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Post by shiprex on Feb 4, 2009 11:34:21 GMT -5
Hello (gentleman and ladies???),
I normally would not join a club that would have me as a member (Groucho Marx), but I am excited to state, I will be picking up my Model 81 in .300 Savage this weekend. My father hunted with one when I was a kid. I was using a Savage Model 99, also in .300 Savage, at the time. I always liked that semi-auto, but when I was a teenager, he sold it for around $100. I never even got to shoot it! But, now I am back after 30 years. The m81 I am buying is in very good shape (approaching 90% and all original, not drilled). I have the feeling I am paying a little too much for it, but 'what the hay', I'll have it for the next 30 years before I 'will-it' to my son.
I know this is 'sight unseen', but at what price range would you say that is too much? I don't want to say the price I am willing to pay, as I am already feeling a little guilty. Someone shoot me a non-exaggerated 'too much' baseline. I know I will have more questions about this fine rifle in the future.
Thanks,
Shiprex
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Post by mule on Feb 4, 2009 12:21:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the sickness... ;D A model 81 runs from as low as you can get one nowadays around $300 or so to $700 and depending on the grade ie. checkered like a model 81b on up in the $1000 range and of course engraved ones go as high as $7500 so if your in the $300 to $700 range your ok if its higher than that and is just a plain 81 I would hold off there are some nice 81's out there in the range stated hope this helps Mule
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Post by Hardrada55 on Feb 4, 2009 12:28:24 GMT -5
I always prefer to go on the theory that I'm not paying too much for it now, I'm just buying it too soon, i.e., the price you pay for a M81 now, might look pretty "cheap" in 30 years. This is just me personally, but you know, I seem to see a lot of pretty ordinary Autoloaders with an asking price of $500-750 right now. I don't think I would pay that much for a really nice 81 in .300 Savage. If I was buying an really nice 81 in .300 Savage right now, I wouldn't pay over $450 for one. Now balance what I've said with the fact that it might take me a while to find one that I would buy for that price. Everyone's got a different tolerance for the amount of money they're paying for stuff and the amount of "shopping" they're willing to do before satisfying their needs.
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Post by shiprex on Feb 4, 2009 16:40:46 GMT -5
Thank you for the very prompt replies. I've been working on finding the m81 for about 2-3 months and I'm glad to say, your information pretty much reflects my limited research. I am paying $450 for the m81. It is not in as pristine condition, as I would like, but it is still in very good condition, and is not all drilled-up for the various scope mounts. I saw a number of these rifles with several drilled holes. I'm not getting this rifle for scope shooting as I have a scope on my Savage m99 for those 200-300 yd. shots. From what I have read, some were saying the kick of the m81 can be a little hard on the scopes and keeping them accurate, anyway. If it does have that kind of kick, it would explain why my father preferred I use the m99 when I was a kid...couldn't afford loosening my teeth before they were ready. I have to say, I'm feeling a little like a kid, again, waiting to pick-up and handle that rifle. I sure am glad my father took me hunting and fishing. I'll do the same for my son, who is now 18yrs.
Thanks again gentlemen. Shiprex
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tbury
Full Member
Posts: 126
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Post by tbury on Feb 4, 2009 21:54:03 GMT -5
I have two 8s, my 25 rem was bought from a forum member for $500; my 30 rem was $630 on Gunbroker and came with a Marbles peep and Dockendorf front sight. The marbles sight goes for more than $100 on Ebay.
I have an 81 in 35 Rem that has the Krieger magazine modification to have detachable mags. Mine came with two mags and I paid $695 at a gun shop.
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Post by imfuncity on Feb 5, 2009 3:27:22 GMT -5
My first Model 8/81 was also a .300 Savage. I've noticed that that seems to have been true with a lot of our members. I also think I paid a little too much for my first one but it sure has been fun plus it got me started on these old critters and that has been a way-good thing. Welcome to the club, especially the .300 Sav club. I do use one of Wally-Worlds med. slip on butt pads which makes it a very pleasant shooter for me. I also have the extra holes - instead of the extra safety . It took me some time to run down the scope and the mounts which still has not been mounted - as everything isn't exactly correct yet. But, it has been fun finding the pieces - as they say, half of the fun is in getting there. Interestingly enough, I just joined the Sav 99 club. But I specifically was looking for it in something other then the .300 Savage, when I found one that was not a carbine and it was in 30-30, I think I came across a rare bird. Now, after a couple of weeks of cleaning, I've even found some rifling, so I've got to see what it'll do on the range. Then if everything else is good I'll go to work on the characteristic stock splits on the wrist.
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Post by tnrifleman on Feb 6, 2009 19:58:05 GMT -5
Shiprex,
Welcome to the forum. I think you are really going to enjoy your new rifle. Like you, I have a Model 81 in 300 Savage and it is a fine rifle/cartridge combination. One thing though, be forewarned, these vintage Remingtons are VERY addictive. One isn't enough!
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Post by shiprex on Feb 9, 2009 11:50:15 GMT -5
Holly Cow!!!! You've got that right. I picked up my new (old) m81 yesterday morning, and, here I am, looking at the 4-sale adds, seeing if I can find another. Very addictive, indeed. It is beautiful and is dying for some shells. I have an old Remington box of shells my dad gave me. I have no idea how old they are, but the price is $4.00 for the 20 shells/8 remain. I also have a full box/20 rds. of SuperX shells. It's also very old, but is in brand-new condition. I can't wait to display these great American treasures. Things are changing around us and these old firearms seem to always bring be back to some great American roots.
Thanks for getting me all fired up you guys, although I must admit, it didn't take much.
Shiprex
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Post by tnrifleman on Feb 13, 2009 17:51:41 GMT -5
shiprex,
Have you had an opportunity to shoot your 81? If you are addicted now, just wait 'till you shoot that old girl! Resistance is futile...
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