Originally Posted by
GRIZZLYMAN
I have a 742 that is 40 years old that is still shooting well and killed two deer so far this year with. My BIL has a 740 that is obviously older and still is shooting fine and taking deer also. My BIL's brother has a 742 that has had problems, but he doesn't clean it.
Semi-autos require a little bit more care and maintenance because they have more moving parts than say a bolt action. If they aren't maintained, they will wear out quickly.
I had a BAR in 7mm RM that I traded a few years ago. I wish I had it back.
With that said, if I was going to buy a new rifle, I would probably go with a pump action instead of a semi auto.
The bolts on them were made of harder metal than the receiver rails it rides on. This overtime chewed up the rails, and caused them to become jam o matics and essentially worn out. They also have a reputation for getting chewed up where the locking lugs on the bolt hit the receiver. If you have one that works, I'd keep it. However, if buying one I'd be very hesitant, and I'd be very careful when inspecting the gun, and I'd prefer to shoot it before buying it.