Remington model 81

[Paul Kersey]

A local gunshop has two model 81 rifles, both looking to be in good shape and what may work out to be a fair price. One is in 300 Savage, the other 35 Remington. I was told the 300 was a bit harder to find than the 35 because of production numbers.
Does anyone have experiance with the model 81? Anything I need to be aware of in either caliber? Thanks.

 

[Offfhand]

If they are in good condition and the price is right I would buy them both.

 

[minutemen1776]

I used to have a Model 81 in .32 Remington. They're nice rifles, but a bit heavy and not set up for scopes, if that matters to you. The Model 8 and 81 were the first real autoloading option for sportsmen, so the design is significant in that respect. I don't know how much rarer the .300 Savage chambering may be. Personally, I'd opt for the .35 Remington, simply because cartridges would be easier to obtain in that caliber. The scarcity of .32 Remington was a primary reason I didn't keep my Model 81.