What is the value of a Remington Model 742 in good condition?

Answer 1

Most modern guns are graded by percentage of original condition- 100%= Bluing is intact and not mottled on both the barrel and receiver, wood of the stock and forend is not scratched or nicked and the finish is uniform and original. Other than factory test firing, the gun was never fired. Generally, new in the box (NIB), if the weapon came in one. 98%= Usually applies to double action revolvers where there is a slight but evident 'drag' line on the cylinder from the gun being dry fired (the hammer cocked, allowing the cylinder to be rotated repeatedly) even though it was never loaded and fired. This can be transfered to auto loading rifles if the auto bolt slides show wear (easily tested with a q-tip: If you find a lot of black oil, the bolt has been exercised in excess)even if it was never fired. 95%= The gun has been fired, but all the original bluing/ finish is intact, some 'greying' (where the bluing has experienced slight wear like at the barrel tip from being inserted or withdrawn from a zip up gun soft case) is acceptable. The stock and forend, other than a few minor scratches, as well as the finish on them are intact. The mechanisms (trigger, bolt, ect) are tight and true. 90%= Bluing on the receiver shows minor wear, the stock forend shows some finish wear with some nicks/scratches. The mechanisms (trigger, bolt, ect) are tight and true. 80%= Bluing on the underside of the receiver shows lots of wear, 60%, even though the barrel may grade at 95%; numerous nicks and scratches in both the receiver as well as stock/ forend are the indicators that show that this grade of gun has been used in the feild for a number of seasons. I have a 742 (A) made between 1975 and 1978 that was upgraded at the factory to a BDL, minus cheek clearance so it's a bit of a one off. It is a 100% grade though, unfired, just like it came out of the box. Currently, it's estimated value is between $500 and $600. If you have a bicentennial model (1976) even fired, it's worth $1k + even if it's @ 95% grade. with boxes, documentation ect.

You should keep in mind that the 742 was superseded by the 7400 around 1980.

I keep mentioning paperwork and original containers. Without these, your unfired gun is reduced to the unfired value of $500-to $600. Provenance is valued. Dealers are asking $500 for a used 742A in 95% grade, or condition. Doesn't mean that's what they're getting. Go to gunbroker.com and do a search- You'll find 742s in a price range from $100 (less than 80% grade) to $350 (95% condition with a cheap scope mounted). Remember, once the guns's out of the factory and has been fired, the best condition it will ever see is 95%, unless it's older than 100 years old, then everything changes. 742s are just getting old enough to be considered collectible. Also keep in mind that if you have the original carton/ container the gun came with in good to excellent condition most collectors will pay a premium above and beyond the estimated value of the gun itself, since it is considered part of what makes the gun 'collectible' in the first place. This also applies to warranty cards, manuals ect. Most 742 owners probably don't know that their guns were shipped by Remington in a shipping carton to their respective dealers, such as kmart, SS Kresges and other retailers. Most of these retailers upon receiving a shipment of 742s at the point of sale would discard the shipping carton, since they usually had a gun rack to hold the gun on display. Finally, what model? Remington made a 742(A), 742ADL (fine checkering w/sling swivels)742BDL (deluxe), 742 carbine, 3 grades of peerless and premier ($1800+ value now) and even a Canadian centennial model (still $350 like the 742(A)). Since the grand majority of 742s made were of the (A) variety, at 95% condition, without scope, $300; @ 90%, around $275. Hope this answers your question. -Ric