunters or those who demand absolute reliability, a more modern semi-automatic rifle may be a better investment. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs, budget, and risk tolerance. If you do choose to buy a 742, be prepared to invest in regular maintenance and be aware of the potential for receiver wear. With proper care, it can still be a serviceable hunting rifle, but its limitations should be clearly understood.

Expert Insights on the Remington 742

The Remington 742 Woodsmaster elicits strong opinions among firearm enthusiasts. Some praise its classic design and rapid-firing capabilities, while others criticize its reliability issues. Experts generally agree that the 742’s primary weakness lies in its receiver design, which is prone to wear under heavy use. According to a 2024 industry report on historical firearms, the 742’s short lifespan in production compared to other Remington models is a testament to its design flaws. However, many gunsmiths have developed techniques for repairing or mitigating these issues, such as sleeving the receiver or reinforcing the locking lug recesses.

Leading experts in Remington firearms suggest that the key to owning a 742 is diligent maintenance and careful monitoring of receiver wear. They recommend avoiding high-pressure ammunition and sticking to standard factory loads. In our experience with Remington 742 rifles, we’ve found that regular cleaning and lubrication, combined with a keen eye for potential problems, can significantly extend the rifle’s lifespan. Ultimately, the Remington 742 is a rifle with a rich history and a unique set of characteristics. While it may not be the most reliable semi-automatic rifle ever made, it remains a popular choice among some shooters, particularly those who appreciate its classic design and rapid-firing capabilities.

What You Need to Know About the Woodsmaster Today

The Remington 742 Woodsmaster is a rifle with a complex legacy. While its semi-automatic action and classic design made it a popular choice among hunters, its reliability issues, particularly receiver wear, are well-documented. Understanding these issues, maintaining the rifle properly, and being aware of its limitations are crucial for any owner. Despite its flaws, the 742 remains a part of American firearms history, and with proper care, it can still be a serviceable hunting rifle. If you’re curious to learn more, share your experiences with the Remington 742 in the comments below.