Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster .35 Rem 22” Semi-Automatic Rifle 1937 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

LSB#: LSB250608WJ006

Make: Remington

Model: 81 “The Woodsmaster”

Serial Number: 4279

Year of Manufacture: 1937

Caliber: .35 Remington

Action Type: Long-Recoil, Fixed Magazine Fed, Semi-Automatic Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel jacket is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO. INC., ILION, N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A. / BROWNING’S PATS. 659,507 – 659,786 – 701,288 – 853,438 – 984,263”. The underside of the receiver is marked with inspection marks in front of the fixed mag. The trigger guard’s left rear bow is marked “82”. The right rear of the barrel, visible at the ejection port is marked “35 REM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “THE / WOODSMASTER / TRADE MARK / MODEL 81”  and “Remington / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / 4279”. 

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed and screw set into a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight screwed to the barrel. There is a single screw in the rear of the receiver for a receiver mounted sight (none present).  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a checkered steel Remington buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a chip in the bottom edge of the pistol grip. The stocks have been refinished. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel jacket has turned a plum color and taken a mottled patina. There is light intermittent oxidation. There are some light handling marks scattered throughout. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Remington Model 8 was the brainchild of John Moses Browning. Originally patented in 1900, it was the first successful high-powered semi-auto rifle made in the United States–or just about anywhere else, for that matter. The model 8 was chambered in four different Remington rimless cartridges, they were the .25, .30, .32, and .35 Remington. The Model 81 Woodsmaster was an improvement on the successful design and was produced in the three original .30 Cal Remington cartridges and in 1941 .300 Savage was introduced. The main differences were a pistol grip stock and a sturdier forend. The internals are for the most part the same and many of the parts are interchangeable with the original Model 8. This example was made early in production and is chambered in .35 Remington. It is in about Very Good condition with about 90% of its metal finish remaining, light wear in its stocks, a minty bore, and strong mechanics. This will be a great shooter or nice addition to your C&R collection. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.