I used a Remington 742 as a young man, and it was a challenge! I had to change magazines a few times, but finally got it to sellte down. Of course, I kept it clean,etc. I only used factory ammo. It would shoot the Remington 150 PSP into about 6" at 100yds. I killed deer/hogs with it, and when Federal came out with their factory loaded 165 Sierra BT, it was much better. It shot into about 4", and it was very reliable. I ended up selling the rifle to my Uncle, and went to bolt guns.
A few years ago, I bought a 7400 in .270, and it was like daylight/dark compared to the 742! It shot any factory load I put in it like a bolt gun! Awesome. Never jammed,etc. I never hunted with it as I left it in Texas for when I hunted down there. Well, my Dad died, and my same Uncle asked me to sell it to him for my Aunt, so I did.
About 2 yrs ago, I bought a Remington 750 in .35 Whelen carbine and it, hold on to your hat, was even "better" than the 7400! I shot handloads, factory loads, all from 1 inch and sometimes under! I traded it to Cabela's for a Ruger hawkeye in .257 Roberts. I may go back there and pick it back up, ha. My only gripe was that the semi's chew up brass pretty good, and I had to chase the brass. Some company now makes an actual trigger replacemnt for the 870/7400/750/760 rifles. The 750 Whelen was very good as is. Good luck to you.
