OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Forum rules
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
-
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1302
- Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:25 pm
- Location: Indiana
OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I'm considering buying a Remington model 8 semi-auto rifle chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. My reason for being interested in this old gun is one of my heroes used it to kill many grizzlies. I've mentioned him several times but I'll just say he lived in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada and said he killed 50 and then stopped counting. Funny, he never mentioned anything about being "under-powered."
If you own the model 8 or 81 I'd like to hear your opinion of the gun. I think it's a very reliable gun, especially for a semi-auto.
I believe I could buy a decent one for 6-800 dollars.
Don McCullough
If you own the model 8 or 81 I'd like to hear your opinion of the gun. I think it's a very reliable gun, especially for a semi-auto.
I believe I could buy a decent one for 6-800 dollars.
Don McCullough
-
- Levergunner 1.0
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:11 am
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I have a decent one
I paid 350 for it and it works well.
They are take downs and neat as heck
Wouldnt mind trading mine in on a lever gun though
Kid
I paid 350 for it and it works well.
They are take downs and neat as heck
Wouldnt mind trading mine in on a lever gun though
Kid
Live with honor, ride with truth. Be friendly to others. But always carry a gun on your side and a knife in your boot because there are those that do not feel the same as this.
My knife and leather website
www.kidcouteau.com
My knife and leather website
www.kidcouteau.com
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I have Dad's, Grandpa's, great grand uncle's Model 8. Uncle David Waterbury Fancher was the original owner of this rifle, so far as I can determine.
Sincerely,
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 5493
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:23 pm
- Location: Batesville,Arkansas
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I've read that Frank Hamer used one to stop Clyde and Bonnie.
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
JOSHUA 24:15
JOSHUA 24:15
- earlmck
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 3447
- Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 12:10 am
- Location: pert-neer middle of Oregon
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I had one in 300 Savage. Shot pretty good, I just thought it felt and handled kinda' heavy and clunky so it became one of the few rifles I have ever sold. And I have a Savage 99 in the 300 anyway and it is a lot more my style. And I have Marlins in 35 Remington and they are much neater rifles (in my opinion). And now I have a Rem 141 in 30 Remington and it is so cool I am going to get one in 35 Rem. Now the Marlin or the Rem 141 are the ones I'd recommend you be looking at if you want to kill bears with 35 Rem. Super slick! Super cool! And they have either levers or pump handles.
Of course, when a fellow decides he really wants something then he probably really ought to go ahead and get it. I can say that my 81 never had a single failure to function during the year or so I owned it.
Of course, when a fellow decides he really wants something then he probably really ought to go ahead and get it. I can say that my 81 never had a single failure to function during the year or so I owned it.
The greatest patriot...
is he who heals the most gullies. Patrick Henry
is he who heals the most gullies. Patrick Henry
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Good luck on your search, Don. I've been doing the same thing since I read up on Frank Hamer's exploits to bring down Bonnie and Clyde many years ago. The few I've come across were in pretty bad shape and fairly beat up, unfortunately. But, yeah I'm with you. I'd love to find one, develop some handloads and take 'er deer huntin'.
Some people just need a sympathetic pat on the head.....with a hammer. Repeatedly.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I have a 1909 Model 8 in 35 Rem that I re-built and a 1947 Model 81 in 300 Savage. These are my favorite rifles. Mine shoot accurate enough, the 35 will put 3 shots into 1.5" at 100 yds and the 300 Sav is a bit more fussy but will do 2" at 100 yds all the time and occassionally better. The reliability has been excellent. They both gobble up my reloads without a problem and once I found the right load they cycle them without a problem. There are over a dozen of them in excellent shape at the Cabelas Allen, TX for less then $450 each. I saw 4 Model 8's and 1 Model 81 in 35 Rem there. They show up on the internet gun sites now and then for $350-$400 in great shape. If you need specifics or would like me to help you locate a good one just ask.
