Remington Woodsmaster Model 740 Standard Grade .30-06 Semi-Automatic Rifle, 22-Inch Barrel, Early 1950s Production
This first-generation Remington Woodsmaster Model 740 was built between 1955 and 1959, placing it among the earliest gas-operated sporting rifles Remington produced. Chambered in .30-06 and fitted with period upgrades, it offers collectors and hunters a well-balanced combination of historical significance and practical field features.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Redfield 3-9x ¾-inch tube scope with two-piece base and rings (installed)
- Williams FP receiver aperture sight (installed)
- Basket-weave leather sling (installed)
- Orange ventilated aftermarket recoil pad with white & black spacers (installed)
- Factory Remington 4-round detachable box magazine
Serial number 247048 places this rifle squarely in the limited 1955–1959 production run of the original Model 740—only about 252,000 were made before the design evolved into the 742 series. The early 740s are instantly recognizable by their narrow ejection port and steel magazine follower, both of which are present here.
At the heart of the rifle is Remington patent 2,635,754: a twin-action-bar gas system that delivers smooth cycling and reduced felt recoil. The 22-inch steel barrel wears its original polished commercial bluing, while the lightweight aluminum-alloy receiver carries the REP proof.
The oil-finished walnut stock features a factory pistol grip and beavertail fore-end, now complemented by an aftermarket orange ventilated recoil pad with contrasting spacers. Length of pull measures 12.6 inches.
Sighting options are extensive. A Williams FP receiver aperture sight is installed for precise irons, and a vintage Redfield 3-9x scope with slim ¾-inch tube rides on a two-piece base for quick magnified use. The factory ramp front bead remains intact, giving shooters flexible sighting choices.
With its 4+1 detachable magazine, proven gas-operated action, and tasteful period upgrades, this Woodsmaster offers the reliability expected from Remington’s first center-fire semi-auto coupled with collectibility from its short production era.