7400s don't really have a terrible reputation. 742s do. Main reason is the internal rails the bolt rides on wear down due to too soft metal in the 742.
Probably 5% of Remington 740, 742, 7400 were junk from factory. 15% got worn out. 30% were dirty and owners didn't clean them.
50% were cleaned and ran flawlessly.
The three 2.5-10x56 amber dot Accupoints I have are spectacular at having no flair in low light. Leupold firedots are not.
I have a heavy dose of astigmatism
https://www.eurooptic.com/Trijicon-Huron-3-9x40-BDC-Hunter-Holds-1-in-Satin-Black-Riflescope-2700006.aspx
or Trijicon accupoint 3-9x40 duplex with center dot if you want illumination.
Last whitetail I shot straight on was with a 130 gr SST from a 270. The deer's back legs kicked as the front of the body raised up. It literally went straight up into the air and flipped over backwards. Only time I've seen it happen.