Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Remington 742 problem, help needed.

I just picked up an older 742 Remington (semi-auto) in .30-06. It is in great condition for its age (1960s). After one shot, it feeds the next one, but does not re-cock after that first shot. I have to pull the slide back, which chambers another round and cocks the gun, enabling it to fire again. Any ideas on what my problem with this 742 is? Thanks in advance!

First thing: Take another shot but do NOT release the trigger.. Continue holding it back while you look into the bolt handle slot, just behind the bolt and see if the hammer is up and in contact with the rear of the bolt.. If so: Remove the trigger group by pushing out both pins. Observe the positon of the disconnector and trigger arms (LH side of the trigger group and just above the bottom edge. One arm will be blue, the other is silver).. The disconnector arm (blue) should be BELOW the trigger arm (silver).. I'm guessing it's above at this time..

If the hammer is NOT visible, then it's 'short-cycling' and needs a good thorough cleaning.. That means complete disassembly, clean, ream gas ports, polish chamber, lube and reassemble.. It's best if a gunsmith does this particular rifle..

Thank you Redneck! That sounds like you know a thing or two about these 742s!

OHhhhhh, yah...

Using too slow of a powder in semi-autos can cause cycling problems. Factory ammo is best of med weight bullets with med speed powders.
I know enough about 742s to really dislike them.

I was using factory loads. Also, I just couldn't pass up this 742...1960s vintage, aluminum butt plate, 97% condtion, $215! Now if I can just get it to shoot more than once!

Good, stick to factory stuff. 165 gr ammo usually works the best. What have you found out so far re: what I told you to look for above?

$215, good price.
The good priced 742 I bought had problems from the get go, so I sold it, got a Leupold 3X9 VariXII out of the deal for 50 bucks, and have never been sorry. I came out ahead and would advise you to do the same. My local smith I have come to trust over 30 years told me when I ask about the 742, and I quote, "sell it, if it isn't broke it will". He then went on to say he has even stopped taking them in trade, if he can get out of it, because of so many returns and the problems with this particular Remington model.

I am not bashing Remington I am a Remington fan well over 40 years. My first rifle was and is a Remington 33 and my primary game gun is a 700 I have used about 30 years now. I imagine it will be my primary deer/elk gun if I live another 30.

Sometimes the best thing to do with a good buy is to make a buck on it, and buy something else.

I have had 3 of them and still have one- they have all worked- not the most accurate, but always went bang. I loaded some stuff up for a guy in a Model 4 the other day. First load I picked; 150 Hornadys and H414. The first shot was 2" left. I clicked it over and fired 4 more- a 1/2" cluster. I told the guy he was ready to hunt!