Remington 721 bolt modification

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inferno451

Guest
Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster! I had a quick question, probably more geared towards the old timers. I've got an old Rem model 721 that recently stopped extracting cases from the chamber. You guessed it! Broken extractor. After doing some research, it appears that the 721 extractor hasn't been made in about 40 years and is, understandably, scarce. Being unable to find one, i'm wondering what would be involved in simply using a model 700 extractor in my bolt. Mine had a non rivet type, and model 700 clip in types are easy to find and cheap. I know that they are different shapes, does anyone have any experience with this? I found a post where "Sicero" did this with a drill press. http://benchrest.com/archive/index.php/t-73206.html?
The post i mentioned is the 5th one down. Thanks guys! I'd like to avoid the Sako/ M16 extractor route, and I would appreciate any help at all!
 
Inferno,

I recently had the same problem (sorry 'bout your luck). The REM. 700 riveted extractor WILL NOT work because there is not enough relief in the bolt nose behind the actual "tang" (for lack of a better word) to allow the extractor to slip over the case rim during chambering. I took the time to index and drill the bolt nose and install a 700 extractor on a 721 to no avail, unless you carry a mallet to to get the bolt to close, and then it ruins the rim of the case after one chambering. The only fix I have found is to order a PTG bolt body, remove and re-weld/solder the 721 handle on it and then you can use the 700 extractor (rivet or rivet less I believe?) thereafter. If you have the tooling and expertise to cut the relief behind the "tang", I guess that would be the easiest fix but, I don't, so customer is buying a new bolt.

Hope this helps,
Med.
 
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A 700 extractor whether riveted or snap in type can be installed in a 722/721 bolt nose if used as a wall hanger.

3 options-
1.Cut the 721 bolt nose for a pinned m16 type extractor.
I don't recommend the SAKO type extractors in Remingtons.
2.Compare & confirm head space w/a 700 bolt to the predecessor action.
Early 700 bolts do not have the anti bind slot cut in the bolt lug.
3.PT&G bolt body w/ OEM Rem snap in extractor.
Current .532" Mag face 700 bolts use a rivet type extractor others are snap in.
Attach a 722/721 bolt handle to bolt body to eliminate required stock modifications.
 
Sounds like 2 different business opportunities.

#1- Develop a cnc program to cut 721/722 bolts to use 700 extractors

#2- Make replacement 721/722 drop in extractors.
 
Inferno....check with Greg Tannel at Gre-Tan Rifles and see what he can do for you...I purchased an original 721 extractor from him a while back..but he may also have some ideas on how to fix your problem...



Eddie in Texas
 
Thanks guys, i'll check with Gre-Tan. Ultra- Do you mean the 700 extractor is too wide to fit under the lip on the 721 bolt? For example if i laid a 700 extractor flat on some sandpaper and took some metal off it might fit? Or did you mean something else? Same story for riveted/ non riveted types?
 
My 721 was a 300 H&H if that makes a difference and the 700 extractor worked
for twenty years until I sold the rifle and no doubt still works. Kenny
 
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