The Great Model 81 ‘Woodsmaster’
After about 69,000 Model 8’s were produced, Remington felt the old workhorse needed a facelift and in 1936 introduced the Model 81…basically the same gun with a few minor cosmetic differences such as a heavier pistol-grip stock and more robust fore-end. As well, the gun was initially offered in a different range of calibers: .30, .32, (dropped after World War II) and .35 Remington.
In 1940, .300 Savage was added to the lineup to make the 81 more competitive and give it “close to .30-06” performance. Named the Woodsmaster (a moniker that would also be given to Remington’s follow-on Model 740 and 740A autoloaders), like the Model 8 the 81 came in different grades: the 81A Standard with a plain stock and fore-end; 81B Special with checkered select wood; 81D Peerless sporting a bit of scroll engraving and fancier checkering; 81E Expert with more engraving yet and better checkering; and the top-of-the-line 81F Premier. Although they are a little different than the Model 8 on the outside they are very similar on the inside with many interchangeable parts. Even into the 21st century there are still thousands of Model 81’s still “springpolin”!
If you have any questions about your Model 8 or Model 81 please email Cam Woodall @ Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 |
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