Remington 742 Freeze up

[NHAtHeart]

My father recently inherited an OLD Rem. 742 30-06 my Grandfather was having issues with it a few years ago where the bolt would freeze shut with a round in it and he'd have to kick it open to get the bolt to open.

Anybody know what would cause this and what a good remedy for it is?

 

[RFWAVELENGTH]

My father recently inherited an OLD Rem. 742 30-06 my Grandfather was having issues with it a few years ago where the bolt would freeze shut with a round in it and he'd have to kick it open to get the bolt to open.

Anybody know what would cause this and what a good remedy for it is?

I would bring it to a competent gunsmith and let him/her solve the problem. Kicking it open with a live round in the chamber? Very dangerous indeed. Your grandfather or anyone else in the immediate area could have been killed if that rifle discharged while he was attempting to forcefully open it like that. Do not even attempt a home remedy. Risking your own safety isn't worth it.

 

[NHAtHeart]

I have been reading more about the 742's and it might have been freezing open and he had to kick it closed, I never saw it happen just heard the story from my Dad. But yeah that's probably what I'm going to do, I have heard of them breaking pins and the rails getting dinged up which can cause this but it's supposedly fixable.

 

[PatMcD]

For some reason, the chambers on them would gunk up something fierce. They supplied a chamber brush with the rifles, but most got chucked.

 

[cricco]

The 742 is a Jamm-O-Matic unless kept immaculately clean. If the gun has seen years of use without a thourough cleaning, it may be worn beyond repair. If you inspect the action closely, you can check to see if the rails are worn to a sharp edge. If so, it's pretty much a wall hanger. Another possibility is the magazine. The 742's were quite finicky, and in my experience, they do not like any aftermarket magazines. Good luck.

 

[strangenh]

I have to agree with folks that the 74xx series is frustrating as hell. I've been told the receivers eventually warp from cycling impact, too.

Pull off the forearm and see how gunked it is under there. Might even be rusty. The bolt assembly is connected to the gas action, which is under that forearm, rides along a guide with a spring. It's easy to take off - undo the foreend screw and pull. Then cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.

 

[alpha1]

I have owned both the older and the newer model Rem. carbines in 30-06. With all the above info posted, I would also consider checking the bolt cover that rides over the bolt. This cover moves independently of the bolt, and has a history of being a problem with this model. The new "improved " replacement cover is worse, it's now made of cheap plastic.
Thanks, Greg
www.carlsoncompsinc.com

 

[boston_007]

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