https://thegreatmodel8.net/

I successfully stripped the new to me 81 in .32 Remington.
Everything looked nice except the back 1/2 of the action spring. Lots of rust.
I cleaned it up, but I am thinking that wooden plug is an issue. Wood attracts moisture.
Is this an issue or only in my head?
Anyone have a steel one made?

Wouldn't these plugs get soft over time?

Thanks

Jim

Sir,.
I've often thought the same thing,but it was JMB designed to be that way. I'm sure that at the turn of the century(1900s),it was cheaper and easier to use wood for the plug. In 30+ yrs. of collecting ,I've never seen or had any problems with those wooden plugs. Actually pretty amazing when you think about it. And no,I've never seen/heard about any metal ones.Maybe that's my chance to make a million.(LoL)
Thanks for your time,
Roger

The wooden plugs will last just fine over the years. The Browning A-5 shotguns use the same setup, although later designed shotguns like Remington 1100's use steel plugs.

They're all wooden plugs as others have already said. I've had people make requests for a host of broken parts, but I've never heard of a broken action spring plug...yet

Breakage was my secondary concern. The rust factor was #1.
My action spring was noticeably more rusted where it made contact with the plug.
But this is my first Model 81.

I am hoping to find the barrel take down tool, or make my own.
How do they look (the barrel assy.) when you first tear them down?
Do you even tear them down for inspection and cleaning?

Thanks
Jim

Jim, Clean it and grease the plug and spring with" RIG" and shoot it. Rust should not trouble you again.

Joe

With the proper tool, barrel disassembly is a good thing. On the receiver I wouldn't typically recommend a complete tear down unless there is a mechanical issue or the gun is extremely dirty.

Best of luck with it!