Remington Model 721
Remington Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1948
Also known as: Remington 721, Remington 721A
Overview
The Remington Model 721 is a long-action bolt-action centerfire sporting rifle produced from 1948 to 1962. Designed by Merle "Mike" Walker and Homer W. Young, it pioneered modern mass-production methods using a cylindrical receiver machined from solid steel, a recessed bolt face that enclosed the cartridge head, and twin forward locking lugs. These features made it economical to manufacture while delivering exceptional strength and accuracy, and the design directly evolved into the enormously successful Remington Model 700.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3289 g (116.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1124 mm (44.25") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Cylindrical Receiver, Recessed Bolt Face, Twin Locking Lugs, Internal Box Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Variants
- Remington Model 722 — Short Action
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Hunters and Sportsmen · adopted 1948
Production
Estimated total produced: 173,124 · Production years: 1948-1962
Approximately 173,124 units produced across serial number blocks; offered in .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 H&H Magnum, .280 Remington and .264 Winchester Magnum.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Merle "Mike" Walker and Homer W. Young
Discontinued: 1962
Notes
The Model 721 used a long action; its short-action sibling was the Model 722. Both were superseded by the Model 700 in 1962.
Background
Marketed as the first truly modern centerfire rifle with the strongest bolt yet developed, the Model 721 and its short-action twin the 722 established the receiver, bolt and trigger architecture that Remington would refine into the iconic Model 700.