Remington Model 81 Woodmaster .300 Savage Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1946

SOLD FOR: $810.25

WOA#: WY240209TL007

Make: Remington Arms Co.

Model: Model 81 Woodmaster

Serial Number: 28909

Year of Manufacture: 1946, August (WRR barrel date)

Caliber: .300 Savage

Action Type: Semi automatic, 5 round fixed magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “THE WOODMASTER TRADE MARK MODEL 81”, “REMINGTON REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.”, and “28909”. The right side of the receiver is marked “SAFE” under the safety lever. The underside of the receiver is marked with various proof marks. The right side of the chamber is marked “300 SAV.” and with a diamond. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “WRR”. The top of the barrel is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO., INC., ILION, N.Y., MADE IN U.S.A.” and “BROWNING’S PATS. 659,507 – 659,786 – 701,288 – 853,438 – 984,263’. The buttplate is marked “REMINGTON”.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base fixed to the front of the barrel jacket. The rear sight is a flat-topped u-notch elevator sight screwed to the barrel jacket.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling stud with a quick detach sling loop attached, and a checkered non-magnetic metal buttplate. The buttplate is worn along the edges and some of the peaks have been worn down. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There is wear to the finish on the buttstock at the heel and along the sides. The bottom edge of the grip is worn. There are a few long drag marks on the buttstock and forend. The LOP measures 13.8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish:  Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright  and the rifling is sharp. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore.

In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6.5 out of 10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The finish on the receiver, magazine, and barrel shroud exterior is thinning and there are areas of oxidation. There are a few drag marks on the bottom of the magazine. There are a few spots of wear to the finish just above where the charging handle rests when the bolt is held back. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are clear, though there is wear between “TRADE MARK” and “MODEL”. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good 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 requirements.

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. 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 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 in August of 1946 and is chambered in .300 Savage. The stock has some wear, mainly along the rear edge of the buttstock. Most of the finish remains, with thinning and spots of oxidation and light scratches throughout. The bore is semi-bright with light to moderate erosion and sharp rifling. This would be a great addition to any Remington or sporting semi-auto rifle collection. Please see our photos.

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