1907 Model 8 in 30 cal

[carp59901]

I have a Model 8, serial #44xx (manufactured in 1907) in 30 caliber. I have pictures of my grandfather using this rifle to shoot elk, deer and bear. I have always assumed that he was the original purchaser of the gun. Is there any way to check to see where a gun was originally shipped after being manufactured? By the way, the gun is in beautiful condition. I shoot it regularly.

[81police]

carp59901,

No such records exist to my knowledge. Perhaps Corey Creamer can confirm or deny that, he'd be the guy that would know.

We'd love to see pictures of your rifle from years ago.

[carp59901]

I would be happy to publish some pictures. How do I do that?

[81police]

after you hit "post reply" at the bottom of the page will be a place where you can "browse" to find your file. Once you find it on your computer you simply hit "add the file" and submit your post like usual. You can add up to 3 pictures per post.

[carp59901]

This is my Model 8 in 30-caliber. The serial number is 4404; manufactured in 1907 - the first year that caliber was available. The first owner of the gun was my grandfather who was an avid hunter. I have several pictures of him (taken in 1908-1909) with the gun after he has taken deer, elk and bear. My father also hunted with the gun. I got the gun in 1958 after my dad died. I have put a lot of ammo through it. A couple of years ago, I had a gunsmith/Model 8 collector go through the gun. He pronounced it in excellent condition, so I have continued to shoot it. It "drives tacks" at 100 yards. It has in interesting flip-up rear sight (obviously custom ordered by my grandfather) that is similar to the one on the Model 8 on page 19 of John Henwood's book. Let me know if I can provide more pictures.

[imfuncity]

Terrific. What a great gun with a story. Pics of your grandfather, father, and you each using it would be way-cool.

[carp59901]

Here is a picture of my grandfather with an elk - in 1909 - with his 30-caliber Model 8 that I now have and have described here. The gun has been in my family since the day it was manufactured.

[81police]

carp that is a VERY cool photograph. Would you mind us posting it in our vintage picture gallery?

I like the semi-pistol grip stock Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Silvermino]

Carp,

It is good that you have a family heirloom and have enjoyed it. My Grandmother gave me my grandfather's model 8 when he passed in 1960. I cannot count the hours I carried that rifle in the woods hunting. Always reliable no matter the weather conditions. It did not have a stitch of bluing left on it. The gun got damaged beyond repair in an ATV incident. It was like losing my best friend.

I notice that the rifle in the picture of your grandfather has a semi-pistol grip but the one in the pictures you took has a straight stock. Was there more than one model 8 in the family long ago?

John

[carp59901]

Cam- OK to post the picture

[carp59901]

Interesting observation (pistol grip) on the elk picture of my grandfather. (I hadn't noticed it.) I don't know why that gun is different. Here are 2 more pictures (with a bear and deer) where the gun matches mine. I know from stories my dad told me, that the gun I have was my grandfather's, and these 2 pictures seem more in-line with the pictures I originally posted.

[Rem8&81]

Carp,

Great gun made better by a great family history of owning and hunting with the rifle. I'm not surprised that your Grandfather is pictured with two different model 8's, it is hard to just own one Remington model 8 or 81, just ask some of the sick and demented collectors on this sight. From what I can tell from the pictures, it looks like your grandfather had a paticular preference in the sight setup as both seem to be setup the same. Cam mentioned that I might have an opinion regarding factory records of original ownership. Unfortunately, these records were apparently damaged, destroyed and tossed many decades ago according to Remington Brass. It would be great to know where the guns went upon shipping, but in all the years the RSA Historical Research team has been allowed to review the limited records which exist, no such records of this era have been found. Enjoy the rifle, the pictures are priceless.