Page 1 of 1

I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics posted*

Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 9:17 pm
by mattitude
I just came back from a wounded warrior hog hunt in SC and while there I delivered a custom Remington 700 that I built for a friend and while I told him that I couldn't accept any payment from him, he insisted on giving me something. After a little thought I asked him to just give me enough to pay off my layaway so on my way home I picked up my model 8.

After getting her home I was finally able to get a good look at her and determine exactly what she is by comparing her to the examples on this most excellent site. She is definitely a factory engraved "D" grade model 8. The serial number is 9853 which I believe was made in 1908. I stripped her down and she looks real good inside and had minimum carbon fouling and other gunk, so I was pleasantly surprised. The bore looks great and doesn't appear to have been fired much at all. The bluing shows some thinning, but that's to be expected on a 104 year old working gun. I only felt 1 or 2 very minor dents in the barrel jacket. The engraving & checkering looks sharp still, I'm pretty sure the recoil pad isn't factory, but professionally installed. I'm thinking the 2 screw holes in the side of the receiver are there for a Boone scope thingumajig, but I'm not 100% sure on that one. I'll have to get some pictures in natural light as the ones I attempted to take tonight sucked under the CFL's that we have in our house.

I paid a little over 700.00 after tax from a local shop (the counter jockey insisted it wasn't factory engraved) but still I don't know if I overpaid or got a decent deal. I'm hoping to get some .35 Remington ammo and also find a place that has a set of reloading dies and some brass as I plan to hunt with the old girl. She may be old, but I will still put her to work as long as I'm satisfied with her accuracy...if not then I may have to trade her for another that will do the job. I named her Sophie after my grandmother as they were born in the same year. Now if I can find a Lyman or a Marbles tang sight then I'll be in heaven. I'll get some pics up if there is any interest, so if you respond then I'll provide what you ask for.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!!

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 7:19 am
by Sarge756
From the description it sounds like you made a score. If you verify that it is indeed a "D" grade ,then be grateful that gunshop counter people sometimes need to be selling shoes at Pennys instead of guns. I`m sure that many of us here are looking forward to pictures.
Joe

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!!

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 11:29 am
by mattitude
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 12:38 pm
by big al
Really nice Rifle Mattitude and nice pictures. I am not well versed in the engraved guns so will leave that id too more knowledable people here. As i have never seen or handled a real engraved rifle. You did very well and it sure looks good too me. Thanks for sharing pics of your rifle. Everyone here loves good pics.
Allen (big al)

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!!

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:55 pm
by mattitude
I'm not losing any sleep possibly getting one over on that shop as they are a known price gouger and makes no apologies for it even before our current shortage. I live in the Ft. Bragg community and some local businesses take advantage of the fact that if one soldier won't pay their inflated price then the younger nieve one behind him will. This shop is known for high end tactical guns, not classic pieces like this beauty.
Sarge756 wrote:From the description it sounds like you made a score. If you verify that it is indeed a "D" grade ,then be grateful that gunshop counter people sometimes need to be selling shoes at Pennys instead of guns. I`m sure that many of us here are looking forward to pictures. Joe

Big Al, thanks for the compliments and hopefully one (or more) of the knowledgeable will confirm or deny if what I have is a factory "D" grade rifle. From the pictures on the reference page the engraving style and pattern looks extremely similar. I'm just annoyed if the recoil pad is not original because if not then this piece can never be 100% which will be a shame.

I have no idea what she is worth and if I got a good deal because I haven't seen another for sale (except for the one on GB, but I doubt 3500.00 is the going price). I see that Natchez has ammo and I'll check to see if they have dies as my next step is to see how the old lady shoots after all these years. Any tips and/or advice?