Professional Hunter
http://www.TARSPORTING.com
"Worldwide Hunting Adventures"
Professional Hunters Assoc of South Africa
SCI - Life Member
NRA - Life Member
NAHC - Trophy Life Member
DWWC - Member
http://www.TARSPORTING.com
"Worldwide Hunting Adventures"
Professional Hunters Assoc of South Africa
SCI - Life Member
NRA - Life Member
NAHC - Trophy Life Member
DWWC - Member
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Don`t use my 81 in 35 much but i sure like it as a neat design.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
This spring I bought someone's grandpaw's Model 8 , 30 Rem. at the local gun shop. They had four from someones colection. I chose to buy the 30 even though it's obsolete cal. It's perfect. I didn't think I needed to reload for it, so bought two boxes of ammo from Buffalo Arms for $80. I sighted it and keyholed every two shots 'til they hit where I wanted them. I love this gun. I'll shoot a deer this fall with it and put it away. Every round cycled like it should. I'm not a fan of autos , but I had to have it anyway.
Owen
Owen
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
We got a 81 in 300 Savage off Gunbroker for a friend maybe a year ago . It shoots well but we needed to go thru it before it worked reliably !
Now that may very well be an isolated incident , but he did have feeding problems with his until we took it apart cleaned it well and tweaked it a bit .
It is my understanding that Frank hammers Model 8 was in 25 REM although that could be incorrect . I also heard or read somewhere that his rifle was profusely engraved as well !
Now that may very well be an isolated incident , but he did have feeding problems with his until we took it apart cleaned it well and tweaked it a bit .
It is my understanding that Frank hammers Model 8 was in 25 REM although that could be incorrect . I also heard or read somewhere that his rifle was profusely engraved as well !
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Sincerely,
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Hmmmm I stand corrected about the 25 REM !Hobie wrote:The Guns of Frank Hamer
I am sure though I read somewhere that Hammer had a Model 8 in 25 REM !
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
[img]
[/img]You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Remington had some the most unique semiauto rifles I have ever seen. They probably rivaled Winchester, for reliability, but since I know squat about the 8/81........
How difficult is it to take the action apart, to clean the bolt? I've always wondered if it was "user/shooter" friendly. Hopefully it's not the nightmare the Nylon 66 is.
How difficult is it to take the action apart, to clean the bolt? I've always wondered if it was "user/shooter" friendly. Hopefully it's not the nightmare the Nylon 66 is.
I know a whole lot about very little and nothing about a whole lot.
-
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1302
- Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:25 pm
- Location: Indiana
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
86er,
I know you've have had a lot of experience with a lot of guns so when you say the model 8 and 81 are your favorite rifles--well now....that's quite a statement. Would you mind giving your reasons? Do you mean your favorite semi-auto rifles?
I've read the models 8 & 81 actions are very similar to the Browning Auto 5 shotgun and we know it's very reliable. Seems the newer guns all go for the gas-operated system while I've thought for some time the old recoil operated would stay reliable the longest--or just plain more reliable.
Thanks too for your kind offer. I won't have a problem locating a good one. I'll give Cabelas a look, and several other sources.
Don
I know you've have had a lot of experience with a lot of guns so when you say the model 8 and 81 are your favorite rifles--well now....that's quite a statement. Would you mind giving your reasons? Do you mean your favorite semi-auto rifles?
I've read the models 8 & 81 actions are very similar to the Browning Auto 5 shotgun and we know it's very reliable. Seems the newer guns all go for the gas-operated system while I've thought for some time the old recoil operated would stay reliable the longest--or just plain more reliable.
Thanks too for your kind offer. I won't have a problem locating a good one. I'll give Cabelas a look, and several other sources.
Don
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 2569
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:51 pm
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Nope but I've got this....
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
"IT IS MY OPINION, AND I AM CORRECT SO DON'T ARGUE, THE 99 SAVAGE IS THE FINEST RIFLE EVER MADE IN AMERICA."
WIL TERRY
WIL TERRY
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I've had 9 or 10 and from 30 Remington to 35 Remington I have the advertising the books and spare parts. My wifes great Uncle took one to Montana in the 20's and he killed a grizzly with hs too...
