New England's rifle
Contributors to this thread:Massachusetts
From: Big Dog
19-Feb-24
You can't watch a YouTube video about snow tracking up north without seeing mostly Rem. 760 carbines. I've owned one since the 1970's and love it in the deer woods. I've traded in many rifles while buying yet another gun I "had to have" but will never part with the 760. The stock has been shortened (LOP) for use with cold weather clothing . The gun , like a good bow, just works.
From: DanaC
19-Feb-24
You could start a good argument about the 760 versus the Marlin 336 versus the Winchester 94. ;-)
I'll stick with my little Remington Model Seven. But it wouldn't hurt my feelings to have one of each ;-)
From: Big Dog
19-Feb-24
336 OK until you have to reach out through a hardwoods corridor or across a clear cut ; then I appreciate calibers .308,270, 30-06 that the 760 came in. Most tracking shots ,as you know, are not that far and the 336 and Model 7 (I own one too) work just fine. It's more hunter ability than gun caliber anyway.
From: DanaC
19-Feb-24
I wish my Seven had a bit more barrel, but that being said, I would use the 7-08 cartridge as far as I can shoot.
"It's more hunter ability than gun caliber anyway. "
Agreed, also 'shooter' ability. I've never surpassed 'mediocre' ;-)
From: Big Dog
19-Feb-24
DC, I don't think you lose an awful lot of fps in shorter barrels esp. with some of the new loads. My little Model Seven is in .243 and the few times I used it, dropped deer no problem. I'll bet you don't lose a lot of killing power in 7-08. LOL... when I discussed ft/lbs of energy etc. with an old time hunter he let me go on with info and then said, "how many times do ya wanna kill that deer"?
From: spike78
19-Feb-24
Love my 336 in 35 Remington
From: Cougar
19-Feb-24
I have a r err em... nevermind ;)
From: Pi
19-Feb-24
Spike , I have that Marlin . 336 in 35r -1952 model j ...
It's never been shot ... She's still a virgin !
From: DanaC
19-Feb-24
BD, I'd like about 3 inches more barrel and a heavier profile for more weight out front. That being said, it has hammered every deer ever hit with it.
From: spike78
19-Feb-24
Pi I believe mine is a 1956 I will have to check.
From: Cougar
19-Feb-24
We could all use 3 more inches and a heavier profile lol
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
19-Feb-24
I found a synthetic 7600 box and papers down here last weekend….if I didn’t just order a colt it woulda came home with me… 30-06
From: arch2112
20-Feb-24
Stainless 336 35Rem carbine topped with a scout scope. Probaby my fav rifle for thick woods. My 7600 in .270 is another fav. I have other rifles but these are all I need.
From: spike78
20-Feb-24
Too bad the only place I’ve seen any 35Rem ammo for sale is Kittery Trading post and they want like $56 a box. Eff that
From: arch2112
20-Feb-24
I bought a lot of 35 rem brass back in the day. I reload for it now.
From: Pi
20-Feb-24
I have a full box . Found one at B.P. About 10 years ago. I'm a saver.
Saving them for zombies!
From: spike78
20-Feb-24
Pi I have a full box of Hornady FTX which shoot at like 1” in my gun. Since MA doesn’t allow these for deer I’m guessing I will have this box for awhile lol. I did shoot a bear with them a few years ago but was not impressed it seems the bullet exploded. It was a great blood trail and a 100 yard run but I think I got lucky.
From: Big Dog
20-Feb-24
Finished my "Mass. slug gun" today. 20 gauge Stevens 301 single shot, 5.8 lbs. , Carlton rifled choke tube, Nikon 1.5-4.5 light weight scope on low rings, hammer extension, red loctite on rail screws. It shoots. Was a fun project inspired by info from a forum member. Now to find out which brand slugs shoot best @ 50yds.
From: GED
20-Feb-24
Found a NIB 7600 in .308 2 years ago in Maine. Added a 30-06 carbine 760 last season.
Paid a lot more for the old 760 than the 7600
From: peterk1234
20-Feb-24
BD, sounds like a fun setup for Mass.
From: fisherick
20-Feb-24
BD, I'm still alive.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
20-Feb-24
Sweet gun BD! Get her shootin!
From: DanaC
21-Feb-24
BD, pictures or it didn't happen ;-)
Sounds like a 100 yard rig at least.
From: Big Dog
21-Feb-24
DC, I've got to check ft-lbs of energy @ 100yds for a 20ga. slug. I suspect it may be over -reach at that distance. We'll see. It's the first 20 I've owned.
