Remington model 721 questions

troutcreek

New member
I’m going to start by apologizing. I realize this topic has been discussed a great deal, but searching through the forum I could not find the information that I needed.

I recently gave my nephew my nice mid 1960’s Remington 700 in 30 06. It belonged to my father who hunted extensively, and I did the same. I don’t know how many rounds that went through the rifle but it was easily in the thousands. On my watch the rifle operated flawlessly and safely, although the groups started to open up very slightly.

When I gave the rifle away I needed to replace it. I didn’t want anything fancy, just a sound shooter in a proven calibre. Instead of purchasing a new rifle I decided to rework my grandfathers 721 also in 06. This simple rifle was never shot much and is very clean, although a little plain.

I realize the early 700 series rifles have a potential trigger problem. Although I haven't personally had a problem, I think it’s a prudent starting point to address the trigger. I expect that Remington will still replace or rework my 721 trigger for the price of shipping. I’ve also heard that a Timney replacement will solve the problem.

Does anyone have any experience with Remingtons work on the 721’s trigger? Also I’ve heard that the Timney 105 (I think) will drop in, with little fitting. Anyone do this with a 721 with good results?

The truth is that I can afford to purchase another rifle but this one has a high coolness factor to me.

I’d appreciate feedback on how to proceed.

Thank and best regards,
TC
 
The 721's and 722's didn't have near the trigger problems the 700 had. They are solid rifles and the bolts are stronger too.:)
 
I am not aware of any problems with the 721. It's a plain, economy model hunting rifle with no issues other than simplicity.
 
I was under the impression that the 721's had some kind of trigger issue too. The trigger is crisp and nice, it could be a little lighter but it's in line with a hunting rifle. I won't change it if there is no safety benefit.
Thanks for the info.
 
All Remington bolt rifles except the 788 made between 1946-2006 use the same Walker trigger design. It is just as likely to malfunction as any other rifle made with the same trigger design.

Remington has agreed to replace all triggers on these guns as part of a recent lawsuit. The details have not been worked out and it is not official as of yet. The judge presiding over the trial has to approve the settlement.

http://www.guns.com/2015/02/05/judg...uit-voices-concerns-over-proposed-settlement/
 
i own several 721-722 rifles and they are solid preformers with every thing needed to get the job done with out gaudy frills. no pistol grip caps monticaro combs, rose wood end pieces, fancy engraving. in a nut shell a honest working mans rifle at a working mans price. eastbank.
 
Quote: The 721's and 722's didn't have near the trigger problems the 700 had. They are solid rifles and the bolts are stronger too.

I'm not sure where you heard that bolts from the 721s and 722s are "stronger" than Model 700 bolts. I agree with jmr40's opinion: "All Remington bolt rifles except the 788 made between 1946-2006 use the same Walker trigger design. It is just as likely to malfunction as any other rifle made with the same trigger design..."
Really, Model 700 rifles are basically nothing more or less than "gussied up" Model 721s/722s (as was my favorite Remington bolt-action rifle-the Model 725).
 
Why not spruce it up get a gun smith to cut a inch off the action side of the barrel run a reamer basic lyrics cutting a new chamber it will last 60 more years and the accuracy will be better that when new just with a shorter barrel it is worth talking about
 
Jason,
Groups from my old 700 in 06 were starting to open up. The 721 was never really shot much and has a pristine bore and chamber. Maybe 100 factory rounds through it since new. I'm certain that I can work up a load that will have acceptable hunting accuracy.
 
I'm glad we talked!!!! As I was typing I'm deciding on which route to take to resize my casings accuracy says neck only
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I'm wondering if when they made the rifle the chamber might have a couple of thousands around and 2 or those ad space opening your groups
 
721 and 722

I've got a 721 in 30/06 and 722 in 222. Both family guns passed to me and had
been shot a lot. The 721 had 100s of Mil-ball through it, and 722 was groundhog
gun. Never had any trigger issues with either one, Did have new extractor in
the 722.
 
IMO, 2 things caused the Walker trigger to be scuttled.
1. Poor or non existent maintenance.
2. Fools with tools trying to adjust the trigger and not knowing how to correctly set them up.

I have never, ever had a problem with any Walker trigger Remington I have owned and I have adjusted them all SLIGHTLY to obtain a lighter trigger pull.

My rifles get cleaned after every outing with them, 1 shot to a hundred. Part of that maintenance is cleaning the trigger. I have used lighter fluid to flush out the gunk and it leaves a light lubrication behind. Never an issue.

I figure that with the number of Remington rifles out there, if the trigger was that bad, the cemeteries would be full of hunters and sportsmen by the tens of thousands.
 
I figure that with the number of Remington rifles out there, if the trigger was that bad, the cemeteries would be full of hunters and sportsmen by the tens of thousands.

Not that many. But there are too many in cemeteries because of the Walker trigger. A nine year old named Gus Barber being one of them.

I'm waiting to see what exactly Remington does to fix the Walker trigger. And then the RCFC (Remington Common Fire Control) that's used on the 1100/870/7600/etc. They have issues as well.
And I own a Remington 870. Love the gun. Just have to learn to be very careful with it.

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive."
 
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have a 721 with a throat problem, it's hugely long.
Can't get close to the lands at all. Any suggestions?
 
I can think of 2 possible remedies.
1. Have a gunsmith set back the barrel and rechamber it.
2. Have the rifle rebarreled.

Either way, your gunsmith will be able to tell you the cost of the fix.
 
Never had any problem with the Rem 721 trigger. It's adjustable for pull and creep. Someone mentioned that some have long throats. Mine does too (30-06). And always did have. Likes flat base bullets better, in most cases. Groups 1.5 to 2 in. groups at 100 yds. from a clean bore (depending on the bullet). After about a dozen fouling shots groups tighten up to sub .5 inch center to center. Idaho Gaiters
 
The MDL 700 has a fused bolt. That in the earliest versions were problematic. The 721 has a bolt machined from a solid billet, and is much superior to the fused alloyed bolts on the MDL 700.

I have owned a couple of MDL 700's and sold them all years ago. I now own only rifles with receivers machined from a solid billet. These are two Weatherby's, MKV and Vanguard, Cooper MDL 22, and Ruger 77.

Nothing really wrong with the MDL 700. They're drilled bar stock, and fused bolts though.
 
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