Semi auto Deer Rifle
12-01-2010, 07:23 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,518
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.
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.
12-02-2010, 05:33 AM
#12
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 542
I have a BAR in 30-06 and wouldn't trade it for anything. I absolutely love it. But it doesn't group real tight. It does have the BOSS technology but to be honest, I have never actually tried dialing in my load. I am planning to do that this next year though. But since it is a hunting gun, it only has to be minute-of-deer. I have had it for 15 years or so and have no plans to get rid of it. May have another gun one day, but will not be getting rid of this one to do it.
My brother had a Remington 7400 (or was it a 7600?). Anyway, it was a Rem semi-auto and it would shoot tighter than my gun. He didn't use it much and has since sold it as he doesn't hunt now.
As for hunting with it, me and Mr. BAR have a special relationship. I point him at game and he knocks them down.
Something about the gun, the fit, how it points, etc, but I just seem to be a pretty good shot with it even at moving deer and coyotes. And I don't target shoot much, so it must be the gun. 
My brother had a Remington 7400 (or was it a 7600?). Anyway, it was a Rem semi-auto and it would shoot tighter than my gun. He didn't use it much and has since sold it as he doesn't hunt now.
As for hunting with it, me and Mr. BAR have a special relationship. I point him at game and he knocks them down.
Something about the gun, the fit, how it points, etc, but I just seem to be a pretty good shot with it even at moving deer and coyotes. And I don't target shoot much, so it must be the gun.
12-02-2010, 09:35 AM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
The older Remington 740's and 742's have issues with the guns wearing out prematurely, so I'd stay away from them if it was me.
The Remington 7400's don't seem to have this issue and seem to be pretty decent guns. This may be the only thing you can find in your price range unless you luck up on a cheap BAR. The 7400's aren't bad, but not great either. I've got a couple of hunting of hunting buddies that have these, and they don't seem to be any more accurate than the BAR's or R1's. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these, I just think the Browning is a nicer rifle.
The Benelli R1's and Browning BAR's are probably the best two options in the semi auto world. Contrary to what Big Country tells you, your semi auto will probably not be the most accurate thing in the world. I've learned that with my BAR that 1.5-2" groups are about as good as it gets and that's with bullets it loves. This is for Pre 93 Bars without the BOSS. Ones it doesn't like produce huge groups. 98% of the guys I've talked to claim that this is all you can expect from a BAR and Browning says 2" is the normal for them. Yet somehow Big Country seems to think they are all sub moa guns, yet they are often not. This accuracy is plenty fine for deer hunting which is what they are made for, but it's nothing great either. IMO they are great hunting rifles, and if that's what you want it for these are a good choice. These two are far better in quality than the Remington 7400, but at the same time, they are usually out of your price range.
The Remington 7400's don't seem to have this issue and seem to be pretty decent guns. This may be the only thing you can find in your price range unless you luck up on a cheap BAR. The 7400's aren't bad, but not great either. I've got a couple of hunting of hunting buddies that have these, and they don't seem to be any more accurate than the BAR's or R1's. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these, I just think the Browning is a nicer rifle.
The Benelli R1's and Browning BAR's are probably the best two options in the semi auto world. Contrary to what Big Country tells you, your semi auto will probably not be the most accurate thing in the world. I've learned that with my BAR that 1.5-2" groups are about as good as it gets and that's with bullets it loves. This is for Pre 93 Bars without the BOSS. Ones it doesn't like produce huge groups. 98% of the guys I've talked to claim that this is all you can expect from a BAR and Browning says 2" is the normal for them. Yet somehow Big Country seems to think they are all sub moa guns, yet they are often not. This accuracy is plenty fine for deer hunting which is what they are made for, but it's nothing great either. IMO they are great hunting rifles, and if that's what you want it for these are a good choice. These two are far better in quality than the Remington 7400, but at the same time, they are usually out of your price range.
So, consider this a test of your integrity. I think we all know what it is. But it will be fun to watch you try.
I realize you got your feelings hurt. Calling a spade a spade usually does that. But sooner or later, you got to dry those eyes and be a man.
12-02-2010, 10:34 AM
#14
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
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.
Last edited by GRIZZLYMAN; 12-02-2010 at 10:37 AM.
12-02-2010, 10:53 AM
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,518
Never heard of or seen this on 740s or 742s. I have heard of the metal issue with Mossberg shotguns in the past but not with Remis. My information is anectodal based on knowing a lot of 742 owners in my part of the country. I don't know where your information on their reputation comes from. Please provide support for this. I'm interested to know.
About halfway down that page it talks about the issue. There are lots more articles and discussion board posts on it if you do a google search, but imo that's one of the better ones I've seen.