From: Jebediah
21-Feb-24
Just saw on the news that Remington is moving from NY to Georgia.
From: Big Dog
21-Feb-24
Jeb, NY is toxic for business and NYC......forget about it.
From: Ungie01201
21-Feb-24
I have a Remington 742 in .308 that I use occasionally if rifle hunting. I had a 30.06 742 Woodsmaster Deluxe that I let go years ago... most beautiful piece of wood ever. Guy offered to sell it back to me for $500. It has only been shot a few times. I am considering it. He has never hunted with it.
Having said that... i always get the itch to got get myself a 760 or 7600.
Another Gun I did not see mentioned is the old Savage Model 99. I have my father's old one in .300 Savage.
From: Jebediah
21-Feb-24
Not really a gun guy. These exchanges always boggle my mind. If you made a 3-dimensional representation of manufacturer, caliper, and action, I think it would be about a 10,000-position matrix. Carry on.
From: Rooster
21-Feb-24
Ungie I also have a savage model 99 chambered in 250 it has a shell counter on the side it’s a beautiful gun
From: Ungie01201
21-Feb-24
Rooster, they sure are beautiful!
From: fisherick
21-Feb-24
The original 20 gauge Savage 301 with a 4x scope.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
21-Feb-24
If it’s shooting straight BD 100 yards is without question… my old man punched his NY tag with his savage 220 at 185…
From: Josh22
21-Feb-24
If there is one rifle I feel I need to add to my collection it’s a 760 or 7600. I’ve never been in any shop in New England and seen one on the shelf. If I’m ever lucky enough to find one I’ll buy it in a heartbeat. I love watching those big woods buck hunts with Hal Blood toting that pump action rifle, so cool and just a perfect tool for the job.
From: Arrownoob
21-Feb-24
I tell myself I’m not really a gun guy, too. But I sure love owning and shooting guns, and wish I had more.
From: DanaC
22-Feb-24
DanaC's Link
Remington pump guns on GunBroker
They have a list of affiliated dealers who will handle transfers for you
From: Big Dog
22-Feb-24
Ma-Pa....it's good to hear that !
From: Big Dog
22-Feb-24
Fisher, thanks for the inspiration for my new rig. Gotta get my grandson to help me post a pic. Can't seem to do it myself. That's nice photography with the tree seat background.
From: Ungie01201
22-Feb-24
Josh... I have seen them at Dave's Sporting Goods in Pittsfield.... I will swing in today to see if they have any..
From: Big Dog
22-Feb-24
Josh, good luck finding one. IMHO it's the perfect tracking/still hunting rifle for the East. I've had a semi auto (Browning -Belgian made) ice up due to snow melting into the mechanism (gas ports ?) from the warmth of my hand then freezing ; gun would fail to eject after the first shot. Not an indictment of semi autos ; just my experience while tracking. A good many trackers , however , are leery of them for this reason. That's why the 760 is so popular. The really good trackers with whom I spoke told me straight out not to use the semi and I didn't believe them and paid the price. Though I confess to missing a lot of second shots with the 760 , there were a few times they made the difference.
From: Cougar
22-Feb-24
Anyone held or shot a fusion goblin lever 12 gauge?
From: fisherick
22-Feb-24
My brother had a Remington 742 semi auto in 30/06 and as we camped and hunted in Vermont we had rain,sheet and snow on Saturday. The rifles were stored inside the truck cab as we slept in the truck camper. The temperature dropped to near zero for Sunday morning as we headed out to hunt that morning. When we came back at lunch my brother's 742 was a solid block and had to be warm it up to unload it, even the firing pin was frozen and wouldn't shoot. The Winchester 94 and Savage 99 had no problems.
From: Big Dog
23-Feb-24
fisher, I rest my case, LOL
From: DanaC
23-Feb-24
Once owned a 742, accurate gun, but I could not get it to chamber reloads - and yes, I used 'small base' dies. Worked perfectly fine with factory loads. (Loved the 280 chambering. Awesome deer slayer.)
From: Ungie01201
23-Feb-24
I have not had any issues w/ my 742 .308, but I also don't hunt with it much and have not taken it out in the elements all that often. I usually take my muzzleloader to NY, and in more recent years my Savage 220. That is the best shooting gun I have ever owned. Years ago I had a 742 in 30.06, and that jammed all the time on me, but my .308 has not.... (yet).
From: Ungie01201
23-Feb-24
I've been thinking about this more and more... I always apply for a non resident New Brunswick moose tag. I have not drawn since 2008. I shot my moose with a 7mm Rem Mag that year (I could have shot w/ the bow he was so close). I have since gotten rid of the 7mm rem mag... I wish I never did. Now, all i have is my 742 in .308, a Marlin 30/30, .300 Savage, and a Savage 110 in .243.
