In the 70's when I was a teenager, the 742 was considered a pretty hot rifle. It seemed to get more airplay than the the 760 pump. I was never a big follower; I was too focused on the 700 BDL. We had a friend with a BAR hunting rifle in 270 Win. I was pretty impressed as a kid (who was carrying either a M94 30-30 or a shotgun with slugs).