{"id":867,"date":"2011-05-06T14:42:22","date_gmt":"2011-05-06T20:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thegreatmodel8.net\/?page_id=867"},"modified":"2022-07-27T07:30:56","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T13:30:56","slug":"the-f-b-i-model-81","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thegreatmodel8.net\/?page_id=867","title":{"rendered":"The F.B.I. Model 81"},"content":{"rendered":"

I<\/span>n mid 1938, Remington and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked together to develop a replacement for the Winchester Model 1907’s that were then in service.  The FBI had become dissatisfied with the .351 Self-Loaders and sought Remington to come up with an alternative service rifle that could produce similar ballistics but function more reliably.  The Model 81 FBI rifle was Remington’s answer.  This rifle, in actuality, was only a slightly modified version of Remington’s production Model 81 rifle.  An excellent history and production development of these rifles can be found in John Henwood’s “The Great Remington 8 & Model 81 Autoloading Rifles”.<\/p>\n<\/span>\n

Two basic versions of the FBI Model 81 were manufactured.  The following is to help the collector determine the differences of Early-Type and Late-Type FBI Model 81’s as well as their authenticity.<\/p>\n<\/span>\n

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The Early Type FBI Model 81<\/strong><\/span><\/center> <\/span><\/p>\n

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This version of FBI rifle is the easiest to recognize.  The most prominent features are the unique receiver markings and the Lyman 41R receiver sight.  Please take note that the Early-Type comes in two configurations.  One was manufactured without rear sight holes altogether, only a smooth barrel jacket.  Another configuration was manufactured with rear sight holes and a factory installed Lyman #12 rear sight-blank.  Both were represented in this study.<\/p>\n<\/span>\n

Early Remington paperwork states that these rifles were originally tested to use a .30Rem cartridge of lower velocity to ballistically match that of the Winchester .351.  To compensate for the lower velocity, and subsequently reduced recoil, a .25Rem buffer spring was replaced in the barrel jacket to ensure reliable function.  This testing was done between the months of August and October of 1938.  Well known Remington engineer C.C. Loomis noted in a memo dated August 29, 1938 that,<\/p>\n<\/span>\n

“the writer had the 30 caliber buffer springs replaced with 25 caliber.  The rifles retested for function satisfactorily.  These rifles were targeted at 100 yards in the usual manner and the grouping shows somewhat larger than the regular service ammunition”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>\n

“the writer, therefore, recommends the rifle set up in this manner (using 25Rem buffer springs) for the above ammunition, and from the rifle factor can see no reason why they could not be supplied; however, believes that there should be some special marking put on these arms.  Nevertheless, a preliminary test shows that the rifles, as they are now setup, work satisfactory with the service ammunition, but do not recommend this change for all rifles of this caliber”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>\n

When Remington sent out a revision clarifying the changes to be made to the FBI rifles from the standard Model 81 on Dec. 27th<\/sup> 1940, there was no longer any mention of altered buffer springs, nor do we find special markings on production FBI rifles today.  Therefore it is unlikely the reduced velocity 30Rem cartridges became standard issue for the FBI Model 81.<\/p>\n<\/span>\n

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Identifying the Early Type FBI Model 81<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n