Tell me about the Remington Model 8

[Comrade Mike]

I just recently discovered this rifle and actually really like the looks of it. The early semi-autos are really quite intriguing guns to me. I was wondering if any members had one and could share a little bit of information about them? How are they to shoot? Shoot well? Operating system?

I'm considering poking around for one in .35 Remington for a nice little oddball in the safe to reload for and enjoy.

 

[Armed 24/7]

I shot my grandfather's model 8 when I was a kid. I believe it was in 30 Remington. I am currently also looking for one in .35 rem.

 

[VA27]

I had a model 81 (35Rem) for a number of years. It's the later version with a shotgun butt as opposed to the crescent butt of the 8.

It's a mechanical marvel (as you'd expect from the mind of JMB) and built in an age when blue steel, walnut and fine craftmanship poured out of the Remington factory. It operates on the long recoil system just like the Auto5 shotgun. It's also a takedown, for easy transport.

It's fun to shoot and a reloader's dream, as it drops the brass right at your feet. They're cut for stripper clips, too.

If you get one, out of respect for the gun's age, don't hotrod reloads for it and don't use Hornaday Leverloution ammo in it. Stick with factory Remington ammo or duplication reloads.

Good luck with your quest!

 

[YZ]

I'd like to handle one some day. Its original safety system was incorporated into the AK47.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Oh believe me I'd take it real easy on the rifle. Probably cast bullets and nice light charges. It just looks like such an interesting design.

 

[briansmithwins]

You'll need loads that are hot enough to cycle the long recoil action.

And yes, Kalashnikov totally ripped the safety off for the AK.

BSW

 

[savanahsdad]

a lot of the holes in Bonnie and Clyde and there car, came from Rem. mod 8's in 30rem, the gun has a ton of history , saw one years ago for $325 , but I didn't know what I was looking at , when I found out what I had been holding I went back for it , and it was gone

 

[DM~]

We had one here for many years, dad shot a PILE of whitetails with it.

DM

 

[rodinal220]

Happy reading:

http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/

 

[HoosierQ]

I'll tell you what. The Remington Model 8 has officially, just this week, been added to my very short Grail Gun list. That list is now:

1. Model of 1917 Enfield Pattern in 30-06 (all original or all arsenal)
2. Savage Model 99 (.250 or .300 Savage)
3. Remington Model 8 (either the .30 or the .35)

 

[Comrade Mike]

I've been leaning toward the .35 just because of brass availability.

 

[cat9x]

They were good enough for John Browning to hunt with! He's holding his personal 35cal rifle here.

Jackson Hole area, Wyoming circa 1910.

 

[carbine85]

I have a Model 8 in .35 Remington. It shoots extremely well for a gun made in 1907. It will handle any of the commercial loads out there and is very accurate with iron sights. I like the take-down feature of the rifle. I'm actually placing it up for sale this weekend.

 

[HoosierQ]

Given that these are not gas operated, how dirty do they get (assuming they're not dropped in the dirt or carried through a sandstorm)?

I watched the video of dissassembly instructions with great interest. Does not look like a job for the faint of heart.

 

[788Ham]

HoosierQ,

I know of what you speak, in terms of a short Grail Gun list. I am fortunate to have one of each of the Savage '99's in the .250 and .300 calibers , both left to me by my Pop, still great shooters. The .250 is a very, very accurate rifle. Good luck in your search !

 

[Armed 24/7]

Carbine85,
I sent you a PM

 

[VA27]

The action is closed until the bullet is gone, so all the crud goes down the bore. Clean shooting gun.

 

[YZ]

Does the barrel recoil like the A5?

 

[DPris]

Yes.
Denis

 

[YZ]

My 12ga is an A5. Makes me want the model 8. If it runs as clean! Looked it up. Asking $5900 in a good condition. Pitting and "frosting" brings it down to $1000. Oh well.

 

[carbine85]

Does the barrel recoil like the A5?

The barrel is actually spring loaded inside a tube. The barrel recoils a small amount and works the action. The barrel assembly can be removed from the receiver by simply unthreading the take-down screw and handle.

 

[YZ]

Thanks guys. I will be looking it up at the shows.