Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster .35 Rem 22” Semi-Automatic Rifle 1938 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,176.00

LSB#: WY240925JT005

Make: Remington

Model: 81 “The Woodsmaster”

Serial Number: 5313

Year of Manufacture: 1938

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 “63”. 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. / 5313”.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed 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 alloy 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.  Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent 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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent 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. All serialized parts are matching. It is in about Excellent condition with about 98% 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.