Rem 742 Converting Calibers Question

[Old 180]

Can a Remington Model 742 in 308 Winchester be converted to a 30-06 by only changing barrels and magazines or is the 742 receiver a different length for the short action and long action cartiges?

[gunnut69]

There is only one receiver for the 742. The difference is as you assumed, the mag and the barrel. I would say though that the difference between the 308 and 30-06 is nearly non-existant. For sure not enough to warrant a conversion. Also it is highly likely that it would be ecconomically more sensible to simply swap.. 742's are common and the 30-06 is likely the most common of all. Why spend a couple of hundred to rebarrel, just trade for a 30-06. Even better, for the price a rebarrel is likely to cost simply buy a good used 742 in the 30-06!  Good luck!

[Old 180]

Thanks Gunnut69
I like what you are saying.  Good advice.