I have a chance to get a Remington 721 in 30-06 that is in good shape for $300. Is that a fair deal?

yes, the 721 was the predecessor to the 700 and they are nice rifles.

Be aware that the 721 uses a stamped trigger guard and floor plate, has a shorter (read, uglier) bolt handle and uses an extractor that you may find impossible to replace if it breaks. That's not to say that it isn't a good rifle as I own a 722 (short action version in 300SAV) and it is a very good rifle. You can replace the bottom metal with REM 700 guard for about $90.00 or any one of the steel aftermarket for half again what you paid for the rifle. You should just be aware that if you want to customize this rifle into a classy plainsgame or DG rifle you are paying $300 for an action that will take as much to modify it as a 98 Mauser would. Left alone, it will serve you well for it's intended purpose.

I still have my Dads that he bought 55 years ago and it shoots great. It may not be the prettiest rifle, but pretty is as pretty does and it still out shoots most of my buddies deer rifles. I'd say that is a very good price.

I got one in 1954 for my centerfire rifle. It is still around, but is now a .280 Rem. I added a M700 bolt handle, and an ADL trigger guard to the Macmillan stock it sits in now.

I haven't managed to break the extractor yet.

jim

It's odd how Remington managed to morph from the Model 30, through the 721's, to the Model 700 isn't it?

Quite a bit of difference from start to finish...