Custom Remington Model 721 .416 Taylor 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1948-1962 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,135.00

LSB#: LSB251028TC002

Make: Remington

Model: 721

Serial Number: 429464

Year of Manufacture: 1948-1962

Caliber: .416 Taylor

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Blind Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “416 TAYLOR”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, and “Remington / MODEL 721”. 

Barrel Length: 24″ with Radial Muzzle Brake. Half Octagonal, Half Round. Aftermarket/Custom barrel. 

Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece composite stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, rubber Decelerator buttpad, and sling rings front and rear. There is a sling attached to the stock. The stock is finished with a camo base, with black spiderweb accents. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with a couple scattered dings in the stock’s finish at the bottom of the wrist, and on the bottom of the forend. Otherwise, the stock’s finish is largely intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Stainless (Barrel, Trigger Guard), Blued (Receiver, Bolt)

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a small patch of stubborn fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some finish loss on the top of the receiver from scope mounts, along with operational wear on the bolt and the other friction surfaces of the action, and a few light scratches and imperfections throughout all of the metal surfaces. There is some burnt powder residue around the muzzle brake. Some very minor pitting is visible on the top of the bolt body. The finish is largely intact throughout, otherwise. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, but all have serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sling as mentioned above.  

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1948, the Remington 721 heralded a new era of strong, economical bolt-action design, built around a tubular receiver and a recessed bolt face that later evolved into the Model 700. Its robust action made it an ideal foundation for custom big-bore conversions, and by the late 20th century it had become a favorite among gunsmiths building heavy caliber rifles. The .416 Taylor cartridge itself, developed by Robert Chatfield-Taylor in the 1970s, was conceived to duplicate .416 Rigby performance in a standard length action using plentiful .458 Win. Mag. brass. Producing roughly 400-grain bullets at 2,350–2,400 fps, it offered serious stopping power for large and dangerous game without requiring an oversized magnum action.

This example reflects that lineage clearly. The custom half octagon/half round 24 inch barrel, stainless trigger guard, radial brake, and refinished metal surfaces bring the vintage 721 action firmly into the modern era. The composite stock, finished in a subdued camouflage with spiderweb texturing, provides strength and rigidity while helping control recoil from a cartridge designed for heavy work. The barreled action fits tight, and the rifle remains mechanically sound, with only a few normal indications of use and firing residue around the brake.

Altogether, this rifle represents a practical and purposeful .416 Taylor conversion, one that blends the proven strength of the early Remington action with a cartridge built for real field performance. For hunters and collectors interested in the evolution of American custom big game rifles, this is a compelling example of how the 721 became a canvas for powerful, modern chamberings. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.