Hello my name is Mike out of Washington state.
Came across this site in just the last few days after becoming a new
Remington model 8 (or is it an 81?) rifle.
More on that in a bit. A little introduction / background first.
I’m retired Navy, thirty years, 1957 – 1987. After that, had a follow up career with federal civil service. Retired the 2nd time in 2004. Military and civil service time all involved aviation maintenance in some capacity with the Navy. Been all over the world including every dry spot in the Pacific. No particular claim to fame besides saying I spent 23 years in Japan (NAF Atsugi) combined military and civilian time.
Unlike most of you, I’m not a hunter. I’m more of a “gee whiz” sort of person. I like well made machines, anything that flys (airplane wise) and well made guns. When I first got my hands on
A Remington, the thought was “gee whiz, this is neat!”
Grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. Learned to use a 22 rifle for varmit hunting to protect my granddads chickens, ducks,
And so forth. He also owned a 25 cal pistol which I took to school one day when I was in the 8th grade to show some fellows. We took it in down by the river during lunch to shoot. I had the gun in one pocket and a hand full of rounds in the other.
I was thinking about that the other day. In this day and age , had I been caught with a gun in school, most likely they’d have called in the FBI, the national guard and I would still be in jail years later.
Anyway, during my Navy career, gun ownership was out of the question but I had some good moments. One in particular that stands out for me. In 1969 I was serving with the “knightriders” of
Attack squadron fifty-two deployed aboard USS Coral Sea.
We pulled into Cubi Point, the Phillipines, after a long at sea period. On the base there we learned a movie company was shooting a war film called “To late the hero” directed by Robert Aldrich. He had produced the famed war film “the dirty dozen”
Several years earlier. As it turned out this new film didn’t do so well at the box office but that’s another story.
They wanted sailors and marines to play the role of soldiers and extras in various scenes they were shooting in a set that was constructed miles into the jungle.
I signed up and for the next four days I was a soldier in the British army of world war two. Among the movie stars I got to rub elbows with was Michael Cane and Henry Fonda who was there for one day. But the most interesting person I met was the guy that was contracted to handle all the weapons used by the various actors during the combat scenes. I got to fire a Japanese Nambu Machine gun, various british guns, a thirty caliber machine gun and a BAR.
This guy, ( I’ve forgotten his name) was an expert on military weapons of world war two. He was responsible for making sure the right weapons were used, and used correctly for what ever the scene was that was being shot. He owned most of the weapons outright, used in the film production. This included stuff like hand grenades, and other guns that were to be used in other parts of the film. For me it was a real “gee whiz” moment.
Over the years other weapons I’ve gotten to fire include the M-60 machine gun and the UZI.
So here I am today, an old geezer in my mid seventies. I haven’t done much shootin’ in the last twenty-five years.
I’m over visiting a retired marine friend, I’ll call him John. John was an aviation marine. In fact at one time, a door gunner on marine helos in Vietnam. He’s got Parkinsons disease today.
Real bad. With his wife gone, his son and his son’s wife look after him.
I try to get in to see him a couple times a week. I’ve known him over twenty years. Funny thing is, We never talked about guns.
But this day, about three weeks ago, he brings it up. He’s got one in the garage he wants me to have. His sons not interested.
So I take it home and start to clean it up. Sitting in the garage for who knows how long, it was dirty, dusty and had spider webs all over. After some care, the walnut stocks starts to glow and the metal surfaces begin showing some blue. The chamber is marked 35 rem. The gun has a nice heft to it and I start to get that “gee whiz” Excitement. Mounted on the rifle is a Herter’s scope.
3-9x33 are the numbers.
I go on line and Google for more information, eventually coming to this site. Lots of history. As for John, he tells me his dad owned this gun. Perhaps his grandfather too. All before “the big war”, but that’s all he’s sure off. And so that’s my issue now. The serial is 11652
Stamped above the numbers is an “S” and below a “P”.
Looking at the serials listed on the site I’m confused. It appears these numbers could be for a 1907 model 8 or a 1940 model 81
That’s why I’m not sure if I have an 8 or an 81.
I’m thinking its probably a model 8 but it seems pretty clean to be so old. Perhaps that’s just the “newbie” in me, talkin’ out loud.
Anyway, hope someone here can set me straight.
Also is there a guide on posting photo’s? or maybe I can send
Some to somebody to post for me?