They are a very well made and reliable gun and are average shooters. Most will hold under 4" at 100 yards easy and some will go under 2". They are not to be hot rodded when loading but will shoot fine with loads in the 35,000 range. Cast bullets shoot just as well as jacketed in these guns and kill just as well on game. Try the Great Model 8 forum if you want the real low down.
They are a very well made and reliable gun and are average shooters. Most will hold under 4" at 100 yards easy and some will go under 2". They are not to be hot rodded when loading but will shoot fine with loads in the 35,000 range. Cast bullets shoot just as well as jacketed in these guns and kill just as well on game. Try the Great Model 8 forum if you want the real low down.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I think the old timers knew how to shoot. When winchester first came out with the 30 WCF., they advertised it as grizzly medicine. If you miss, shoot too far away, or hit it in the leg, the 35 won't stop a grizzly, but neither will a 416 Rigby. But with shot placement and range limitation, the 35 will do the job. But it makes it harder to sell the public a .338 laputa or a 416 Hoffman.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I own two of them. One in 30Rem ( Weaver K 2.5 Scope) and one in 300 Savage (Original Lyman Tang Sight). Both are model 81's. I picked up the scoped rifle for $300 and the one with the Lyman tang sight set up for $450. Both are good shooters and reliable. They came to me in need of cleaning up but in reasonable condition for rifles this old. I am sure both were hunted with a good bit. The interest in these guns was nill for a long time but recently it has been picking up. Along with the prices they are going for. If you are interested I would suggest going for it sooner than later. If the trend continues prices will continue to go up. Most all of the ones I have run across still function just fine even when showing signs of being well used. The wear is often external and cosmetic as they were hauled around out in the woods but not shot just for recreational purposes. These old girls are from a diffrent time for sure. I really like mine and plan on doing some "retro" deer hunting with both of them.getitdone1 wrote:I'm considering buying a Remington model 8 semi-auto rifle chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. My reason for being interested in this old gun is one of my heroes used it to kill many grizzlies. I've mentioned him several times but I'll just say he lived in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada and said he killed 50 and then stopped counting. Funny, he never mentioned anything about being "under-powered."
If you own the model 8 or 81 I'd like to hear your opinion of the gun. I think it's a very reliable gun, especially for a semi-auto.
I believe I could buy a decent one for 6-800 dollars.
Don McCullough
Three shots irons and three shots scope at 100 yds.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
That's cool. Maybe I'll get another one.
Owen
Owen
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6494
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Had a mint Model 8 a few years ago, complete with Marbles sights at all three locations. It was a beauty and shot under 2" at 100 yds if I did my part. I didn't plan on selling it, but showed it to a friend who went crazy over it, and eventually offered enough I decided to let him have it.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I jumped on a .32 Rem last fall. It's too cool.
Slow is just slow.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Real nice! That's my goal. To shoot a buck a buck with the Model 8.
Owen
Owen
-
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1302
- Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:25 pm
- Location: Indiana
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Going back over this thread it just occured to me the model 8 being "improved" with the 81 reminds me of how they "improved" the model 1886 Winchester with the 71. Fatter, heavier stocks. There may have been a few other minor improvements in these two guns but I'll take the 8 and 86 with less weight and thinner, better looking wood.
Don
Don
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I have 5 of them. 25,30,32, and two 35s,,,,,,,,,,,,
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
they still work to,,,,,,,,,,,,,
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6494
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Old post-deleted duplicate reply.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4296
- Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:57 pm
- Location: Vinita, I.T.
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
Man olschool, that's a fine picture. Thanks for posting and nice buck and good shootin'. I just love it when an old campaigner makes meat. Did you see my buck and '73 SRC?
M. M. Wright, Sheriff, Green county Arkansas (1860)
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 9068
- Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:05 am
- Location: Sweetwater, TX
Re: OT-Remington model 8 or 81. Have one?
I love this great Browning design, and have had them in .30, .32 and .35 Remington. Always wanted one in .25 Remington, but they were all either too expensive or had sketchy bores.
Good stuff here:
http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/
Good stuff here:
http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/