genral information

[atw714]

Good Day,

I'm new to this site as I didn't know there was such a site.

I grew up hunting, but have not fired a weapon in more than 30+ years. By nature, I'm lazy and if I shoot something, I would have work to do, so....

Though almost forgotten in my closet, I have a Remington Model 8, .35 Rem. I was thinking of giving to my best hunting buddy of my youth. However, I see that they are maybe worth a little something. I my still give it to him, but would like to know more about my rifle.

It has been in its case for many year. Today was probably the 3rd or 4th time I've looked at it since I stopped hunting and shooting. My father and uncle (co-ownership) gave it to me when I was in my late teens.

The serial number is 12711 with a circled P under the number. Where do I find the code indicating the grade of the rifle? I see no other stamps that would indicate the grades listed on your site.

I would say that it is in fair to good condition. I know it has not been fired for the nearly 40 years of my marriage.

Any input on this thing would be appreciated.

Than you
Alan Wagner
Phoenix, AZ

[81police]

Alan,

We're glad to have you. Hearing you ask about "what grade is my rifle" is good to hear because we're working on that very page to help inform owners.

From your serial number your rifle was most likely manufactured in early 1909, the circle P is just an assembler/fitter mark. We would love to see pictures of your rifle if you are able. Pictures would also help us to tell you a little more about your rifle as well.

Below is a rough breakdown of the five grades of Model 8...

A grade (also known as #1 or standard grade) - no receiver engraving, plain uncheckered American walnut stock and forearm. Could be ordered with optional checkering.

C grade (also known as #3 or special grade) - no receiver engraving, checkered stock and forearm of English walnut.

D grade (also known as #4 or peerless grade) - a light amount of scroll engraving on receiver and barrel jacket. Checkered stock and forearm of fancy English walnut.

E grade (also known as #5 or expert grade) - more scroll engraving on receiver (with 1 game scene) and barrel jacket. More elaborate checkering of high grade English walnut stock and forearm. Underside of stock with a silver nameplate.

F grade (also known as #6 or premier grade) - even more scroll engraving with 2 game scenes on receiver. Even more elaborate checkering of the stock and forearm now made of fine Circassian walnut. Gold nameplate on underside of stock.

[atw714]

Thanks for the reply. Looking at your answers, I would gues my rifle to be Grade C as it does have checkering on the stock and forearm. I'm not sure I wish to take pictures adn get too involved with all this since I will likely not have the rifle long. Either by gift or sale.

Thanks again for your reply, it is appreciated.

[jack1653]

Howdy and welcome to the forum. If you would like to sell the rifle, send me an email at jack1653@att.net and maybe we can arrange a sale.

Regards,

jack1653

[81police]

Alan,

The majority of checkering encountered is not factory done. Sometimes if you remove the forearm (or stock) and see a "3" stamped in the wood this would indicate a "C" grade. Best of luck with the rifle, thanks for visiting our site!

[atw714]

Again, thank all of you who replied to my inquiry.

The new question that has come to light is the checkering. How does one tell if the checkering is original or done after he fact?

Also, does anyone know a knowledgeable or gunsmith in the Phoenix area that I might take my rifle to be looked at or assessed?

[jack1653]

Hey atw714,

I can't help you with the gunsmith question since I live in Georgia. In addition to what 81police has suggeted, I would add these comments. The factory checkering on the majority of the Remington's that i have is a very fine 22 lines to the inch. The checkering will have a double border and you will never see any lines proturding through that border. Panel patterns may vary on occassion depending on the grade of the rifle, but most are the same. You can find some pictures in the Gallery section on this web site. There are also some pictures of checkered rifles thoughout the topics on the forum. If you could forward a picture via email to 81police, he can post it on the forum for you.

Good Luck.

jack1653

[81police]

Alan,

The following is one of the most common factory checkering patterns for Model 8's both on checkered A grades and C grades. Some C grades (like the Pre-WWI rifle in the website banner at the top of the page) have slightly more elaborate patterns. And just because it's got factory checkering doesn't mean it's a "C" grade. 2 of the 4 pictures below are an "A" grade.

[Sarge756]

Cam, thanks for posting the photos of the checkering.I`ll add them to the file for patterns for upcoming projects.I have a straight and round knob to do soon. Can`t wait to see the additional photos coming with the discussion on the different grades. Joe