Oh yeah, my plans for it? Once I’m squared away, I’m headed for the range. Already got hold of some federal 35 remington 200 grain. This gun looks like a shooter.
Anyway, glad to be on board,
Thanks for being here.
hello, newbie with questions
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Mike,
You have come to the right place to learn about your new aquisition. It is good that it passed to someone that will appreciate it. Seems a shame that a Grandson would not be interested in his Grandads gun.That is the world today I guess.
Regardless, we are glad to have you and would love seeing photos of your Remington.
Joe
You have come to the right place to learn about your new aquisition. It is good that it passed to someone that will appreciate it. Seems a shame that a Grandson would not be interested in his Grandads gun.That is the world today I guess.
Regardless, we are glad to have you and would love seeing photos of your Remington.
Joe
".......ain't many troubles that a man cain't fix
With seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six."
With seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six."
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Welcome indeed - great story and backgrund.
I'm unaware of any 81's that did not have "The Woodmaster Model 81" roll stamped on the left side of the receiver (with the possible exception of high grade special orders for engraving).
Also, what is the last patent date in the role stamp on the barrel (shroud actually)? Although the correct patent date was June 3, 1902, generally that was not changed until 1908. Thus, if it is stamped July 3, 1902, you likely have a second year 1907 Model 8!
A great fine. Buy yourself a Wally World Limbsaver slip-on butt pad (I keep two handy) and enjoy shooting it.
As to pictures, there are at least a couple of ways to do it. One is to post them else where and post that address here - I'm not up on making that work.
Another is to use the regular reply or post page on the forum. Just scroll down from the post box and follow the prompts to gather the picture from your computer and post it. There are a couple of extra steps involved but just keep clicking "preview" until you can see it and it is the size you want, then you are good to go.
Plus there is the ask a friend - you can send the pictures to me or someone else on the forum and have them scan them in and post them for you. I don't mind and do it for others, let me know if you can't get the posting to work and I'll PM you my address in the Occupied Territory. (Side note: Sorry Sighthound, I have indeed received your pics but been running a bit behind will get them up this week.)
I'm unaware of any 81's that did not have "The Woodmaster Model 81" roll stamped on the left side of the receiver (with the possible exception of high grade special orders for engraving).
Also, what is the last patent date in the role stamp on the barrel (shroud actually)? Although the correct patent date was June 3, 1902, generally that was not changed until 1908. Thus, if it is stamped July 3, 1902, you likely have a second year 1907 Model 8!
A great fine. Buy yourself a Wally World Limbsaver slip-on butt pad (I keep two handy) and enjoy shooting it.
As to pictures, there are at least a couple of ways to do it. One is to post them else where and post that address here - I'm not up on making that work.
Another is to use the regular reply or post page on the forum. Just scroll down from the post box and follow the prompts to gather the picture from your computer and post it. There are a couple of extra steps involved but just keep clicking "preview" until you can see it and it is the size you want, then you are good to go.
Plus there is the ask a friend - you can send the pictures to me or someone else on the forum and have them scan them in and post them for you. I don't mind and do it for others, let me know if you can't get the posting to work and I'll PM you my address in the Occupied Territory. (Side note: Sorry Sighthound, I have indeed received your pics but been running a bit behind will get them up this week.)
Though defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Hey imfuncity, many, many thanks for taking time to check out my serial number.
Everything you called out in your post matched up including
"patented july 3, 1902". So it looks like john's old gun is a 1907 year of manufacture,
model 8 in 35 cal. We've been talking about this since I got your reply. He recalls hearing his granddad
say the gun was purchased at Warshalls a major sports store in Seattle for many years. It came broke down
in a box, he was told and was delivered by UPS on a ferry boat in the San Juan Islands when the
family lived there. His family came from England back in the late 1890's and moved to Washington
sometime in the early 1900's. So it seems to match up. Again many thanks.
Thanks for the offer to post some photos. If its no problem I have two or three I can send you.
I'll try and send them along before too long. Again many thanks.
By the way, didn't mean to "poor mouth" johns son about no intrest in the rifle. He has his dads old service weapon.
a 1911 model 45cal. I believe. He just didn't have an intrest in the remington.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Lucky for me!
