Just ran across this old thread and thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. I bought a new 7400 in 30/06 about 28 years ago. I've killed no telling how many deer with it over the years. It shot very good groups at 100 yards and closer. Plenty good enough to hunt with. It jammed occasionally but I always put up with it. It eventually got worse and worse (and I only shot it a few times during deer season each year). I took very good care of it andkept it spotless inside and out.It finally got to where the trigger wouldn't pull. I retired it tothe gun cabinet and haven't picked it up for about 8 or 9 years.I have in-laws who've hunted with7400's and 742's all their lives and they've never had any trouble with theirs. They don't take very god care of their guns either. So, go figure.