https://thegreatmodel8.net/

Hello.

I shoot modern rifles and pistols primarily (AR-15's), but I've recently become enamored by older rifles.

Remington's Model 8/81 attracted me because of its looks, but when I delved into its history I was floored.
When I read that it was the first commercially successful semi-auto rifle on the market, and designed by the legendary John Moses Browning, and was a favorite of hunters, as well as Prohibition-Era lawmen, I simply had to get one.

I did further research and browsed the auction sites awhile. I decided to pursue a Model 81 in .35 Remington because of the '81's price range and the availability of ammo for the .35, since the .25, .30, and .32 Remington rounds were no longer produced.

On Wednesday last I located a beautiful rifle at a shop in Mass. and jumped on it. The rifle arrived at my FFL near Green Bay, WI last night and I'm going to pick it up in a couple hours. I picked up 3 boxes a Hornady .35 ammo at Cabela's on Wedneday also. I find it strange that Remington makes ammo for so many niche rounds but not their own .35 caliber, which is still popular amongst levergun shooters. Ironically, the first rifle I almost bought many years ago was a Marlin lever-action in .35 Rem.

I'm happy I found this great site.

CK Morley

Welcome from N.E.Florida. Thanks for the photos of your 81. Get set to add more 8/81`s to your collection cause they are just like eating peanuts......one just won`t be enough. Enjoy and we will look forward to a range report.
Joe

Hey ckmorley, welcome to the sickness!

I'm similar to you too, I have a huge preference (especially for hunting) with the AR15 (6.5 Grendel). But I also know there's something nostalgic and just plain cool historically about this gun that the AR15 doesn't have.

I've always enjoyed (maybe that's a strong word!) shooting the 200gr soft points out of the 35 Remington. Whatever you choose to shoot, please follow up with us on a range report and your thoughts. Enjoy!

Range Report.

I fired a few rounds at 50 yards to make sure the sights we ok, then I moved the target back to 100 yards.
Off bags I can keep the groups to about three inches, which is pretty good with irons and an unfamiliar gun.

As I shoot it more, I think the groups will get smaller.

ckmorley

One issue: sometimes the bolt would lock back when there was still a round in the magazine.

ckmorley wrote:Range Report.

I fired a few rounds at 50 yards to make sure the sights we ok, then I moved the target back to 100 yards.
Off bags I can keep the groups to about three inches, which is pretty good with irons and an unfamiliar gun.

As I shoot it more, I think the groups will get smaller.

ckmorley

One issue: sometimes the bolt would lock back when there was still a round in the magazine.

Could be a broke mag spring. Or the spring could be in backwards. If you check on this beware; the spring and follower fly well and know how to hide in the oddest places....

I visited a couple older gunshops today and scored three boxes of Remington brand ammo. Two modern production and one vintage box that looks like it dates to the 60-70's.


There was also 2 boxes on 30 Rem on the shelf.