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Model 8 Class question

Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 5:36 pm
by AMAY
This is my second post and in looking around I may have put my first post in a had to find place but stuck some pictures of my Model 8 carrying case in the general topics area under the Model 8 carrying case thread.

My general question was about "Class", I found out from the serial # it's a 1912
"F" but don't know anything about the class system. I make my assumption because there's a "F" stamped above the SN (294xx) and a circled K below (what's that?). Can someone enlighten this newby (who's only owned this gun for 57 years)? Dad left it to me when he died in 57' and I deer hunted with it as a kid but left it sit when I bought newer guns with scopes. It also doesn't have a peep site, apparently those aren't standard?

Re: Model 8 Class question

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:58 am
by 81police
Dru,

The marking to which you're refering, the "F" and the circled "K" have nothing to do with the grade (class) of the rifle. These are simply fitter's/assembler's markings. 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 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.