Remington Model 81 autoloader

28gaugefan

28gaugefan

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New Brunswick
I'm looking at a Remington Model 81 autoloader in .300 Savage. It looks like a neat gun. Anybody have any experience with one or more? This one is well cared for with great bluing, looks original. Stock has normal wear. This gun has been hanging around the shop for awhile. Opinions?
 
In it's day it was a good gun and if you really like it, buy it.
But there are a lot better choices out there for the same money.
They haven't been produced for around 60 years and parts could be an issue.
Hard to mount a scope on, big awkward AK type safety and big box magazine makes one hand carry challenging.
 
These are definitly neat rifles.

Wanted one since I saw one in a gun mag and on friday there was one at the local gun show for $500. Had the straight stock which had a small crack starting in it, chambered for 35 rem, I must have walked by and stopped to look at it 5 times however I ended up buying a O/U 12 ga since I NEED (no really, I do) a new shotgun.

If it's there next time I'm gonna pick it up.
 
Good gun and built like a tank. They shoulder fast and aim quick like a shotgun. So if you are hunting in thick brush where your shot is fast and under 50 yards or so, the 81 is a pleasure to carry even though it's a bit heavy for a long walk.

It's a clumbsy rifle to try and mount a scope to. So if you need a scope, then I would pass on the 81 and get something newer.

The 300 Sav caliber is kind'a like a 308 win (if my memory is still functioning correctly). It'll talk the truth, and knock down your deer and moose.

Have at it, and enjoy something special. A ruff and tuff, well built old champ, and based upon an original Browning desingn. Bang away and enjoy!

:)
 
I know there are "better" choices out there. I have the view that if it worked then it'll work now. Deer haven't gotten bullet proof in the last 60 years. This could be the start of a new collection for me. I love old classic hunting rifles. I had begun a small collection a few years ago but had to sell the few off to take care of some bills that poped up. Love old Rem. 14, 141, 8, 81, Savage 99, Win 94 etc.
 
28gaugefan said:
Love old Rem. 14, 141, 8, 81, Savage 99, Win 94 etc.
Click to expand...

Your on a slippery slope 28 and we can help get the inventory back up in your safe.:p
Here are some forums just for the 8 and 81's. I've posted a "couple" pics in the vintage hunting forum there to keep you going.:p

ht tp://vintagesemiautorifle.proboards.com/index.cgi?
ht tp://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/

I believe the 300 is one of the more favored chamberings in the 81, Scanner nailed the description. I packed my 8 last year and it cost me two whitetail due to limited range but it is still fun to carry a century old gun.
 
My dad has one in .35 Remington and he's used it for years. It kills deer just fine. Based on his experience, it shoots more accurately if you don't fold the rear sight down. He had a deer come by him and he emptied the gun at it and couldn't figure out how he missed and then he noticed that the rear sight was folded down. He said that when he fired his last shot the deer stopped running and looked at him and walked away while he dug frantically through his pockets for another shell. I think it's a gorgeous rifle but I prefer modern technology over nostalgia.
 
I had a Rem Model 8 in 35 Rem some years ago that I took hunting one year. Nothing wrong with it per se, but there are much better choices. Sights are an issue - you can try to find a very rare Lyman Peep sight, or cobble together something else that might affect its collectability. A usable gun IMO, but unless you want the vintage feel to hunting, you can do better and keep it as a collector piece.
 
Find the ammo, locally first. Federal, Remington and Winchester load it, but it may not be readily available in NB. Try Crappy Tire first. As daft as it sounds.
 
I have one. Mounted a long eye relief scope (leupold) on the rear sight location. It will consistently group 2" @ 100 yd. Buy it & enjoy. Maintenance is near zero.
 
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