Remington Model 721

About the Remington Model 721

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.

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.

Remington Model 721 specifications

The Model 721 used a long action; its short-action sibling was the Model 722. Both were superseded by the Model 700 in 1962.