Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster – Classic American Semi-Automatic Rifle

This Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster in .300 Savage represents an important period in American sporting rifle history. Manufactured by Remington Arms, the Model 81 was introduced in 1936 as the successor to the Remington Model 8, continuing the innovative long-recoil-operated design associated with John Moses Browning.

Produced until 1950, the Model 81 became a recognizable American hunting rifle, offered in several chamberings, including the popular .300 Savage.

Distinctive Long-Recoil Operating System

Unlike conventional gas-operated semi-automatic rifles, the Remington Model 81 uses a long-recoil action in which the barrel and bolt recoil together during the operating cycle.

The rifle’s enclosed barrel jacket gives the Woodsmaster its distinctive appearance and remains one of the most recognizable features of the Model 8 and Model 81 family.

This example features a traditional wooden buttstock and forearm, military-style tangent rear sight, blade front sight, and an internal magazine.

Vintage Remington Woodsmaster Collectibility

The Remington Model 81 is increasingly appreciated by collectors of early American semi-automatic sporting firearms.

This example retains its recognizable Model 81 configuration, including the enclosed barrel assembly, blued receiver, wooden furniture, and original-style sights.

The receiver is visibly marked “WOODMASTER MODEL 81” and “Remington”, confirming its model identification.

Its .300 Savage chambering makes it an appealing example of a classic Remington sporting rifle.

 

Rifle Specifications

• Manufacturer: Remington Arms

• Model: Model 81 Woodsmaster

• Caliber: .300 Savage

• Action: Long-recoil-operated semi-automatic

• Country of Origin: United States

• Production Period: 1936–1950

• Magazine: Fixed internal magazine

• Standard Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds

• Stock: Traditional wood buttstock

• Forearm: Wood

• Finish: Blued steel

• Barrel: Enclosed barrel and recoil assembly

• Sights: Rear adjustable iron sight and front blade sight

• Receiver Markings: Woodsmaster Model 81 / Remington

• Serial Number: 45116, visible on receiver

• Condition: Used, vintage sporting rifle

• Bore Condition: Not provided

• Included: Rifle as photographed

Condition

Used — Vintage Sporting Rifle

The rifle displays cosmetic wear consistent with an older sporting firearm.

The wooden buttstock has scratches, handling marks, and areas of worn finish. The forearm shows lighter surface wear, with the wood grain and finish remaining visible.

The receiver and barrel jacket retain a dark finish, with visible finish thinning, light surface discoloration, and handling marks. The receiver markings remain legible.

The rifle appears externally complete, with its sights, wooden furniture, and major action components present.

Bore condition, headspace, mechanical function, and originality of individual components have not been independently verified. The .300 Savage chambering should be confirmed from the barrel markings before publication.