I live and hunt in the Adirondacks of NY and very much like the history of the region. One way to connect with that history is to collect rifles that I have seen in old photos being used by hunters, and hunt with them. Over the years I have compiled quite a collection. One rifle that was hard to miss in those photos was the model 8/81. But still I resisted. Then about 6 months ago the urge to get a mod 81 hit me, out of know where. (I also developed a taste for sweet potatos and red peppers, which I previously hated) Hmmmm wonder if there's a connection?
I found your site and through it was able to do my research. I decided I wanted a mod 81 because I like the pistol grip. I scrounged 32 and 30 Rem brass In case I found a rifle in that caliber. I already reloaded for the 300 Sav. and 35 Rem so I was good there. I also wanted a rifle with some form of receiver sight as seeing barrel sights is becoming more difficult

Again thanks to all the people who make this site possible and the contributors who have shared there research and experience. I don't think this will be my last 81
Regards, Tim