Grandpappy's ol' 721: a few questions.

[NorthShore]

Hello All,

I've just inherited my Grandpa's old 721 in 30.06, and I've got a few questions if it's not too much trouble.

First, some background:

a) I'm a firearms-newb so I have no idea what I'm talking about, mostly.
b) From what I can see, it's 100% original, complete with Bushnell x4 Scope Chief on a Weaver pivot mount.
c) Serial numbers/markings show it as manufactured in January 1950 -- I'm guessing he bought it soon after.
d) Pretty good condition: a few dings on the stock, but the action seems smooth and tight and the finish is fine.
e) Probably fewer than 100 rounds through it, according to my Granny.
f) AFAIK, it's always been stored somewhere warm, safe inside its bag.
g) Yes, I'm keeping it!

Now the questions:

It seems to me the obvious thing to do is take it to a gunsmith and have him strip it and look it over.

1) Given the conditions above, what's the worst case scenario as to the condition of the bore? (It seems okay when I peer through it, but that means nothing, in my opinion.)

2) Any reason to consider replacing the trigger group with a "better" modern one?

3) Go with the old Bushnell or upgrade? (Scope is 100% from what I can tell)

4) Anything else I need to know about the 721? (I've read there might be a problem with the safety (misfires / unable to load/unload with safety on)

5) What's the magazine (not the right word, but you know what I mean) capacity on a 721?

Thanks in advance. I hope to take up hunting again this fall -- it's been many years.

[Rem725]

[quote="

Now the questions:

It seems to me the obvious thing to do is take it to a gunsmith and have him strip it and look it over.

1) Given the conditions above, what's the worst case scenario as to the condition of the bore? (It seems okay when I peer through it, but that means nothing, in my opinion.)

If the bore looks good, it likely is good. Shoot it and see.

2) Any reason to consider replacing the trigger group with a "better" modern one?

IMO, no. A good cleaning, polish and adjusting can produce a fine trigger.

3) Go with the old Bushnell or upgrade? (Scope is 100% from what I can tell)

That's probably a good old scope. I prefer Leupold (3-9 power is good for 30-06) and quick detach Warne rings myself.

4) Anything else I need to know about the 721? (I've read there might be a problem with the safety (misfires / unable to load/unload with safety on)

That safety thing is a PC thing to protect us from dummies. They assume you will completely chamber the rounds as you cycle them to unload. You do not have to completely chamber the rounds to unload. Cycle slowly and as soon as the cartridge base pops up from the magazine, tip the round out. The MOST important thing about the safety is to see the cocking piece slightly move back when engaging the safety. You can install a model 700 hinged floor plate for quick unloading. Note the chamber might remain loaded. Open the action, check. Be alert, be safe.



5) What's the magazine (not the right word, but you know what I mean) capacity on a 721?

Magazine is correct. Holds 4. Magazine is what the rounds are cycled from into the chamber. "Clip" is what holds (Garand en bloc) or helps deliver (stripper clip) rounds to the magazine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clip_(ammunition)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_(firearms)

Note-storing "in the bag" can cause rust as the material can hold moisture.


Thanks in advance. I hope to take up hunting again this fall -- it's been many years.[/quote]