I just inherited an 81 (and 29 other firearms)

[DanPav]

Hello Everyone, and thanks Cam for helping me register here.

My name is Dan, and I'm a gun novice. So it was kind of a surprise when my father left me 30 firearms (12 rifles, 18 handguns).
One of the rifles is the 81.
I've been trying to educate myself on all the pieces I have, and when I found your group here, I thought you all might be a great resource to determine the age, value, condition, etc.
I know I have a lot to learn, so feel free hit me with any of the very basic steps I need to take to protect and honor this firearms. At the very least, I owe that to my father.

Below are a few close-ups of the 81 numbers.
cheers,
Dan

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[Hibby83]

Hi Dan. My condolences to you and your family.

Welcome to the forum. There is a plethora of knowledge posted here along with members that can help answer most any question that arises.

It appears you have a fine 49'er "made in 1949". What caliber is the ol 81? The barrel date code appears to be AUU, March of 1949.

I'm sure you'll cherish the Remington and the rest of the lot.

As far as care and maintenance. Taking the rifle down in 2 pieces "removing barrel assembly from receiver" is generally easy and basic. A Remington/any brand gun cloth to wipe it down. Cleaning the bore and possibly some touch up cleaning the inner workings of the receiver "without disassembling the receiver". That's probably as far as you'd have to go, given there isn't major gunk/rust. Any further disassembly beyond taking it down, respect must be given to the rifle. Correct tools and studying the procedures that are accessible here and on youtube. Replacement parts availability is getting fewer as time goes on.

Hibby

[DanPav]

Thanks for the kind words and the guidance, Hibby.
It's a great help to me.

Can you direct me to the location that will tell me the caliber?
Dan

[Hibby83]

Thanks for the kind words and the guidance, Hibby.
It's a great help to me.

Can you direct me to the location that will tell me the caliber?
Dan

You're certainly welcome!

Look at the right side of the receiver, where the action opens. At the front of the opening the rear of the barrel extension will have a caliber stamp. 30 REM - 32 REM - 35 REM - 300 SAV

[Hibby83]

Here's a photo I grabbed online to help.

[DanPav]

got it!
300 SAV

Is that a good thing? Is one caliber better than another, or is it just a preference thing?

-Dan

[Hibby83]

got it!
300 SAV

Is that a good thing? Is one caliber better than another, or is it just a preference thing?

-Dan

All calibers available to the gun are good. Some are better for those who don’t reload. The 300 SAV and 35 REM are a great choice since they’re still being produced by the big ammo companies. The 30 and the 32 are good but can prove difficult finding ammo from the small batch companies and even the components prove tricky to find.

For deer and bear the 300 SAV is definitely more than adequate.

The 300 Savage and 35Remington were the 2 most common offerings for the Model 81. The 35 brings more of a premium over the 300 money wise.

[Bandersnatch]

Could you post some pics of the whole rifle? We like pics.

[DanPav]

Incredible info.
Thank you!

[DanPav]

Sure can, Bander.
Here are a few pics of my 81.

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[MinnesotaDan]

Dan,

What a great way to remember and honor your father by caring for his firearms. You have a nice 81 there.

You are at the right place. This site, and more specifically the individuals on it have lots of knowledge and expertise. They have been immensely helpful to me.

Enjoy your 81!

Dan

[DanPav]

Thanks Dan, I appreciate that.

And I agree. Although going from zero to thirty is a bit overwhelming.
Honestly, I will probably keep the older collectibles and part with half the collection - mostly hand guns.

Just trying to education myself on how to care for and store these firearms (I have kids).
Certainly a fun new hobby!

Dan