Stubblejumper, I haven't had the luck you've had. I've zero'd probably several dozen 742's and 7400's over the years for people. I've seen a coupe that would shoot 1 1/2" groups, but more that averaged 8", 10", or far worse.

The jamming doesn't seem too bad if you keep them clean and the gun's not wore out. And yes, I wrote "wore out". A former Remington authorized repair guy told me that he's seen many 742's just worn out. He stated the rifle was never expected to last like a bolt action should. I've seen a couple first hand that were worn out when 30-06 surplus ammo was more available. Guys would pick up a 742, shoot it to death with cheap ammo, then end up with a rifle that wouldn't function anymore.

When I lived in Danville, VA, a local gunshop had a sign on the door that listed weapons that would not trade for. 742's were on the list.