Remington 742 Problems And Their Solutions
The Remington 742 is a timeless classic among hunting rifles, but even an old gun can develop problems over time. Fortunately, many common issues with the Remington 742 are relatively easy to fix.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most frequent problems owners have encountered and discuss effective solutions to help you get your rifle back up and running.
You’ll find everything you need to keep your Remington 742 in top condition, from Failure To Eject, Accuracy Problems, Misfeed Problems, Extraction Issues, Jamming Problems, Extractor Problems, Magazine Problems, and Bolt Problems. to cleaning and maintenance tips.
Common Remington 742 Problems And Their Solutions
Contents
1. Failure To Eject
One of the most common issues with the Remington 742 is a failure to eject. Several factors, including improper lubrication, faulty ammunition, or worn-out parts can cause this.
The first step in troubleshooting this issue should be to inspect the chamber and extractor for wear. If these components are damaged or worn out then they should be replaced.
Next, inspect the magazine tube for any obstructions that could interfere with properly feeding ammunition into the chamber. If there is an obstruction present it should be removed before continuing.
Finally, ensure that your Remington 742 is properly lubricated. Proper lubrication will help prevent issues such as a failure to eject and prolong your rifle’s life.
2. Accuracy Problem
If you’re experiencing accuracy problems with your 742 rifle, there are a few possible causes. The first is that the barrel could be dirty or clogged with fouling.
Proper cleaning and maintenance of the gun should help fix this problem. If not, you may need to check if the sights are properly aligned and that the scope is adjusted correctly.
Additionally, ensure that the ammunition you’re using is not out of specification. The wrong type or size of rounds can also cause accuracy problems.
If all else fails, you may need to take your rifle to a gunsmith for further diagnosis and repair.
3. Misfeed Problems
Misfeed problems can occur when cartridges or shells are improperly loaded into the chamber, resulting in a jam.
To fix the issue, you should check the chamber for any obstructions. If there is an obstruction, clear it away and inspect the chamber to make sure it is clean before attempting to fire again.
If no obstruction is present, then check if your shell holder has been properly loaded with a round. A misfeed can often be attributed to an empty or improperly-loaded magazine or holder that doesn’t allow the round to move into the chamber.
If the shell and magazine appear loaded properly, then check if your ejector is functioning as it should be.
The ejector can become stuck or blocked due to dirt or debris, preventing shells from being ejected from the gun when firing. If this happens, clean out the ejector and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
If the ejector is working properly, then check the bolt face for any sharp edges that may be catching on a round and preventing a smooth cycle of action. If these are present, file them down until they are flush with the rest of the bolt face.
Finally, if all else fails, you can try to adjust your gas system, or replace any worn parts to ensure your Remington 742 is working properly.
4. Extraction Issue
For an extraction issue, the bolt of the Remington 742 may not be properly closed or locked in place when you fire it. This leads to a situation where the cartridge has difficulty being extracted from the chamber. There are several potential solutions for this problem:
- Make sure that you have inserted a new cartridge properly into your rifle and that you are giving the bolt proper recoil when firing.
- Check that the chamber is clean and free of obstructions, as dust or debris may be preventing a smooth extraction.
- Oil your rifle regularly to help keep it in good condition and ensure all parts function properly.
- Replace any worn or broken parts and look into getting a recoil spring replacement if necessary.
- If the rifle is still not extracting properly, contact the manufacturer for assistance or take it to an experienced gunsmith for repair.
5. Jamming Problems
If your 742 gun is jamming regularly, it’s important to determine the cause before attempting any repairs.
Incorrect cartridge size is a common cause of jamming. Using an incorrect caliber can cause the bolt to jam because it won’t fit into the chamber correctly. Check your manual to ensure you use the correct ammunition for your rifle.
A damaged magazine can also lead to frequent jamming. Ensure that your magazine is not cracked or bent at any point, as this can cause the cartridges to stick in the magazine and jam.
Ensure your magazine is not overfilled past its specifications, as this can also lead to jams.
6. Extractor Problem
One of the most common problems associated with this rifle is an “extractor problem”.
This occurs when there is an issue with the part of the gun that extracts spent shells from the firing chamber, which can cause cartridges not to be released or to jam while the gun is being fired.
This issue can be caused by several things, such as dirt or debris getting into the chamber, a bent extractor, or an improperly adjusted headspace.
To fix this problem, inspect the rifle and clean out any dirt or debris from the firing chamber before adjusting any internal components.
If you believe there may be a more serious issue, taking the rifle to a qualified gunsmith for further inspection and possible repair is important.
7. Magazine Problem
The magazine problem is a common issue with the Remington 742 rifle. The main cause of this problem is usually an issue with the magazine itself and not the gun.
Issues might include the magazine becoming misaligned, springs becoming worn out, or other basic functional issues that can occur over time.
In some cases, if the magazine problem persists, replacing the magazine with a new one is recommended as this may fix the issue.
If replacing the magazine does not work, then it may be necessary to have the gun serviced by a professional gunsmith in order to properly diagnose and repair any issues that might be causing the problem.
8. Bolt Problem
If you are experiencing a “bolt problem” with your Remington 742, you are likely having difficulty getting the bolt to move in either direction.
This can be caused by a number of factors, including dirt or debris blocking the action from moving smoothly. It can also be caused by worn or damaged parts inside the gun.
The easiest way to fix this issue is by thoroughly cleaning the gun and ensuring that all parts inside the action are in good condition. If the problem persists after cleaning, replacing any worn or damaged parts may be necessary.
3 Best Alternatives To Remington 742
The Browning BAR Mark II Safari LongTrac
This semi-automatic hunting rifle features a gas-operated action and is available in a variety of calibers, from .270 Winchester to .30-06 Springfield. The BAR Mark II is well balanced and designed for accuracy.
The Mossberg 935 Magnum
This semi-automatic shotgun is ideal for hunting medium sized game, such as deer. Its dual slide bars make cycling rounds quick and easy, plus the 935 Magnum is also available in a variety of gauges.
The Ruger Mini-14
This semi-automatic rifle features a gas-operated action and is chambered for a wide range of cartridges, from .223 Remington to 6.8mm Remington SPC.
The Mini-14’s short barrel makes it lightweight and easy to handle, while its adjustable sights make it suitable for a variety of shooting distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Remington 742 is malfunctioning?
If your Remington 742 is malfunctioning, you may experience failure to feed or eject, inconsistent accuracy, or difficulty chambering a round.
Can the Remington 742 be used for hunting?
Yes, the Remington 742 can be used for hunting.
What type of bullet is recommended for hunting with the Remington 742?
For hunting purposes, it is recommended to use soft point bullets in the Remington 742. These bullets offer good expansion and controlled penetration for effective game takedown.
Can I use .308 ammunition in the Remington 742?
The Remington 742 is chambered for specific calibers like .30-06, .270, and .243. It is not designed to handle .308 ammunition, and doing so may cause malfunctions or damage to the firearm.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Remington 742 is a highly reliable rifle but may experience some common issues such as failing to fire or cycling failures.
To troubleshoot these problems, check the ammunition, inspect the barrel, and clean all rifle components regularly. If these solutions do not resolve the issue then it’s best to take the rifle to a qualified gun smith for further repairs.
With regular maintenance and repair, you can ensure that your Remington 742 is in top condition.
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