Hearing the 742 stories, I may need to pick up something new if I ever draw again. lol Maybe i'll grab a 760 or 7600 in 30.06 if I ever draw again
From: arch2112
23-Feb-24
Lever guns have maintained their popularity and have even grown in terms of options of who is making them and ammo designed to give them a boost in range. Smith and Wesson now makes a lever gun and Ruger revived the Marlin name. Henry has expanded their portolio. There are some new comers making tactical lever guns. While I would jump at the oppurtunity buy another pump rifle, I'd take a quality Marlin any day. You want some extra range, get the FTX ammo from Hornandy.
Browning BLR has a magazine so no problem using pointed bullets, too many calibers to choose from as well. And a take down model. I've always wanted a BLR in 7mm-08 but never happened. I've got all I need.
From: Big Dog
23-Feb-24
Arch, My BLR( vintage late 70's -early 80's) had excessive trigger travel. My gunsmith said it was common with that gun and difficult if not impossible to correct. I think Browning resolved that problem in newer BlR's. The gun comes in some handy big game calibers and mine is dead accurate.
From: Cougar
23-Feb-24
I have the blr in 308... clip fed is nice. Light gun, good for tracking/stalking all day... I also have a Winchester 88 (clip fed lever) in 308... holds nicer than the browning, very similar feel to picking up the rem woodsmaster
From: Big Dog
23-Feb-24
Cougar, the Win. 88 in .284 caliber kind of a collector's item these days.
From: B&M Baked
23-Feb-24
Love my 30-30 model 94 for up north in the thick stuff.
From: fisherick
23-Feb-24
While I have rode the repeating arms train in years past, I'm now more into the single shot or muzzleloading firearm temple. Many years in the woods has turned me into a more patience hunter willing to wait for a more ethical shot placement. Kind of bowhunting with a firearm. I do pass up many shot opportunities with no regret. YMMV.
Hunt the way you want to hunt with your weapon of choice.
From: DanaC
23-Feb-24
Rick, a a few years back, during the height of the ammo shortages, I had a beautiful Ruger # 1 in my hands, but I knew I couldn't find ammo for it. Or even brass to reload. Still kicking myself for passing on it because the price was well below what I'd pay today for the same gun.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
24-Feb-24
Dana I’ve learned to never not buy a gun for fear of getting ammo, eventually I’ll get some :) lol
From: DanaC
25-Feb-24
Yeah, I just couldn't gauge the 'eventually' there.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
25-Feb-24
I hear that
From: spike78
26-Feb-24
R&R has a 35 Rem Marlin 336 now
From: DanaC
27-Feb-24
Does anyone have experience with the new 360 Buck Hammer?
Supposedly a bit more powerful than 350 Legend, nearer equal to the 35 Remington. (The newest Hodgdon annual manual has data for it and a good article on reloading it.)
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
27-Feb-24
Dana sent you a PM. My buddy has one down here.. it a hammer. Sweet gun
From: peterk1234
27-Feb-24
Okay, enough of this silly talk. The classic all American...... 308 Win. Good for anything, anywhere at any reasonable distance. Put the best glass you can afford on it. Always can but ammo for it. And more reloading data than you can imagine. :)
But a 760 carbine is so cool! Okay. A 308 Win after that though!
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
27-Feb-24
What about a 760 in 308 :O!!
From: peterk1234
27-Feb-24
Damn Nick. I like it!
From: DanaC
27-Feb-24
Only problem with the 308 is that you can't take it to a "straight wall cartridge only" state. And some of them don't allow a 45-70. Which makes the 360 Buck Hammer interesting to someone who might contemplate going to one of those states down the road.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
28-Feb-24
Dana you won’t regret that 360 buck hammer.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
28-Feb-24
Pretty much his set up.
From: Big Dog
28-Feb-24
Ma-Pa, Sweet. Unless you're a leprechaun you need a hammer extension, LOL. Love the lever action.
From: DanaC
28-Feb-24
Not planning on buying one myself, already own a 45-70 and a 7-08. Just thinking of what I would buy if I were younger man with plans to travel ;-)
PS I agree on the hammer extension - have them on two Henry's and love them. Even if not using a scope, just so much better control when lowering the hammer.
From: DanaC
29-Feb-24
DanaC's Link
Back to the OP, Field and Streams' Maine curmudgeon weighs in on the 760 family.