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 3:25 pm
by rem81auto
I think you did alright but I do have 3 concerns. Number 1. The recoil pad is not correct 2. The buttstock checkering and 3. something bothers me about the serial number engraving.... just my humble opinion.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 4:18 pm
by mattitude
Doing alright works for me. I figured about the recoil pad but what about the checkering? The engraved number is the same as the number that is stamped on the side of the receiver tang and trigger plate tang when the stock is removed. Do you think the engraving isn't factory but done to look factory? Do you, or anyone, think the 2 holes in the side of the receiver is for a Boone scope/sight thingie?
rem81auto wrote:I think you did alright but I do have 3 concerns. Number 1. The recoil pad is not correct 2. The buttstock checkering and 3. something bothers me about the serial number engraving.... just my humble opinion.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 4:48 pm
by rem81auto
Maybe it's just me. I don't know what's going on with the 2nd number but at least to me the 5 looks like it started life as a 7. I could be wrong just sayin ... how about a couple more macro close up pics ?

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 5:46 pm
by mattitude
The 5 is definately a 5 and if you look at the 3 especially you can see that the back of the curves has the same style as the 5. I thought the 8 was a 3 until I took a picture and zoomed it...damned old eyes. Like I said before the numbers match the receiver tang.

I just noticed 2 more things. 1. The stock has a small 25 stamped upside down on the bottom of the stock just in front of the trigger guard tang. 2. The magazine doesn't have that metal spring clip thingie that is on the side(s) of the magazine and it doesn't look like the receiver is miiled to make one fit. Did the earlier ones have them, and will the magazine work without it?

I seem to have seen far more pistol grip stocked 8 & 81 rifles than the straight version. Is the straight stock uncommon? I just ordered 100 rounds of Federal 200gr RNSP ammo and a Lee 3-die set from Natchez so I should have enough brass to get a load going. Does the 35 Rem use large or small rifle primers?
rem81auto wrote:Maybe it's just me. I don't know what's going on with the 2nd number but at least to me the 5 looks like it started life as a 7. I could be wrong just sayin ... how about a couple more macro close up pics ?

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 7:29 pm
by big al
No magazine spring is right for you rifle. The first production does not have magazine side springs. Later it changed to one spring. The last was two side springs which were patented on may 17,1932. So like you noticed the first rifleave smooth receivers for magazines, the second one milled notch, and last two milled notches. Hope it helps. Allen (big al)

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 8:27 pm
by sighthound
Hello mattitude, Nice rifle you have there, there is selected pages from 1909 Remington catlog posted on this forum, at that time your rifle would have been called No. 4 Grade, you might want to look at these pages. With clean plain models going and asking nearly as much as yours you did OK and you have a nice piece there, not many collectors have an engraved piece and can only envy those that do.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 10:09 pm
by Phyrbird
Congrats :!: :!: Matt;

A very pretty lady, the checkering is very nice for that vintage rifle. :mrgreen:
I think the straight stocked rifles are more prevalent, but with the engraving and checkering that nice who's counting?
I'm fairly sure the 35R uses large rifle primers. I'd also suggest a Lee factory crimp die :geek: if you can find one. they set the crimp differently than roll crimp dies.
Wish mine was 35R as well..

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 11:44 pm
by mattitude
Thanks for the compliments and reassurance that I did fine in my purchase. It always makes me feel better when I score something special. I don't make a lot of money because my family income is solely on my Social Security & VA disability, so when I can buy something for less than what it's worth then even my wife approves of the purchase ;)

Now from what I read in the 1909 catalog, this is a Remington Repeating Autoloading Rifle which I assume predates the Model 8 rifle. Mine doesn't even have the "SAFE" marking below the safety lever and even the grade 1 rifles show no maker/model markings on the left side of the receiver and no magazine spring clip. So after the research and what has been brought to my attention, would it be safe to assume that the buttstock is a factory replacement as the checkering is a different (later) style? The checkering is extremely well done and looks to be the same LPI as the forend checkering. I think the most obvious clue is that there are no "ears" on my stock and my understanding is that all of the very early rifles have them. I'm hoping that at least one of the Model 8 guru's can chime in so that I can hopefully nail down exactly what I have. At least the recoil pad isn't dried out and beat...she still has plenty of life left in it.

How rare are these early rifles? Do I have a first production/first run rifle? Does anyone here have a single/double/triple digit serial number pre-Model 8 rifle (if that's what these are called since the 1909 catalog doesn't call it a Model 8)? I'm just curious as to where my rifle falls in line mainly because things like this just don't happen to me...I NEVER get unknown gems/treasures for a decent price. Now if I can only get a Lyman or Marbles tang aperture as I can't even see the notch in the semi-buckhorn rear sight as it's so narrow & shallow, no matter if I flip the insert as it's about the same size as the one that is facing up.

