It's Alive... This Thread. Missed it first time around. I have one late Model 81 rifle, c. 1949, in 300 Savage. Never on my 'acquisition radar', but spotted of a walk around at gun show decades ago. Super overall condition and excellent price; not to resist.
A decades long love affair with the Rem Model 14 & mid-thirties successor Model 141, high power pump actions. Never offered in 300 Savage chambering. Partial to the 35 Rem chambering. Wish my Model 81 also 35 Rem. That said, the 300 Savage a great round without apologies or qualifications.
The historic high power pump design, quality achieved as complexity reigned! Much factory hand fitting/adjustment of these rifles during production. Amazingly so, until 'postwar years', as quality reputedly took a nosedive. Maybe my 81 of that era also. it a safe queen, never fired under my watch!
My take!
John
