https://thegreatmodel8.net/

You all have seen old pictures of Rangers on horse back carrying a 8 or 81 in a scabbard.
Well known rule of the old west was to never carry a lever gun with one in the chamber .
Wonder in what manner they carried a Rem 8-81, four in the mag with bolt closed on empty chamber.
Or fully loaded safety on.
I`m thinking in a tight fitting scabbard there would be the possibility of pushing the bolt to the rear when putting the rifle in a scabbard, something to consider when pondering this question.
I know kinda a silly question.

That's an interesting question. I hope someone here has an opinion. I have no answer, but it does provide an oportunity for me to mention my 30 rem. M-8 that i purchased from an old collector who lived on a cattleranch in New Mexico. This rifle spent it's entire life in a scabbard aboard a horse. And it looks like it too. The stock buttplate end is weathered alot where it stuck out of the scabbard. The rest of the rifle looks pretty normal for it's age. I bought it from a Gun Digest newspaper ad. This older gentleman owned about 140 guns. He said that the closest town to him was about a 45 min. drive. He really did live out in the middle of nowhere!
Thanks for your time
Roger

Cool story and gun Roger

My opinion is the Ranger most likely carried the rifle fully loaded.
A cowboy that`s life isn`t in danger would probably carry four in the chamber empty chamber safety on to prevent the bolt from moving when putting it in the scabbard.
Would only take a second to flip the safety off and rack a round in.
Guess that is how i`ll carry mine if and when we get horses again.
Also if i was riding in Grizzly country she`d be fully loaded.

good question Pitchy, but I got no answer for you though!

i would like to see the photo of the ranger with the 8 where can i find it?

duhhh i see it now

olskool wrote:i would like to see the photo of the ranger with the 8 where can i find it?

Whoops i plumb missed your reply
I should put the picture here too.

That's a cool pic! When I bought my 81 300sav it came with a scabbard its the same one used for the M1. It has metal piece with slot for bolt handle.