I ordered the Lee 3 die set with the full length sizer and includes the factory crimp die. I'm a believer in the factory crimp die which I own in ALL of my rifle calibers. The consistency is excellent and I never have to worry about crumpled cases or deformed or damaged jackets.
Phyrbird wrote:Congrats :!: :!: Matt;

A very pretty lady, the checkering is very nice for that vintage rifle. :mrgreen:
I think the straight stocked rifles are more prevalent, but with the engraving and checkering that nice who's counting?
I'm fairly sure the 35R uses large rifle primers. I'd also suggest a Lee factory crimp die :geek: if you can find one. they set the crimp differently than roll crimp dies.
Wish mine was 35R as well..

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 4:19 pm
by 81police
I'm hoping that at least one of the Model 8 guru's can chime in so that I can hopefully nail down exactly what I have
I think you've already had a hoard of 8/81 guru's respond! We're blessed to have so many knowledgeable collectors on this forums. There's not much more information that I can add apart from opinions. So here they are, take em or leave em...

1) if you removed the stock and didn't find the serial number or partial serial number, I would question the stock's originality. This is reincorced by something rem81auto pointed out that the stock checkering isn't right. I have never seen factory checkering of that pattern, plus a factory checkered 1908 rifle would have had "cheeks" and this rifle has checkering where cheeks should have been. So with that and since you can tell the stock itself has been heavily sanded at some point then I'd be comfortable saying the checkering definitely is not factory. The forearm checkering looks correct.

2) looks like a true #4 (D grade) to me!

3) Saturn Boone sights, when properly installed, required 4 additional holes drilled/tapped in the receiver. I don't know of any sights that had a pattern like yours, but I used to have an M8 in 30Rem that had the same hole pattern. Maybe one of those side mounted Williams peeps?

4) I think you got a fine deal on a hand-engraved piece of Remington history!

Between 1908-1911 nearly 35% of all Model 8's were manufactured, so a gun falling into that production range is actually quite common. So when I think of "early" rifles I think of ones made in 1906. There are actually quite a few two digit and three digit Model 8's still around, and in fact we have photographs of rifle #7 which still exists in a private collection today. That's EARLY!

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 8:07 pm
by sighthound
I saw that #7 rifle at a gun show in Boise, ID after it had been purchased for $350 from a walk in seller. As I recall it was in 35 Rem and had a recoil pad installed. The buyer was a dealer from Pocatello, ID from whom I tried to buy the gun offering him $700, but he refused saying he had never owned one and wanted to shoot it. At a later show I asked about the gun and he said he had traded it for a high quality double shotgun. This was several years ago, prices were less, luck of the draw, being in right place at right time. Have always felt the seller was cheated, I certainly would have offered him more because of serial number and $325-$350 was going value around here for a clean piece. Glad it has a good home now.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 6:57 am
by mattitude
Thanks again for the excellent replies and I honor & value all of the opinions here. That's interesting about how many Model 8's were produced in the first few years and that they are still around!! I only know of 1 other shop that would more than likely have a Model 8 or two, but since it's about 3 hours away I'll have to make a special trip one of these days to see if they have anything interesting since I'm a bit more educated on these rifles than I was before.

I'm very happy that I do indeed have a Grade 4 rifle, but it's just my luck that something major has been altered to keep it from being a true investment. I assume that the finish is the original bluing? I'll have to take the stock off again to see if there is a serial number anywhere inside where the tangs are. When I first removed the stock there was a lot of black in the wood in that channel, I assume that's from old oil seepage? What's the best way to clean that up? I noticed the same thing under the forearm. Last thing about the stock...chances are it's a replacement, but is it possible that it's a much later factory checkered replacement? The checkering is extremely well done and matches the forearm perfectly in LPI, except for that large raised diamond in the middle. Is that a later Remington style? I know that I'm reaching here but I'm not convinced that the stock checkering is a home or amateur job...someone spent some money on it to match the forend as much as possible.

