U.S. Navy Match Trophy Remington 720 USMC Master Sergeant Jack W. Whitis
SOLD FOR: $4825
LSB#: 230531JE022
Make: Remington
Model: 720
Serial Number: 41631
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (PL Date Code)
Caliber: .30-06 Sprg.
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SPRINGFIELD / 30 CAL. 1906”. The right side of the barrel at the chamber is marked with the date code, magnaflux, proof, and inspection marks. The right side of the receiver is marked “Remington / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MODEL-720 / 41631”. The bolt is marked “41631”. The top of the barrel is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO., INC., REMINGTON / ILION WORKS, ILION, N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A.”. The floorplate is marked “SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TROPHY / 1988 WESTERN DIVISION RIFLE CHAMPION / MSGT JACK W. WHITIS / 591-55V”. The left side of the buttstock has a crossed cannon cartouche and “FJA”.
Barrel Length: 22?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned into a serrated barrel band base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notched elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The right of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one-piece stock is checkered wood with a straight comb and pistol grip. There are a couple scratches from the hardware of the currently installed sling. There are light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are light handling marks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the checkered steel Remington buttplate. The plate has some spots of oxidation and light handling wear. The stock rates in Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some spots of discoloration on the bright surfaces of the bolt handle. There are a few light marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. When in safety the bolt is locked and cannot be cycled. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a box with paperwork including the manual and a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This is a Remington Model 720, an upgraded Model 30. The Model 30 was a factory sporter from Remington which took form after WWI when they had a surplus of 1917 parts. They took the rear sight wings off, strengthened the floorplate, and slightly changed the receiver bridge. This resulted in a much more visually appealing rifle and at the cost of only one round of capacity.
The Model 720 was introduced in 1941 but quickly took a back seat to the production of 1903 and 03A3 rifles. The rifle didn’t have enough runway to takeoff and was discontinued shortly after. The rifle was discontinued, but not before the Navy got their hands on about 1,000 and held them in reserve. The availability of other guns such as the M1 and 1903 let these go unused as they sat for years and years at the USN Crane Depot until 1963 when they finally had their day in the sun. A USMC marksmanship officer had the idea that instead of destroying them, they ought to be used as trophies for marksmanship matches and prestigious shooting events. The floorplate would then be marked with the winners information commemorating the performance. What a great idea it was, only 2,500 of these rifles were ever made, so keeping 1000 of them and making match trophies was an excellent choice. This one has been preserved exceptionally well and will add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
