[257Robt]

I know that the 742's in 30-06 and such and jamamatics. Do the 742's in 243 have the same problems. I have a chance to get one at a decent price. The rifle is about twenty years old and maybe has 100 shells through it. Around here 308's and 30-06's are a dime a dozen, but you never really see or here much about the 243's. Any thoughts?

 

[old06]

Yea the all suffer from the same problems but if the 243 only had about 5 boxes of shells through it, and was taken care of it may have plenty of life in it pull the bolt back and with out the magazine in it see if the top of the receiver is chewed up if it is for get it. If it's in good shape it maybe worth your while. I picked up a 742 in 06 for a hundred bucks,that didn't have a mark on the inside of the receiver and it has not hung up yet in the last 2 years I have put about 50 to 75 rounds through it. Good Luck

 

[147 Grain]

When new, my 7400 30-06 would jam every other round. Now, after a 50 round break-in and VERY thorouogh cleaning, haven't had one jam in the last 200 rounds.

The secret is to keep it as clean as the plate you eat on and clean often.

 

[760 Nut]

Very little design difference between the 742 and the 7400. Actually the original 740 is the real "jamamatic". The 742 gets a bad rap in my opinion due to some owners that would not keep up with proper maintenace of the rifle.
Magazines can be a source of a jam with these rifles as well. Make sure the magazine is in good shape. Bad ones have a tendency to pop several cases out at the same time causing a jam. And lastly, keep them clean!!
I would one in a second without question.