Thanks again to everyone who has taken their time to answer my questions and comment here. You all have treated me very well and made me feel very welcome. I'm proud of my rifle and nothing would make me happier if she turns out to be an excellent shooter. I wish that she had a pistol grip stock as for me the straight stocks are too skinny in the wrist for me to comfortably hold. One of these days I'll learn to be completely happy with something that I own :lol:

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:25 am
by 81police
Maybe we can have Rem8&81 add his 2 cents, he's truly the engraved 8 & 81 expert here. I'll send him an email.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 8:01 am
by rem81auto
Matt, I have 2 D grades ... here's a pic of the serial number of one which isn't to far off from yours. I do understand the same hand did not engrave every Rem that went out the door. I am not saying yours is wrong!. I am trying to learn just like everyone else here. I am looking forward to Corey's comments.
Image

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 12:40 pm
by Rem8&81
Hello mattitude and the rest of the gang on the site, it has been far too long since I was last commenting on a posting on the site. Cam did email and asked me to take a look at this thread and rifle to provide an opinion. I appreciate the vote of confidence, but as I review the pictures and comments, it looks like everyone covered it pretty well. I will offer my humble opinion, if only to reaffirm what has already been said.

In my opinion you bought a legitimate factory engraved grade 4 or “D” grade model 8. As Cam said, your rifle was made during the popular height of Remington 8 production. It was also a very popular era for engraved gun production at the plant. Remington employed lots of engravers within their custom shop at the time, which explains the stylistic differences found on even standard patterned grade 4’s. Sometimes guns will have greater levels of coverage, such as engraving on the magazine, on the barrel shroud bell against the receiver and even engraved screws. Unfortunately, your rifle didn’t not receive this level of extra attention. Your rifle is typical grade 4 engraving on the lighter side of coverage. Nicely done and very recognizable, classic Remington style.

The serial number looks very correct to me. Sometimes the numbers would be rounder, sometimes blocked, again depending upon the engraver and the style they preferred. I was told by a couple of the Remington engravers that numbers and letters are often one of the most difficult parts of the engraving. Your serial number has very stylistic numbers with some nice detailing. The #8 looks like others I have seen, although I can understand why rem81auto had some questions. I think the #8 was probably the most challenging number and took on many shapes and styles. The #8 on your rifle has an “X” style center seen on other guns, while others “8’s” will represent a rounder or even squared pattern. Again, just a stylistic difference, but I have no doubt your rifle was originally engraved #9853 at the plant.

The wood is another story. As has already been addressed, the buttstock is not original, nor is it a factory replacement in my opinion. The wood grain is not correct and the shape is a little off as well. Also, even in later years the factory still knew how to properly fit their wood to the metal, which is not very well done at the wrist on this rifle. The hardest thing to get right is the checkering. The individual who checkered the stock did a nice pattern, straight lines and a tight number of lines per inch, but none of it matches Remington work. The forearm is in my opinion Remington grade 4 checkering and can be compared to. The angle of the cut lines on the wrist produced square diamonds, while the forearm has the more typical elongated diamonds found on most Remington checkered guns. Also, as Cam mentioned, the pattern is not typical of any of Remington’s patterns and although nice in its style, is not correct to the rifle. Although, the forearm is Remington's and does have factory checkering, I’m not sure if it is the original forearm that the rifle left the factory with. The grain in the wood is not any better than a standard grade rifle. Most factory engraved guns were given a set of handpicked wood with some grain. It is not uncommon for the forearm to demonstrate straighter grain than the stocks, but you would hope for some figure to the wood. This one does not show any in the pictures as I see them. With that said, the custom shop still had to use all the pieces of wood that was provided and therefore, some “D” rifles would end up with wood that wasn’t any fancier than a standard grade rifle once the picking got slim at the bottom of the barrel. It is probably the correct forearm, just not as figured as one would like. As a side note, it is not uncommon for grade 3/ “C” grade rifles to demonstrate much nicer grained wood than most “D” grades, since that is the one upgrade they were paying for. Some wood on “C” grades will even rival the wood found on “E” and “F” grades.

