REMINGTON 721
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Remington 721 is a bolt-action rifle developed by Remington Arms in the 1950s. It was intended as an inexpensive and reliable rifle for hunting, bearing the same basic design that has defined the Remington series of sporting rifles since the early 1900s. The gun is still popular today, having survived decades of technological change and competition from other manufacturers.
The Remington 721 is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .35 Whelen, and 7mm Mauser, although the 7x57 Mauser version was also produced. It is fed from a detachable internal magazine with a capacity of four rounds. The action is a Mauser-type with a solid, full-length machined receiver (as opposed to the more common stamped and scalloped receiver found on less expensive rifles). The action uses a claw extractor and a rear-locking, three-lug bolt. A single-stage trigger breaks cleanly at 5 lbs. and is adjustable for creep and overtravel. The stock is made from American walnut and features slim, checkered, laser-cut fore-end and lacks checkering on the grip, making it more suitable for hunting than target shooting.
The Remington 721 has been praised for its accuracy, having the capability to consistently shoot sub-MOA groups at 100 yards when loaded with quality ammunition. The solid, full-length machined receiver and beefy Mauser action combine to make the Remington 721 an incredibly strong and reliable rifle, capable of taking heavy recoil and magnum calibers. The single-stage trigger is well-suited to hunting, as it lacks the creep and overtravel found in some other trigger systems and is easily adjustable for take-up.
In many ways, the Remington 721 is a classic example of an old-fashioned hunting rifle. Its straightforward and reliable design has seen it remain popular and in production for over sixty years. Newer rifles may have a few more modern features, but you simply can’t go wrong with a Remington 721. It is a reliable rifle that will keep ticking for decades—even in the harshest of environments.
The Remington 721 is a great choice for the budget-minded hunter, as well as those who don’t require the added bells and whistles of more expensive rifles. It is a rugged and reliable rifle, capable of taking down big game and small game alike. The solid construction and reliability of the Remington 721 make it an ideal rifle for hunting in the backcountry or for those just starting out. The rifle is easy to maintain and is backed by Remington’s long history of service and reliability.
Overall, the Remington 721 is a great rifle. It is reliable, accurate, and affordable. The action is strong and easy to clean and maintain, while the trigger is adjustable and has a nice, crisp break. The classic, walnut-stocked design is attractive and timeless, and the internal magazine makes it a great choice for hunting in the backcountry. It is a no-nonsense rifle that has been around for decades and will continue to be trusted for many years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great value for the money. The Remington 721 is known for being a highly reliable and accurate rifle at an affordable price.
- Durable and robust construction. The 721 is made from high quality materials and proved to be very durable in extreme conditions.
- Easy to upgrade. The 721 is very an easily customizable rifle, and many aftermarket upgrades are available to make it even better.
Cons:
- Limited size options. The Remington 721 is only available in certain calibers and barrel lengths.
- Poor trigger pull. The 721’s trigger pull can be quite hard and inconsistent, which makes accuracy difficult.
- Heavy for some users. The 721 is a relatively large and heavy rifle, which may make it unwieldy for some users.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for an affordable, reliable and accurate bolt action rifle should consider the REMINGTON 721. It is an affordable and reliable target shooting and hunting rifle, making it ideal for novice and experienced shooters alike.
However, those who require a more powerful rifle should not buy the REMINGTON 721. This rifle is chambered in a variety of calibers, but none of them are particularly powerful. Further, the rifle has a limited magazine capacity, making it unsuitable for some hunting applications that require larger amounts of ammunition to be carried at once.
Comparisons
| Remington 721 | Steyr Pro Hunter | Bergara B14SM359 B-14 HMR Wilderness | Winchester 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
| Caliber: .30-06 Springfield | Caliber: .30–.307 Win, .264 Win Mag | Caliber: 6.5 PRC | Caliber: .30-06 Springfield |
| Three-position safety | Manual Safety | Thumb safety | Three position safety |
| Weight: 8 lbs | Weight: 6 lbs | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Weight: 8.2 lbs |
| Barrel Length: 24” | Barrel Length: 22” | Barrel Length: 24” | Barrel Length: 24” |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Overall Length: 43.5 inches
• Weight: 7.87 lbs.
• Magazine Capacity: 4+1
• Stock: Walnut
• Sights: Adjustable Rear, Blade Front
• Safety: 3-Position Thumb Safety
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Remington 721 include scope mounts, flash suppressors, magazines, tactical stocks, and recoil pads. Other popular accessories include picatinny rails, trigger guards, sling swivels, and sound suppressors.
Accuracy
The REMINGTON 721 is renowned for its accuracy, even in less than ideal shooting conditions. At 100 yards, .30-06 models are capable of producing 2-inch groups with quality ammunition. Maximum range on the 721 is often reported to be as far as 500 yards, although this is highly dependent on the shooter’s proficiency in marksmanship. If sighted properly and used in conjunction with a good quality scope, even varmint shooters can expect to hit their intended targets that far away. Considering these factors, the outstanding accuracy of the 721 makes it a useful tool in many different disciplines of shooting.
