https://thegreatmodel8.net/

Well you have seen this rifle called the John W. Hession Rifle in a couple different posts one by Hibby and a story by 81 police Cam on this forum. This rifle is pictured on page 115 of Henwood's 3rd edition of the book on Remington model 8s.
First off I had the privilege of a visit from Hibby from PA for the weekend. He came to help break down this rifle and clean its innards. He ended up doing 90 percent of the job   !! It came out real nice and actually wasn't terribly dirty inside just mostly dried oil residue.

You will see the forearm / barrel wood was just two long pieces of walnut nicely shaped into barrel shroud protector . They were quite thin by the muzzle so not the easiest things to make. Two barrel bands held them on and front sight had to be removed to get them off. The screw holding the butt in place was the hardest part to remove !! Hibby worked on that for quite a while tapping on screw head but it finally gave way.

I want to thank Luke "Hibby" for all his model 8 know how. We had a good time with lots to talk about. We did some horse trading had a campfire with a lot of my family and girl friend Brenda. Brenda made up a nice spaghetti and meat ball dinner amongst other things. We had a good weekend !!

Here are a bunch of pictures of the rifle take down. Also special thanks to forum member "1913Model8" TJ  for his barrel tool !! It was first time either one of us had used it and it works MINT !!! Get yourself one !!!
Here you go and thanks for looking.   John Taylor

Note the missing take down lever and the shallow hole in lower forearm. We assume for structural integrity of forearm being so long.

more pictures

Note serial number stamp in bottom of buttstock #49 differs from rest of rifle.

more pictures

Notice holes for rear sight with no insert present. Rifle all back together.

Last of pictures. Thanks for looking !! John and Luke

That sounds like you both had a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing the story and the photos.

What a fantastic post guys! What an awesome piece you have there! Nice photos, I had no idea this was even a thing with these model 8's. What the wood finicky to put back together? The condition of that rifle looks really nice. Dare I say perfect patina? Thank you so much for the callout with my tool. I am extremely happy to hear that it went smooth for you. I bet holding that rifle puts a smile on your face in feeling like it is something extremely special, which it is of course

54bullseye
John- I want to thank you and Brenda again for your hospitality! I'm happy you invited me up and introduced me to your family. You're welcome for the help, I felt privileged to assist tear down/clean up of that special rifle.


1913Model8
TJ- Your tool worked great. I knew it was a quality piece from pictures and testimonials. Using John's tool, it now has me wanting one. I see you have started having the tools being blued is an option.

The top & bottom forearm removal & installation wasn't finicky at all. It was a touch intimidating/nerving for me at first "dunno about John " but it went smoothly. The nearly 20" one piece units go into place like the stock maker knew what he was doing... I bet being stored in a climate controlled area for it's long life and being kept together helped make the difference.

Hibby83 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 05, 2026 7:26 pm 54bullseye
John- I want to thank you and Brenda again for your hospitality! I'm happy you invited me up and introduced me to your family. You're welcome for the help, I felt privileged to assist tear down/clean up of that special rifle.


1913Model8
TJ- Your tool worked great. I knew it was a quality piece from pictures and testimonials. Using John's tool, it now has me wanting one. I see you have started having the tools being blued is an option.

The top & bottom forearm removal & installation wasn't finicky at all. It was a touch intimidating/nerving for me at first "dunno about John " but it went smoothly. The nearly 20" one piece units go into place like the stock maker knew what he was doing... I bet being stored in a climate controlled area for it's long life and being kept together helped make the difference.

Yes I would have to agree that a well climate-controlled environment makes a huge difference. I once restored stock off an old 22 that had light water damage. It didn't take long for mold and rust to show up from the story I got from it. DON'T PUT FIREARMS IN COLD WET STORAGE

I am really glad you got a chance to see the tool and use the tool before buying. I thank John as he was one of the early ones to buy.
I am starting to offer the rust bluing. I have about 3 tools set aside to do this with that will be for sale. I am in the middle of trying to work on the details on price, quantity and all that kind of fun stuff for a batch of 100 tools. If John you ever want your tool rust blued you can send it back to me sometime, and I will do that for you for a fee.

Looks like it was a nice day out to look and work on rifles.

Great post!
Really appreciate all the photos of this amazing rifle.

What a beauty! What a score! What a piece of Model 8 history!

Great photos. It's cool to see the wood contruction and lack of takedown lever. If that rifle could talk!!!