The metal looks to have the original period blue you would expect on a rifle that saw many hunts. It looks like the original owner loved the gun and used it often. Certainly not abused, just used a lot. I believe Cam is correct about it once having a side mounted Williams peep sight, thus the extra holes in the receiver.

Unfortunately, the replaced stock, kickpad, extra holes and worn blue do nothing to enhance the guns value. However, any factory engraved Remington is still collectible in my opinion and your rifle is certainly one of those. Even with its detracting flaws, at the price you paid, I think you stole it. As someone already mentioned, maybe the salesman should be selling shoes. However, it is pretty tough to be an expert on everything. I know only a little about a few things and almost nothing about most things. In my opinion you have a nice rifle whose value will not be hurt from enjoying it. I wouldn’t be afraid to hunt with it, so go and shoot the heck out of it. Hopefully it shoots as well as you expect. With a nice tang sight, I wouldn't expect anyting less. What’s cooler than hunting with a 100+ year old factory original, engraved rifle? You will be the envy of the hunting party. Enjoy your rifle, I know I would.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 2:11 pm
by rem81auto
Thanks Corey, very informative. Dennis

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 3:10 pm
by imfuncity
Wow. I'd be mucho pleased to get that kind of answer regarding your find... sounds like another "did you wear a mask" grab to me. :D

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:35 pm
by mattitude
I'm more than pleased with all the information and all of the different people that took the time to help me out. I appreciate it more than any of you know. With a "working" rifle of this age I understand it's near impossible to find a 100% example and unfortunately in time people will just have to take what they can get. I'm a little bummed about the stock, but it is what it is. At least who ever did the checkering did an excellent job...and made it look like a Marlin in the process with that big central diamond :lol: I wouldn't be surprised if this rifle was used as a boat oar at one time and snapped the original stock at the wrist and then had to find a replacement, now THAT would be a cool story.

The salesman at that particular store knew what it was and claimed to own a few in his lifetime (he was of advanced age, so it was entirely believable) but he was adamant that it was NOT a factory engraved gun. You have to understand the attitude of the people in this shop, they know everything about everything and God help you if you try to correct them. Besides, the last thing I want to do is win an argument and now have to pay even more for a factory engraved rifle :cry: I'm more than happy with what I got and I can now include myself in the club of engraved rifle owners.

What I won't do is ask how much y'all think she's worth because I have no intention of selling her and if she is worth a decent amount then I'll be afraid to shoot her...and I do want to shoot her badly. I ordered 100 rounds of Federal 200gr RN ammo and today while running errands I picked up 40 rounds of Hornady 200gr Flex tip ammo, so believe me she will be fired in the next few days. The only thing that I'm now concerned about is that the notch in the rear sight is so small and narrow my eyes are having a hell of a time trying to find the front sight. I have an astigmatism so sometimes things aren't easy for me. I'm really hoping to get a tang sight otherwise I can't hunt with it because I won't be able to properly use my sights. So, if anyone can be kind enough to help me find one I would be in your debt.

Again, thanks for everyone that helped me solve this mystery and keep an eye out for my range report.
imfuncity wrote:Wow. I'd be mucho pleased to get that kind of answer regarding your find... sounds like another "did you wear a mask" grab to me. :D

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 8:06 pm
by Rem8&81
mattitude, Go ahead and shoot it. It has some value, but it won't be hurt by shooting it. There is a tang sight currently on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/161022078956?ss ... _69wt_1043 The one listed is boxed so fairly expensive, but I know the seller has others which are more suited for mounting on your rifle. Contact him directly through his listing. Good luck and enjoy shooting your rifle.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:59 am
by mattitude
Corey, funny you should mention about an aperture sight on ebay...I just picked one up and hopefully should be on my rifle in a week or so. I'm planning on putting some rounds through her today as long as I get home before sundown and if so I'll be sure to get some pics to do a small range report.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 4:58 pm
by Annabellebd
Hey Mattiude,

