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Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 7:58 am
by Rifleman
Always curious about something and that's when ya see 8/81 parts on eBay and other such selling/buying sites if any of ya have ever known some of those sellers buying 8/81's and tearing them down and selling the parts individually? As far as I'm concerned that's among the lowest of the low. Case in point is there is currently a seller on eBay with enough major single parts to almost construct a whole, operating rifle, minus the barrel and receiver. Have seen other sellers in the past also. Around a year ago a seller had some 81 parts and a stock for sale. What brought my attention to it was that the stock had some unusual scratches/light wood gouges on it. Not long before that, there was a 81 for sale on GunBroker that I noticed had similar markings. By the time I saw the eBay sale pictures, the GB listing had been deleted from their viewing files, but the name of the eBay seller's name struck a reminder chord to the high bidder/buyer of the 81 sold on GB.

I watch alot of 8/81's on GB just to see what's selling and how much for. GB is where I bought my two 81's. Anyway, alot of times at the end of sales I look to see who bought some of them and the eBay seller's name seemed familiar. Hate to see this practice if it is going on, not enough of those old girls anyway and to see lowlifes scraping them out if being done, IMO is one of the lowest of the lows. If I'd suspect maybe someone was doing that, I'd not buy from him. Just my thoughts and rant for the day.

Re: Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 8:48 am
by MinnesotaDan
On one hand, I see your point, that these old rifles are getting scarce, but then again, they are also getting old. Spare parts are needed to keep some going as functional rifles, and spare parts are needed for some to be lovingly restored. Unless new parts are being manufactured, (and with few exceptions, that is unfortunately true), used parts, which may sometimes be cannibalized parts, are the only way to bring some back to life. Some die, so that others may live! I have actually lusted for a really inexpensive "parts rifle" at one time or another. For the record, I do not have one.

Having said that, myself and probably everyone else on this forum does not like to see these old rifles torn down for parts. We would all rather bring one back to life. But, then again, when you need a part, you need a part.......

Re: Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 9:11 am
by Rifleman
Hear what yer saying about scarce parts and no longer made ones. If a junker rifle with bad bore, poor rusted exterior, basically a beat up 8/81 is the case, see no problem. But to take a nice looking functional rifle and scrap it is another. I've searched the internet alot for 8/81 parts (and other old models) and there are sources out there. Some are decent price, some gougers.

I bought several 81 springs to have on hand (just in case) on another forum from a guy whose deceased father had been into gunsmithing repair back in the 50's-60's. He advised when they cleaned out the garage pails and boxes of old gun parts were there and he and his brother spent alot of evenings identifying them. Some they still have no idea. Anyway got talking to him about 8 and 81's and he told me of the Rem parts they had, actuality had a number of 8/81 parts, alot of them new parts, still in factory marked packaging. Bought for a reasonable price.

Re: Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 10:35 am
by MinnesotaDan
Wow, that is great that you were able to get those parts. What a nice find. Hopefully you can keep your rifles going forever with those parts.

Would you happen to have a Model 8 forend screw that you could sell? I had one just shear off. The metal just wore out.

Re: Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 11:08 am
by Rifleman
Sorry, I don't. Looked at Numrich Parts, they're out of stock.

Re: Remington 8/81 'Cannibalizers' '!

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 11:57 am
by MinnesotaDan
One will turn up at some point. Hopefully, not a cannibalized one!