https://thegreatmodel8.net/

Pictures first, now the story. So recently I traded away my beautiful Remington Model 8 (1917):



For an even more beautiful Whitney Wolverine:



However, I could not live with myself if I lacked my favorite rifle of all time.
Immediately afterwards I went to one of my local Cabela's in the hopes of replacing my recently traded firearm.
I had gone about a week ago and noticed a whopping 5 Remington Model 8/81's on the used gun racks, ranging in price from $279 to $659.
I crossed my fingers they were still there.

Upon arriving at the store, I noticed right away there were only two Model 8's, one for $279 and one for $425, and the only Model 81, $659, remaining.
I was initially bummed out because the Model 8 I wanted to buy for $320 had been sold - it was a .35 Rem in great shape, made in 1930.
I begrudgingly picked up what I considered to be the "beater" of the bunch, the $279 what-I-thought-to-be Model 8, also in .35 Rem, thinking I could fix it up (my favorite hobby).
Standing in line for processing and checkout, I take another look at the gun and am taken aback.
The serial number is low...way low...like 1565 low...

Knowing that there were over 80,000 Model 8's made, I guessed it had to be a first or second year gun.
Lo and behold, upon checking the site, I realize I had blindly fallen onto a first-year run of my all-time favorite rifle.
And I purchase it without a second thought for a mere $300!
Nearly bursting with joy, I rush it home after some range time and spend a solid 4 hours cleaning and fixing her up.
Needless to say, life is good.

I also ordered and received the Model 8 book from Amazon, so I can share some more in-depth features of my RAL:
* Hard rubber buttplate, "Remington Arms Co." variation.
* The most common forend screw/sling swivel combo.
* No side springs on the magazine.
* First type of safety lever, with no "SAFE" engraved on the receiver.
* Hand-engraved "35 REM." on barrel jacket.
* First style manufacturer's legend on barrel jacket.
* Markings: "Circled J", 1565 (serial number), "S", and "Circled J" (on trigger plate).
* Marbles rear peep sight and front sight. Unmarked rear tang sight.
* Also, the buttstock doesn't seem to fit perfectly with the receiver and trigger housing - they have about 2-3mm's of overhang. Any ideas?
* Additionally, it looks like I may have repair codes, located on the left-hand side of the barrel jacket, between the top of the forend and the hand-engraved "35 REM.". The code(s) appear to be "D", "L", and "3", but this does not match up with any repair dates I saw in the book - any advice/thoughts?

Hey nabaker,

You did real good. Happy to hear that you got another after having giving up the first one. The price is certainly reasonable as well as the others that you listed. The rifle looks in great shape and I can assure you that it will perform as well today as it did when it came off the line. These old "springpoles" are very dependable. I hope you enjoy the first of what may become an addiction. Hopefully the dreaded "jackitis" won't get you too bad.

Regards,

jack1653

nabaker,

That's a fine FIRST year production Model 8! I've said it before, the earliest of these rifles are my personal favorites: no side springs, tear drop safety, flush fit magazine, etc.

Your date code of DL3 corresponds to a September, 1942 repair.

You said the wood doesn't fit the best, it does appear to be heavily sanded & refinished maybe that has something to do with it.

Enjoy that rifle, take it from jack1653, be careful or you'll want more!