https://thegreatmodel8.net/

Thanks for the add! I just became the new owner of a 1939 Model 81 in 35 Remington, and am looking forward to learning more on the gun (been reading a lot already on the thegreatmodel8.net, watching videos, etc). I really never knew anything about them, other than being able to recognize one as "the gun used to take out Bonnie ad Clyde". Had never actually seen one in person before last week (maybe it was just never on my radar). My son and I were in our favorite local gun shop, and walked up to the used rifle rack where it immediately grabbed my attention. Took a pic of it, and was talking to my best friend about it later that night, got more into it, and decided to go back the next day to make an offer! This incredibly cool old gun is now mine and I'm hooked...its fascinating. Have some ammo on order, and am currently getting it cleaned up. (Barrel removal from the sleeve will wait until the next batch of tools are made.) It came with an offset mount and vintage Weaver K2.5x
Looking forward to learning more, and running some rounds through it!

Welcome to the forum ottergt

Score! You got nice looking early variation 81. I think the beavertail forearm is cooler than the later type. That Weaver scope is from 1947-48.

Keep reading up and getting familiar with it, you got this. I look forward to hearing range report and maybe even some more photos. I started out the same, lots of reading and watching videos until I ever saw my first one.

Is the boy old enough to shoot it once you get the ammunition?

What a great find you got there, and welcome to the forum!

Hibby83 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 23, 2025 6:48 pm Is the boy old enough to shoot it once you get the ammunition?

Oh yes...He's 22 and is the manager at the gun counter of a local sporting goods store. He's very excited about it too.

Last night was spent de-crudding the trigger group and magazine, and disassembling the receiver parts. Tonight is hopefully cleaning all that up and reassembling.

That looks like a nice one. Welcome to the forum.

I have a feeling that this Model 8 might not be your last.

Dan

1913Model8 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 23, 2025 9:52 pm What a great find you got there, and welcome to the forum!

Thanks!

MinnesotaDan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 24, 2025 7:17 am That looks like a nice one. Welcome to the forum.

I have a feeling that this Model 8 might not be your last.

Dan

I think you are correct LOL. My son and I were at a gun show over the weekend...Somebody had a nice looking later model 81 in 300 Savage for a stupid cheap price ($450). Like a dummy, I passed (I didn't think 300 Savage was still readily available). I went back the next day at opening time, but it was sold. Like the old drag racing saying goes, "You snooze, you lose."