Big problems with my old Remington 721

[pope]

I went to the range to dial in my new scope and on the 4th shot, the primer blew out the back of the cartridge and peppered my face. This was a factory load. Now my extractor won't work and I'm learning they are extremely difficult to find. I spent hours calling and emailing gun parts outfits and they're all telling me my only option is to spend 300+ bucks and have a gunsmith replace the bolt with something else (700 can be made to work?).

It's probably time for a new rifle but I love that gun. I'm considering contacting Remington with a photo of the shell and my minor injuries. Maybe they would know where I can find an extractor.

[quadrafire]

Ouch!!!
Would be hard to dump $300 on a 721 (for just a bolt)....... I had one, wish I had it back, but sold it for less than that

[hoyt2002]

Sounds like it's time for a new rifle unless it's worth it to you to fix that one. My buddy has a 721 and he loves it. If his broke I bet he would fix it over the sentimental value to him.

[pope]

And now I learn there was a recall on the shells I've been using. I don't recall seeing any info about this at the gun counter at the local sporting goods store.

http://www.remington.com/en/pages/news-and-resources/safety-center/safety-warning-recall-notice-Remington270-150Gr-SoftPoint.aspx

[headshot5]

Bummer on the shells.  I would contact the store an let them know about the recalled shells.  I don't know if remington or the store will make it right.  However, I know a Sako extractor can be installed on a 721 bolt.  Find a gunsmith whom can do the change and you should be good to go.  Shouldn't cost as much as the rifle either.

[AWS]

I had a. Sako extractor installed in my 722 when I rebarreled from 300 sav to 22 250 it was about $100 plus change firemasters in onalaska did the work.

Replacement extractors are nearly extinct and if you find one they are expensive.

[Wacenturion]

Ditto on the Sako extractor.  If you watch Ebay those 721 extractors routinely pop up every now and then.  The 722 extractors are even harder to find.

[Bill W]

Your extractor may have "dirt" from the pierced primer causing it to not operate.  This is unless the extractor is clearly broken.   I'd suspect junk blown back from the primer piercing.   I'd blow it out with compressed air first.

[Fisherdave10]

I don't know if this would help you, but here's a cheaper bolt replacement.  You could then use a very common extractor with it.  You probably won't have your rifle going for deer season.

https://shop.pacifictoolandgauge.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_101_104&products_id=1115&zenid=ilbo1mvjjk8qbdn811cpi66514

[AWS]

The. Bolts are cheap enough it is the fitting that will cost you if you need the barrel set back and rechammberred, not quite so bad if they just have to deepen the chamber

[pope]

I appreciate the responses...lots to think about here. I called Remington and they have (more or less) offered to solve the problem. Remington is sending a box with a prepaid shipping label. The guy in customer service seems to think it won't be a problem finding an extractor. He's not a gunsmith. We'll see.

I'm going to try cleaning the extractor again before I go through with shipping the gun out. I tried once already with gun oil and a toothbrush but it didn't seem to help.

[headshot5]

Right on.  Hopefully they (Remington) take care of it.  Makes sense, since the re-called ammo was their brand as well as the rifle.  I hope you got a hold of the store you bought the ammo at...  Might save somebody an eye or two.

Don't give up on 721's they are a workhorse.     

[luke_a]

Did you try disassembling and cleaning?  Might save you some time and money shipping it off to reminginton.

[HighlandLofts]

The. Bolts are cheap enough it is the fitting that will cost you if you need the barrel set back and rechammberred, not quite so bad if they just have to deepen the chamber

All of the 721 bolts I've see are close to $200 and then having them fitted another $70 to $100, It's not worth putting that kind of money in a $300 gun. I was given a 721 =  30-06 that was missing the bolt. I ended up giving it to a friend whos a gun-smith and he parted it out and sold the pieces on E-bay.

[coachcw]

I'd spend the 300 on your 721 before buying a new gun, there good shooters.