I was wondering if you can swapp barrels on 740's. Like 270 for 30-06 and 243 for 308 etc, etc... Anyone know the answer, not opinions please.

740, 742 and 760 barrels are held on with a bolt, I've never changed one out to a different caliber, but don't see why it couldn't. The 270 and 30-06 should be OK and the 243 and 308 also share the same magazine.

This is the first time I've ever heard of anyone wanting to do this, what an interesting question. Hopefully some of our other members can help you out.

740, 742 and 760 barrels are held on with a bolt, I've never changed one out to a different caliber, but don't see why it couldn't. The 270 and 30-06 should be OK and the 243 and 308 also share the same magazine.

This is the first time I've ever heard of anyone wanting to do this, what an interesting question. Hopefully some of our other members can help you out.

Well considering that the 30-06 and 270 share case demensions as well as do the 308 and 243 and gas pressures should be nearly identical in each perspective caliber. A new switch barrel perhaps? I'm not a smith so I am not too sure of any negative ramifications. Just curious and don't get the anwsers from qualified smiths due to legal issues.

Give a call to Howard (gunsmith) at the A.W. Peterson Gun Shop in Mt. Dora, Florida.......I know he was doing conversions on the 740, 742. etc awhile back. Seems like his specialty was converting to the .260 Remington, as well as others......James

Changed a 740 from .280 Remington to 30-06. Just need to make sure to check the headspace. The .280 had been cleaned from the muzzel, and had excessive wear at that point. (Customer did not want it cut and re-crowned.) (Brownells sells the wrench required to remove the barrel.)

Note: Make sure that the new barrel is from the proper Model, as the 740 and the 742 do not use the same bolt lugs. (Bolt locks up to the barrel, not the receiver.)

WHy bother with an expensive barrel for an obsolete rifle that may be marginal for performance and accuracy. WHy not get a 7600?

WHy bother with an expensive barrel for an obsolete rifle that may be marginal for performance and accuracy. WHy not get a 7600?


I noticed you seperated perfomance from accuracy. 740's usualy perfom flawlessly with an occasional jam (most likely not clean) and as far as accuracy, well, 7600 aren't any more accurate on average. At least that has been what research has shown me. I have found barrels for less than a hundred dollars. Not too expensive in my opinion. Most barrels cost around 2 to 3 hundred, auto's and a little less for pumps.

I noticed you seperated perfomance from accuracy. 740's usualy perfom flawlessly with an occasional jam (most likely not clean) and as far as accuracy, well, 7600 aren't any more accurate on average. At least that has been what research has shown me. I have found barrels for less than a hundred dollars. Not too expensive in my opinion. Most barrels cost around 2 to 3 hundred, auto's and a little less for pumps.

My experience with a 7400 has been different. Poor cycling and lousey accuracy. Plus they don't function well with certain powders and the new "light magnum" ammo.

If you got a good one, I'm glad for you.

The 7600's have a floating barrel with a good reputation for accuracy.