Your darned lucky you got that one. I just missed it by a few hours. I had seen the rifle in the shop a few days before and went back by to pick it up and they said that it was sold!!
You caught me snozzing you lucky rascal!!
It looks like it cleaned up really nice. I was a little worried myself when I first saw it because of the recoil pad and the taps made to the receiver but I think that the rarity of piece outweighs those things.
I'm glad to know that it's still in the neighborhood. Those knuckleheads at the shop couldn't remember who bought it, if they were local etc. Hell, it took them 45 minutes to figure out they even sold it. They thought it was misplaced or something!! :roll:

Anyway, good find and congratulations! Let us know how it shoots!
PM me if you want to get together. We probably know some of the same collectors in the area.
Roscoe

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 8:01 pm
by Sarge756
Matt,
Well, your rifle has certainly generated a wealth of knowledge being passed on to the rest of us. I too had thought that the two holes in the receiver were from a Williams peep sight.I was searching for one in my piles of stuff but see you located a tang sight for it so you will probably plug the holes and use it.
You mentioned the oil in the stock that had turned black.Getting that gunk out is best done when a refinish job is in progress and the entire stock is stripped to bare wood.Attempting to remove it while the old finish is on the wood might be accomplished but I believe a bit tricky.You don't want to damage the finish you have.The method I use is a mixture of whiting(find at paint store) and denatured alchohol.A paste about like pancake batter is made up and applied to the oil soaked area.As it dries the oil is pulled into the mixture.Heat will speed the process and also serve to liquify the oil that is in the wood. I use direct sunlight and with really bad spots an old heat lamp. A hairdryer or one of those paint strip guns will work too but,be careful about getting it too close and scorching the wood. The whiting makes a mess and will be like powdered chalk when it dries and can be cleaned up with a stiff brush.From the photos it doesnt appear that yours is too bad .Using pieces of rag or cleaning patches soaked in alchohol and heated may draw out most of it.
Glad you are going to be shooting it soon and look forward to a range report. Hope that when I get up that way, to see it in person and give it a try. I`m glad you got the tang sight cause I can`t see the other ones anymore either.
For information don`t let Imfuncity (Mitch) give you a hard time about whether you wore a mask when you bought it. He has a history of making some pretty good deals himself.The term 'Pirate' comes to mind to describe some of them.
One last observation....You told us about the custom 700 you delivered when you went on the hog hunt.......What about the hogs? How many did you shoot?
Joe

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 5:28 am
by ranman
Matt that is a great find. I think you can visit me for a whitetail hunt any time with that rifle. :mrgreen:

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 6:37 am
by mattitude
Annabellebd, I take it you are in the Fayetteville area and we are talking about the notorious Jim's...correct? They are a bunch of tools and over-price 99% of the stuff, but I have found a few killer deals there. I put the Remington on layaway about 3 weeks ago and I was relieved that it was still there & the same price. I bought it from the old bald fat guy, doesn't surprise me that his memory is shot. Speaking of shooting, PM me anytime to shoot. I'm a member at the Crosse Creek range and it's only 4 miles from my house.

Sarge, I'm honored that my little rifle generated so much attention and provided so much information for not just me but the whole community as well. I don't plan on doing any restoration work any time soon so I'll just have to live with some black staining inside the stock. I do appreciate you sharing your method and will have to try it on one of my other guns. The wounded warrior hunt went well and I got my hog and will have to post a mini report in the hunting section in the next few days.

Ranman, be careful what you offer...I'm known to take up hunting invites ;)

I did get a chance to shoot her yesterday and snapped some cell phone pics. I was pleasantly surprised with her accuracy...the recoil was a different story and I also confirmed that I don't like straight stocks on rifles. Shotguns are fine, rifles not so much. I'll post something in the next few days.

Re: I got her today, my factory engraved model 8!! *pics pos

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 1:00 pm
by Annabellebd
Mat,
Again, I'm glad you got the rifle!
Yes, we're talking of the same shop. It's typical of most gun-shops. There are a couple of guys, to include the owner, who know the score when it comes to the older guns but their bread and butter are new guns. What is funny though, is that I sometimes hear them hard selling some "state of the art" firearm, when in reality it's already been done by a Browning or Mauser etc. I have found some gems there over the years though.
As for shooting- I'm always up for that! Maybe we can get together some day.
R.B.