Okay, you guys have convinced me that the accuracy was close to that of the 700. I said 2 inch groups, you're reporting 1 to 1-1/2 inch groups. I still believe that off the shelf and random ammo is going to result in 2 inch groups, just like a typical bolt sometimes gives, until you find your ammo choice.
I said right up front that they were great rifles, that they felt and functioned well in my experience, and I'd carry one on a hunt in my particular region with no worries. The 742 that my father carried was a charming rifle, once you took off the scope. I almost shoot it better with iron sights than a scope, and a peep sight would be an improvement on a scope, possibly.
That rifle is an iconic piece, IMO, akin to the 94 in 30-30, and a better rifle, IMO.