From: Rooster
29-Feb-24
I thought some of you might enjoy this picture of my 1897 marlin 32-20 it took me forever but I did find ammo for it
From: DanaC
29-Feb-24
Nice! Save your brass, even if you don't reload, somebody who does would love to have it.
From: Big Dog
01-Mar-24
Rooster, nice old gun. Did you find wall space for it ?
From: arch2112
01-Mar-24
There was also a short lived 76 model (30-06 only) that was a lower cost entry level gun between the years of 84-87. Remington also experimented with a lever action version but never went into production. I have a book called "Remington Autoloading & Pump-Action Rifles" by Eugene Myszkowski. I can't remember where I found this but for awhile I was buying books on guns or archery. The pre Internet days or you coudn't find what you wanted.
From: Rooster
01-Mar-24
Yes Dan and BD I swap it out from time to time with my hawken rifle on the fireplace mantle
From: arch2112
01-Mar-24
Rooster, I thought I had some ammo for you but it was 32-40. I don't have a gun for this. I inherited the ammo but have no idea where the gun went.
From: arch2112
01-Mar-24
Another rifle I have that I think is a decent for thick woods in New England is my Ruger 44 Deerstalker Carbine. It's a semi but built well. Short and handy. I bought it for my daughters to use but I like it as well. Williams Peep sight on it. This gun is what the 10/22 was based on.
From: Rooster
01-Mar-24
Wow cool to see anyway Arch
From: Rooster
01-Mar-24
Wow cool to see anyway Arch. I also inherited the rifle
From: Big Dog
03-Mar-24
That Remington lever action in 7mm-08 wouldn't be half bad .
From: DanaC
03-Mar-24
^^ I wish Henry would release their 'Long Ranger' in 7-08.
From: Jebediah
03-Mar-24
I find it interesting that certain guns are generational treasures, family heirlooms, but much less so in the case of archery equipment. Particularly compound bows.
From: Josh22
06-Mar-24
That is interesting Jeb. I guess compound bows will never be perfected, always evolving. But some guns built generations ago were just perfect and will never be topped.
From: Ungie01201
06-Mar-24
Good Point Jeb... i've had bows I love (and miss) but always seem to like my newer ones more... old guns seem to have that mystique about them... that I do not feel with bows... but i would much prefer to hunt w/ my bow... there is almost something romantic about an old rifle... but i rarely rifle hunt.
From: Cougar
06-Mar-24
An old recurve or stick bow could hit some of those artistic high notes... they r just hard to hunt w unless u go down that rabbit hole
From: arch2112
07-Mar-24
I think the older guns had some artistic value as well. Case hardened or classic blueing looks nice. Wood stocks made from walnut. Nice pattern to the checkering. They are attractive. Modern guns and compounds are more fucntional in their appearance. Flat and camo finish. Tactical. While they do have sleek lines and draw fans to the style, something but the classic guns that is timeless. And yes Cougar, the same applies to the longbows and recurves. Even ammo. I love the look of cast bullets in a older catridge. Modern bullets with flexible/gummi tips work great. Increase performance but man, a 35 Rem with a flat nose cast bullet just looks cool.
From: Josh22
08-Mar-24
So true arch. On a gently used one the wood stocks and blueing is downright beautiful on some of the older rifles. On the flip side a worn out beat up family heirloom is just as cool. I have an old Remington model 31 in 12 gauge that was my great grandfather’s. He was quite the hunter and fly fisherman, old black and white pictures prove it. Unfortunately I never met the man, which makes it extra special to hold that old shotgun. It’s beat, but still functional, the action is sooooo smooth. Rumor has it that thing took down 30+ deer. I’d love to knock one down with it some day!
From: fisherick
08-Mar-24
Found a used Remington 742 semi auto rifle and scope in 30/06 at Shooters Outpost in Hookset NH if anyone interested in one.
From: arch2112
15-Mar-24
The only negative for Rem pumps that have a magazine like the 760 and 7600 is the magazine. It works fine but Remington will not make new ones. The aftermarket magazines are pretty much hit or miss in terms of working well and they are 10 rounds. 10 round mags are not only unnecessary for hunting but could be an issue with some states. Right now the only source for OEM mags is ebay. People are paying around $100+ for good condition original Rem mags. Crazy.
From: Big Dog
15-Mar-24
arch, it's always something
From: arch2112
15-Mar-24
Short action mags for the 308, 243 type models are cheaper. But if you have a 30-06 or 270, more $$. Maybe someone will step up and make quality 4 round mags. Advantage to lever guns with the built in tubular mags.
