Remington Model 721

Lore & Background

Prior to World War II, Remington's standard bolt-action sporting rifle was the Model 30, but production halted during the war. During the war, Remington gained experience manufacturing large quantities of martial firearms more efficiently, and by the end of the war, manufacturing technology had advanced significantly. Older designs like the Model 30 and the Model 720 variant were laborious and expensive to produce by these new standards. The Mauser M 98 action was popular for sporting use but was complex and required design changes for modern production. Rather than continue with expensive older rifles, Remington developed an entirely new design with key roles played by Mike Walker and Homer Young. The Model 721/722 was introduced in 1948, with deluxe versions appearing in 1955 and the Model 725 variant introduced in 1958. Production ended in 1961, with the Model 700 taking over in 1962.

Reader's Guide

The Model 721/722 is notable for its design innovations that reduced production time and cost while increasing accuracy potential. The receiver was redesigned from a billet-machined structure to a round profile that could be produced on a lathe, and the recoil lug was a simple plate of steel sandwiched between barrel and receiver. The bolt was redesigned with an encased bolt head, a small extractor mounted in a recessed bolt face, and a plunger ejector on the bolt face. An adjustable trigger mechanism and a new safety design were fitted. The rifle was advertised as having the 'strongest bolt action ever developed.' A safety flaw in the firing mechanism was discovered before release: a defect could cause the gun to fire without the trigger being squeezed. Mike Walker's proposed fix was declined due to an additional 5.5 cents per rifle in production costs. Despite thousands of complaints and deaths, the issue was not mitigated and was inherited by the Model 700. The Model 721 is considered a precursor to the Model 700, which became the best-selling bolt-action rifle in history. Samples in excellent condition or with rare features have become collectible.

Did You Know?

• The Model 721/722 replaced the short-lived Model 720.
• The .222 Remington version of the Model 722 could hold 5 cartridges in the magazine.
• A rare Model 725 Kodiak variant was made in 1961, chambered for .375 H&H Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum.
• The Model 725ADL used an older safety design rather than the safety used by the 721/722 and later 700.