New member, just bought an 81.

[whit]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking around this site for awhile...I just bought a Model 81 about two months ago. The Model 8 has always intrigued me and I was pushed to buy one by a great article in Field & Stream magazine about vintage hunting rifles (even though, here in PA I can't hunt with it). I'm a big fan of JMB guns, owning several Hi-Powers, a Colt 1911, an FN Browning 1922, and a Baby Browning.

It's a first year, 1936 production. Serial number in the 700's, and chambered in .35 Remington.

I won it at auction on GB for $550, from a LGS about an hour from me, then went to pick it up in person. Haven't shot it yet, although the bore looks mint and the internals are great. I bought 2 boxes of Rem Core Lokt and am awaiting good weather.

It's a work of art; I think I got to it just in time to prevent rusting, I've been oiling the bluing of the receiver a lot.

Strangely, it is not set up for a sling. I doubt I will bother. However, it has an old aftermarket recoil pad, marked Jostam MFG, Peotone Ill., Patented 1915/1927.

I'm trying to figure out if it is a B or C model, and if I indeed made a good investment here.

[whit]

Oh, while I'm at it, my 81 hanging out with a distant Canadian relative.

[mac66]

My understanding is that Bs and Cs had wood checkering otherwise it it a standard model.

What caliber?

[Phyrbird]

Nice Inglis too. From the photos the blue looks in great shape, if so I think you got a very fair deal. Most of the cleaner M81s are going for a couple hundred more. I personally prefer the fuller early forearms as well.
By the way, welcome..

[whit]

Thank you guys.

My understanding is that Bs and Cs had wood checkering otherwise it it a standard model.

What caliber?

.35 Remington.

[In The Ten Ring]

Two great looking guns.

I like the 81 better I think (or better said) I think I would like the 81 better since it has more of a pistol grip stock. I like fuller forearms too.

I think I'll hold off on getting a rifle for now unless I come across a killer deal. My income is about to hit a bottleneck (happens every year since I rent out ski condo property and spring is nearly here) and I really don't know much about these arms. I think I'm going to try and reload for them also and I've never done that before.