Remington Model 720

[Rick Bowles]

This is a pretty obscure rifle. Made in 1941 only, 2500 were made and 1,000 were purchased by the Navy but were never issued. After the war They were used as "Secretary of the Navy" trophy rifles. Most have the floorplate engraved with the "Secretary of the Navy Trophy" and the particular match. This example does not. Does anyone have anymore info on these rare rifles?

 

[30-30remchester]

Being a devout early Winchester man, I am weak in the knees seeing this rifle. They were made in a time in Remington history that they took pride in their work. I have haunted gun show for decades and have never seen one in person. You be one lucky duck.

 

[shouldazagged]

Oh, my, my...

 

[da gimp]

There used to be a couple of guys that many considered to be the experts on these rifles that hung out on "CSP Jousters" boards /Culver's Shooting Page boards.. it has been some time since I was there. Look on the service rifle boards & ask on the Guntalk board too, where to find the threads for them.

As you know, Rem. based these fine rifles on the old model 1917/model 30 rifles.. but were further refined. I passed up one that had been re-chambered to .300H&H that had belonged to our old farm vet.

 

[Rick Bowles]

Being a devout early Winchester man, I am weak in the knees seeing this rifle. They were made in a time in Remington history that they took pride in their work. I have haunted gun show for decades and have never seen one in person. You be one lucky duck.

Since you're a fan I thought I'd show you a pic with the two brothers, the Winchester Model 70 with the Remington Model 720. Both made in 1941, both in '06, both went to the military and neither was destined to serve.

 

[2152hq]

There was one of the Sec/Navy Trophy marked ones at a local show recently. Setting on a table along w/a '41 Johnson Automatic.
A large sign said 'Yes they are For Sale,,ask me. But don't you dare touch them'.
The owner/curator of them sat in a lofty perch behind the table in a directors chair awaiting inquirys.
I couldn't be bothered to join in the circus.

 

[GMG1 Markovcy]

SEC-NAV Award Rifles Rem 720

I had a few. Won them while Shooting for the Navy. I won 7 all together. Sold all but one. Had to shoot on No-Cost orders, used $ to pay for travel etc... I sold 6 of them to a dealer up in Northern VA back in 80s. If you bought one and don't know source, let me know last 3 digits, if it was mine, I may be able to increase its value. With Match bulletin etc...
Got 4 from Interservice Rifle Matches (Quantico) 82, 84, 87, 90
Got 2 from Nationals Camp Perry 86, 89
One from ALL Navy Annapolis MD 86

They are worth WAY more now....

 

[ReloadforFun]

Might post here

Remington 700 Rifle Forums

and see if anyone there can add any info.

 

[five 0]

Retired Navy Commander Jim Adell of the Garand Collectors Association keeps track of the records of the rifles issued.

You may try to contact him to see if the 720 you have is one that was issued.

 

[alwslate]

The Remington 720 is indeed a rare bird. It is a sporterized version of the 1917 Enfield military rifle.

 

[mauser9]

Great post. Yep 2,500 produced. Made a 720 R with 20 inch barrel and 720S with 24 inch barrel.