Everything you called out in your post matched up including
"patented july 3, 1902". So it looks like john's old gun is a 1907 year of manufacture,
model 8 in 35 cal. We've been talking about this since I got your reply. He recalls hearing his granddad
say the gun was purchased at Warshalls a major sports store in Seattle for many years. It came broke down
in a box, he was told and was delivered by UPS on a ferry boat in the San Juan Islands when the
family lived there. His family came from England back in the late 1890's and moved to Washington
sometime in the early 1900's. So it seems to match up. Again many thanks.
Thanks for the offer to post some photos. If its no problem I have two or three I can send you.
I'll try and send them along before too long. Again many thanks.
By the way, didn't mean to "poor mouth" johns son about no intrest in the rifle. He has his dads old service weapon.
a 1911 model 45cal. I believe. He just didn't have an intrest in the remington.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Lucky for me!
Re: hello, newbie with questions
..."didn't mean to 'poor mouth' John's son"... No issues, like you said, "Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Lucky for me!" We each have our different stories on how we got here - certainly the ugly old hump back ain't for everyone. I'd have had a hard time turning down a 1911 myself.
As for shooting your old M8, when I first got my M8 & M81 (1907-1949) I didn't know any better - it was my first gun!! - I just picked it up filled the magazine, aimed it down range, and pulled the trigger.
Since then it has been brought to my attention that checking a few things might have been a good idea
like making sure the barrel was clear and the bolt worked when I pulled the trigger (actually I did check those, more from curiosity vs. safety), plus with these critters one should push down on the barrel assembly to make sure that it will recoil completely inside the receiver. After that, I'd still say, "slip on a recoil pad, load'r up, and go shoot'n". 
Enjoy
As for shooting your old M8, when I first got my M8 & M81 (1907-1949) I didn't know any better - it was my first gun!! - I just picked it up filled the magazine, aimed it down range, and pulled the trigger.
Since then it has been brought to my attention that checking a few things might have been a good idea
like making sure the barrel was clear and the bolt worked when I pulled the trigger (actually I did check those, more from curiosity vs. safety), plus with these critters one should push down on the barrel assembly to make sure that it will recoil completely inside the receiver. After that, I'd still say, "slip on a recoil pad, load'r up, and go shoot'n". EnjoyThough defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
newbie photos
Posting these for Mr. Mike who went through the door on someone else's push - great rifle for the price! 
- P1010076 4x.jpg (45.28 KiB) Viewed 9008 times
- P1010070 4x.jpg (40.6 KiB) Viewed 9009 times
- P1010067 4x.jpg (46.64 KiB) Viewed 9008 times
Though defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Many, many, thanks to imfuncity for posting these pic's and listening to some of my "sea storys" while
I stumbled through sending him my gun photo's. Your the man!!
Wanted to also comment that I recieved a copy of John Henwoods book " the great remington 8 and
model 81 autoloading rifles" I ordered my copy (2nd edition) from amazon.com, just a bit less than half the list price.
What a great read! Looks like my rifle actually is a late in the year, 1908 model. Gosh, 103 years old! lotta history there.
I also have a better understanding of the five grades of the model eight with mine being an 8A or standard.
What a "bible" this book is. Twenty-five dollars for a brand new autoloading rifle chambered for 35 cal. in the box, back then! Mr. Henwood has a lot of info on auto-loading clips. I wondered if these are available anywhere,
particularly for 35 remington? Sounds like a nice thing to have.
One other thing I've noticed, some model 8's have a "tab" , I believe its called a magazine side spring that extends below
the reciever along the magazine usually on the left hand side and some don't. Is there any significanse / importance to
that?
Again many thanks
I stumbled through sending him my gun photo's. Your the man!!
Wanted to also comment that I recieved a copy of John Henwoods book " the great remington 8 and
model 81 autoloading rifles" I ordered my copy (2nd edition) from amazon.com, just a bit less than half the list price.
What a great read! Looks like my rifle actually is a late in the year, 1908 model. Gosh, 103 years old! lotta history there.
I also have a better understanding of the five grades of the model eight with mine being an 8A or standard.
What a "bible" this book is. Twenty-five dollars for a brand new autoloading rifle chambered for 35 cal. in the box, back then! Mr. Henwood has a lot of info on auto-loading clips. I wondered if these are available anywhere,
particularly for 35 remington? Sounds like a nice thing to have.
One other thing I've noticed, some model 8's have a "tab" , I believe its called a magazine side spring that extends below
the reciever along the magazine usually on the left hand side and some don't. Is there any significanse / importance to
that?
