Been a while since I said anything about my .300 Sav Model 81, but I'm here to ask some questions about the pre-war guns. This one isn't listed for sale anywhere but it's in a small collection, owned by a guy who only buys .35 Rem Model 8s.
I don't have all the pictures, but I have seen the serial number and it dates to 1908 or 1909... I would assume before WWI this should have the stock "cheeks", and a different checkering pattern?
I'm leaning more towards 'Bubba' on this one but was curious to read some discourse. Thanks.
81police wrote: ↑Tue Apr 07, 2026 11:52 am
my vote is "not factory"
Thanks for the reply, Cam - since you're basically the expert I would say that's pretty conclusive. I cannot find any pictures anywhere of this pattern on any other Model 8s, and although it's not necessarily bad or poorly done, I think the grip pattern location is extremely weird. Very far from the receiver. I did not take the stock off to check, but I'm sure that both the forend and buttstock are complete replacements - the white line spacer on the butt plate makes me think this was something done in the late 40s or 50s.
This one could stump folks because it somewhat resembles factory patterns, especially the stock. But you're right, it's far back but the dead giveaway for me was the overall pattern & placement of the forearm. Never seen anything like that on a factory rifle. It's very tasteful though and better looking than the majority of aftermarket checkering jobs.
If you check my early posts I & my Bro have checkered stocks with similar patterns. His is a M8, mine a M81. I know many are very iconic patterns. I also have seen some that are customer ordered upgrades. With few remaining records we likely making educated guesses, also must bear in mind there are "BUBBA" smiths out there.
I think unless there are obvious hacks, we might simply appreciate our Ladies. I have been fortunate to be able to restore one from parts, 4-5 repairs, and have the opportunity to restore a FBI rifle if I can locate some few parts. (mainly a receiver) Our brothers with Ladies need us to support & befriend each other...
I agree with your estimate of late 40s or 50s when white line spacers were popular. Easy for us to be judgmental of choices made back then, but adding checkering was often considered a functional upgrade of a rifle that was pretty common at the time. A plastic buttplate was probably considered a modernization.