Most of the guys I've talked to that have had these issues have been on forums with one guy in person. I don't know anyone else that's had any of these, as all of the guys I hunt with that use semi auto's either use 7400's or BAR's. I was very close to buying a 740 at one point which is what made me research them. That's how I found the many complaints about the receiver rails being too soft and getting damaged over time.
12-02-2010, 11:25 AM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: VA, USA
Posts: 3,116
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.
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.
+1
I have a 742 that my Dad passed on to me. Dad took a boatload of deer with it, I took several with it and my son got his first with it this year. Not the most accurate rifle in the world by any stretch but it has been dependable. It has also been well maintained but I will admit that it does not get shot a whole lot anymore.
12-02-2010, 12:10 PM
#17
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional...7407427400.htm
About halfway down that page it talks about the issue. There are lots more articles and discussion board posts on it if you do a google search, but imo that's one of the better ones I've seen.
Most of the guys I've talked to that have had these issues have been on forums with one guy in person. I don't know anyone else that's had any of these, as all of the guys I hunt with that use semi auto's either use 7400's or BAR's. I was very close to buying a 740 at one point which is what made me research them. That's how I found the many complaints about the receiver rails being too soft and getting damaged over time.
About halfway down that page it talks about the issue. There are lots more articles and discussion board posts on it if you do a google search, but imo that's one of the better ones I've seen.
Most of the guys I've talked to that have had these issues have been on forums with one guy in person. I don't know anyone else that's had any of these, as all of the guys I hunt with that use semi auto's either use 7400's or BAR's. I was very close to buying a 740 at one point which is what made me research them. That's how I found the many complaints about the receiver rails being too soft and getting damaged over time.
I guess I'll just keep on shooting my 742 until it breaks and I can't repair it. Maybe it will last another forty years.
12-02-2010, 12:18 PM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
I do disagree with the assertation from the Wisner's site that the 742 isn't a good inclement weather rifle. I use mine mainly in a humid climate as a foul weather rifle and never had a problem. Again, it is always cleaned thoroughly after use.
12-02-2010, 01:13 PM
#19
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 39
I had a 742 in .308 in the late 80's...before there were so many "premium" factory loads on the market. The gun functioned flawlessly with any factory ammo....was'nt a tack driver, but plenty good enough for hunting. The only time this gun malfunctioned was with handloads. I found that I had to run my brass through the full length die twice to bring them down enough to seat properly in the chamber, and still would occasionally have a misfire. When you buy these guns new, they come with a chamber brush, for a good reason.....the chamber (at least on my gun) is very tight. I only got rid of it because I wanted to hunt with a certain bullet that was not offered in a factory load then, and it was'nt reliable enough for me with the handloads.I honestly wish I had it back, with all of the factory offerings now avaliable. I put more than 1000 rounds through that gun in less than a year, and aside from the handload issue....never had a problem with it.
On another note... I have a friend that has one (can't remember if its a 742 or a 7400) and has killed more deer with it than should be allowed, he would'nt think of using anything else.
All that being said.....yes, the BAR is probably better made, a little more accurate, and is certainly better looking, but they cost more. I've never owned one, but have had the privledge of using them in 7 mag and 243....both felt better to me than my old Remmy.
In the end... it all depends on if you want to stick to your $500 price. It'll be hard to find a Browning for under that.
Also, since you metioned "pump action" .... I do not have first hand knowledge on the 762/7600 Rem, but have heard that they are a little more accurate on average and don't have the feeding problems that i had with handloads because the pump action has more force to seat the cartridge than the recoil spring on the auto-loaders.
Hope my experience helped a little
On another note... I have a friend that has one (can't remember if its a 742 or a 7400) and has killed more deer with it than should be allowed, he would'nt think of using anything else.
All that being said.....yes, the BAR is probably better made, a little more accurate, and is certainly better looking, but they cost more. I've never owned one, but have had the privledge of using them in 7 mag and 243....both felt better to me than my old Remmy.
In the end... it all depends on if you want to stick to your $500 price. It'll be hard to find a Browning for under that.
Also, since you metioned "pump action" .... I do not have first hand knowledge on the 762/7600 Rem, but have heard that they are a little more accurate on average and don't have the feeding problems that i had with handloads because the pump action has more force to seat the cartridge than the recoil spring on the auto-loaders.
Hope my experience helped a little
12-02-2010, 05:12 PM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wherever liberalism must be eradicated.
Posts: 2,734
HTM, you seem to have more friends that most people.
They all seem to have had problems or positive experiences regarding the particular item being discussed in any given thread.
I have to posit, that for the most part, you're full of it.
Being that most other people don't have that many friends, or spend as much time online researching particular items as you apparently do.
They all seem to have had problems or positive experiences regarding the particular item being discussed in any given thread.
I have to posit, that for the most part, you're full of it.
Being that most other people don't have that many friends, or spend as much time online researching particular items as you apparently do.
