Sn # 22 has come home

[Mikeshoe72]

Howdy all,

I’m proud to say that I now own SN #22 Model 81. I’ve known about the rifle for many years as it was a dear friend’s of mine. I even got to shoot it before and I actually had the rifle with me at the Great Model 8 shoot that Jack hosted in 2016. Well sadly, my friend Bill passed away last October. He was 94. He owned a gun shop in Millstadt, Illinois for 40 years, and that’s where I met him back in the mid 90’s. He closed up in 2002 and I always maintained a friendship with him for the next 20 years. He never slowed down from collecting guns, right up till the end.

It was actually me who spawned his interest in model 81’s. I traded one in to him in 1998, a nice one in 300 Savage. It was the first time he had ever seen one but knew of them. I traded for a brand new Ruger P95 9mm. 25 years later, in retrospect, probably the worst trade I ever made!!

He acquired #22 and another 81 at an auction somewhere around 2010. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase both of them from his estate recently. Both of them are .30 Rem’s. The other one is SN 1595, also an early example. Also got ten boxes of ammo for the 30 as well.

So now I have 3 model 81’s in 30 Rem. Why not?? I’m going to pass my 1950 Model 81 to my son. He’s a youngster (27 years old) but has his fathers eye for the old stuff!! I feel that’s the best way to keep the interest going in these fine old rifles. I’ll post some pics when I can, I’ve recently moved and my gun room is a disaster!!

Mike

[jack1653]

Hey Mike,

Congratulations on getting # 22 home!! I do remember you having # 22 at the Great shootout at the farm. I recall how you tore up the animal targets that I had placed at unmarked yardages. You did some excellent shooting at the 150 yard steel target that was set up across the lake. You rang that 18 inch target very consistently.

I will be looking forward to seeing the pictures. I have really slowed down with buying and have all but given up looking for more of the 8 and 81 rifles. The last one I purchased was the FN 1900 that had been remanufactured by the rifle builder Dan Fraser from Edinburgh, Scotland. It is by far the best rifle in my collection.

If you are ever in the area of Taylorville, you are more than welcome to stop for a visit.

Kindest Personal Regards,

Jack

[Hibby83]

Hello, Mike

A warming story of friendship to share. Sorry to hear of his passing.

That trade may not have been favorable, some of us have one, two or more of those stories.

Looking forward to seeing some photos of the early 81.

Luke

[MinnesotaDan]

Yes, very nice to get that one back. It's greater purpose might have been to further your friendship and share your interest in 8/81s with him-as many of these rifles have done for so many through the years.

[81police]

So sorry to hear of your dear friends passing. Heirlooms seem to always be bittersweet.

I looked at the current records, look like yours is among the lowest 81's known to survive. We have 20, 21, 22, 24 and 49 as the five lowest. Congrats.

[Mikeshoe72]

Thanks for the kind words on my shooting skills, Jack!! I will definitely take you up on the visit, I’ll be in touch once my schedule eases up.

Mike

[Mikeshoe72]

IMG_6774 Medium.jpeg (68.7 KiB) Viewed 836 times

The only pic I have at the moment

View recent photos Medium.jpeg (63.97 KiB) Viewed 836 times

Here is my whole Remington score that I bought from my friends estate!
A Model 12 22 LR, a Model 10 12 ga, and both the 81’s.

[54bullseye]

Nice score !!! Congradulations !!!