I own way too many rifles, and my first choice is a bolt action. However, I do own a Rem. model 74, which I bought new at a K- mart in the 80'sfor $ 50 off, because it had scratches in the stained hardwood stock, from much handling in the store. It was in 30/06, but before even firing it, I sent it off to Remington to rebarrel to .308, for a modest fee. K-mart had a ruleat the time,it would not sell any weapons in current military calibers. (.308), very dumb. I had 2 other rifles in .308 and the surplus ammowas everywhere. When I got it back,it was off to the range with some Federal factory ammo, as a pig hunt was coming up. To my bigsurprise, the first 3 shots went under a quarter at 100 yds. Yes, autos in general are a maintenance problem. While in the Army, my M-14 and M-16 had numerous malfunctionsfrom wear, and were not 100% reliable all the time without a lot of care and rebuilding. If you look atall of Remington 740,742,74,7400's sold, it's in the millions,...why?? It points and handles likethe 870/1100 shotguns, the most beloved shotgunsin this country, I believe. A meat hunter brought up witha Remingtonshotgun could shoulder the 742 and feel right at home. It absorbs recoil, more then the pump or bolts. It's lighter then the Browning and less expensive, and still points better then the BAR, for me anyway.
If their are problems with it,theyarebecause of the legion of those hunters that love it, and abuse it, and Remington not wanting to spend the $$ to make it perfect, when it sells well just as it is, with a handful of minor improvements overthe years. All the little piano wire springs alone in it's trigger group bother me. If there were as many after market goodies and mods for it as the Rem. 700, it might sit at the head of the class. But "meat" hunters don't buy goodies, they just keep shootin it.
Mine now sports a camo composite stock and an aimpoint, and will accompany me for pig in the Oak Savannas and brush covered hillsnear me,.. because nothing else own, comes up so fast and to the point on running game, and it's made in the USA.
By the way,..have any of you seen the Remington "Janet Reno Commemorative"