From: DanaC
15-Mar-24
I'd give the real advantage to an internal rotary magazine, like the old Savage 99. Pity the guns themselves have gone through the damn price roof. A new BLR Browning might be a great choice.)
From: arch2112
15-Mar-24
Mags are better for perfomance, lets you use a bullet with a better BC. The advantage for lever guns was for not needing a part that no one makes anymore.
From: Big Dog
15-Mar-24
love the BLR; be sure trigger pull is crisp
From: Rooster
15-Mar-24
This savage model 99 chambered in 250 was my grandmother’s gun.
From: arch2112
15-Mar-24
Nice Savage!
From: Big Dog
16-Mar-24
Rooster, a fine old gun in what appears to be great condition and in a caliber that can still get it done today.
From: Rooster
16-Mar-24
Yes I cherish my family heirlooms my Grandparents are no longer here but I have their memories and old firearms .
From: DanaC
17-Mar-24
Would absolutely love to find one of those in good shape, at a good price. On GunBroker they're all well into four figures now.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
17-Mar-24
Rooster we have an old 300 and 250 savage that was my dad’s grandfathers guns. They are oldies! He’s got em back home still.
From: Rooster
17-Mar-24
MaPa that’s great they are great guns.DanaC I know the prices are high from time to time I will see one in a shop for sale.
From: Rooster
17-Mar-24
MaPa that’s great they are great guns.DanaC I know the prices are high from time to time I will see one in a shop for sale.
From: DanaC
17-Mar-24
Only Savage 99's I have seen at a 'reasonable' price we're either rusted beyond redemption or in 303. (Or both.) Even 300's command a pretty penny nowadays.
Had one in 308 years ago, sold it for about a third of what I could get for it today...
From: Big Dog
17-Mar-24
One thing I've noticed over the years with my 760 is that it balanced nicely (IMO) when I shot open peep. Unless a low power light weight scope was installed, the weight and balance changes were noticeable to me with heavier scopes (3-9 power) . Like ADK tracker Joe DeNitto said, " the little addition in gun weight becomes very noticeable toward the end of the day". Not a big deal if you're on stand but significant when tracking for hours gun in hand.
From: DanaC
17-Mar-24
BD, back in the mid-80's I bought a Remington Model Seven chambered in 7-08 and I've never looked back. Even with a low powered scope, it carries light and lively, and if I hit a deer, the lights go out. Sadly, with the demise of Remington, I don't know if this gun will ever be produced again. But I got mine.
From: Big Dog
17-Mar-24
And I got mine (mod 7) in .243 and love it.
From: Big Dog
18-Mar-24
7-08 cal. is an intelligent choice. Perhaps that's why I don't own one.
From: DanaC
18-Mar-24
;-) I would take it over the 308 or any 26 caliber. With the right bullet, I would cheerfully shoot a bear, elk, or moose with it.
Sitting on a pile of 120 grain Nosler BT's. Soon as the weather warms up a bit, I'll be loading some of those up. Ought to be a smashing deer load.
From: Will
18-Mar-24
Gun talk is something that always reminds me of how much we dont know (crap loads). ha ha ha.
I'm over here like: "point bang stick at thunder chicken. Pull boom lever and stick go bang and bird flop over"
You guys are basically firearms historians for crying out loud. It's fun - always an education for me!
From: DanaC
18-Mar-24
Maybe, but someday you'll be as forgetful as I am, constant review required ;-)
From: Will
18-Mar-24
Hopefully Dana... Hopefully!
From: arch2112
13-Apr-24
Newest addition to the fam. Ruger/Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag. Ruger did an outstanding job with the workmanship. Quality product. As good as my other pre Remington Marlins. Had a Weaver 1x3 scope for it already which is perfect for thick woods. Used a Skinner mount with a built in peep sight. The rings are quick detach so I can go back and forth between scope and peep.
I have everything I need to reload so fun for the summer and defintely heading north (or south) to use it this year. 50 yards with some mild reloads and using the standard rifle sights had some very nice groups. Can't wait to see what it does with the scope or peep.
From: Tekoa
13-Apr-24
Beautiful. Anyone who says that classic heirloom quality guns aren't being made anymore just needs to look a bit harder. That is about as good as it gets.
From: DanaC
13-Apr-24
Very nice. I'm (sorta kinda) thinking of a 357 lever gun, partial to Henry's but definitely want to look at those new Ruger/Marlins.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
13-Apr-24
Beautiful gun arch
From: Ungie01201
22-Apr-24
love it arch!
From: GED
22-Apr-24
7600 in .308 with 1.5-4x scope 760 carbine 30-06 peep