Again many thanks
Re: side spring and magazines
I believe you are referring to the "side springs" along-side the magazine... they were not there, then there was one, and finally two. (You'll find their history in your new bible pg 55, 56 info and photo) But ... don't make the mistake that they release the magazine, they don't; the receiver must be disassembled to remove the magazine. (Much to the chagrin of one of the employees, at the gun shop where I bought my first one!)
There were at least two companies that modified the magazine to make it removable. (Click on the rifle photo at the top of the forum page, there are several interesting articles hidden there, one of the most recent is regarding the Police 81: http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/?page_id=659)
- Plus, several members have landed a "Krieger conversion" over the years, "the other modification" for magazine removal. (Every once in a while a no-name model shows up, which seem to be a "one-z", probably done by a local gunsmith.)
- And Cam (81Police) posted some current selling prices from a recent auction: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1595&p=4499&sid=27 ... 24fe#p4499
Many of us on the forum have been discussion and drooling over removeable magazines for a long time: were to find them, cost, "can a regular M8/81 be modified for one?", etc. Plenty of information when you do a search here on the forum.
Enjoy reading the forum and your new book - until your eyes cross and/or your wallet runs dry!! Welcome to the humpback addiction!!
There were at least two companies that modified the magazine to make it removable. (Click on the rifle photo at the top of the forum page, there are several interesting articles hidden there, one of the most recent is regarding the Police 81: http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/?page_id=659)
- Plus, several members have landed a "Krieger conversion" over the years, "the other modification" for magazine removal. (Every once in a while a no-name model shows up, which seem to be a "one-z", probably done by a local gunsmith.)
- And Cam (81Police) posted some current selling prices from a recent auction: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1595&p=4499&sid=27 ... 24fe#p4499
Many of us on the forum have been discussion and drooling over removeable magazines for a long time: were to find them, cost, "can a regular M8/81 be modified for one?", etc. Plenty of information when you do a search here on the forum.
Enjoy reading the forum and your new book - until your eyes cross and/or your wallet runs dry!! Welcome to the humpback addiction!!
Though defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Mike,
Thank you for sharing your Model 8 story with us, love it! Great pictures too btw. The rifle looks in pretty good shape for 103 years old
You can find original stripper clips on ebay and gunbroker from time to time. The auction below is for a WWII era steel Model 8/81 steel stripper clip. If you wanted to get all technical and period correct, one that would have originally been used during the time of your rifle would have been brass and marked "35CAL" only.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =234266400
Thank you for sharing your Model 8 story with us, love it! Great pictures too btw. The rifle looks in pretty good shape for 103 years old
You can find original stripper clips on ebay and gunbroker from time to time. The auction below is for a WWII era steel Model 8/81 steel stripper clip. If you wanted to get all technical and period correct, one that would have originally been used during the time of your rifle would have been brass and marked "35CAL" only.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =234266400
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Oops, my bad - I was obviously thinking loading and clipping in removable magazines. Thanks Cam for helping out and smoothing over another senior moment. 
Though defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Hey 81 POLICE, Just a quick follow on note to say thanks for the tip on the clip auction at
gunbroker. This is truly a great site with good folks.
I won that bid. Being a "newbie" I wasn't sure how rare those clips might be, so I've been holdin'
my breath all week. This is only the third time I ever bid on an on-line auction, so go head and laugh.
My experience the first couple times was someone popped open the "big, thick,wallet" and scooped up the goodies
at the last moment. Finally got lucky.
Thanks again.
gunbroker. This is truly a great site with good folks.
I won that bid. Being a "newbie" I wasn't sure how rare those clips might be, so I've been holdin'
my breath all week. This is only the third time I ever bid on an on-line auction, so go head and laugh.
My experience the first couple times was someone popped open the "big, thick,wallet" and scooped up the goodies
at the last moment. Finally got lucky.
Thanks again.
Re: hello, newbie with questions
Mike,
we try to keep this forum as helping and friendly as possible, that's what it's all about! I think you did great on that stripper clip, that particular auction was a reasonable price for such an old piece. If you've got one model 8 or thirty model 8's, you gotta have at least 1 stripper clip! Nice job.
we try to keep this forum as helping and friendly as possible, that's what it's all about! I think you did great on that stripper clip, that particular auction was a reasonable price for such an old piece. If you've got one model 8 or thirty model 8's, you gotta have at least 1 stripper clip! Nice job.
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator