Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster 81A .300 Savage Semi-Auto Rifle, 1948 Long-Recoil Action
This late-production Remington Model 81 Woodsmaster 81A stands out for its classic Browning long-recoil design, desirable .300 Savage chambering, and factory Standard Grade configuration. Built in November 1948, it pairs blued steel with walnut furniture and now features a professionally installed one-piece scope base to expand optic options while retaining its original open sights.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling: Excellent – sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Receiver displays noticeable handling marks from previous field use. Receiver has been drilled and tapped, and an aftermarket one-piece scope base is installed.
What’s Included
- Aftermarket one-piece scope base (installed)
- Factory Remington steel 5-round detachable box magazine (installed)
Introduced in 1936, the Model 81 refined John M. Browning’s long-recoil action for sporting use. This rifle keeps that dependable mechanism intact, cycling the potent .300 Savage cartridge smoothly and reliably.
The 22-inch barrel is enclosed in Remington’s distinctive full-length steel jacket, aiding cooling and protecting the bore. A drift-adjustable bead front sight and folding rear leaf give a clear sight picture, yet the drilled-and-tapped receiver lets you mount optics without additional gunsmithing.
Standard Grade (81A) walnut furniture features a semi-pistol-grip buttstock and slender fore-end, both left uncheckered per factory specification. The 13.5-inch length of pull offers a traditional fit, while the right-side cylindrical charging handle provides familiar manual control.
Only about 55,600 Model 81 rifles were produced from 1936–1950, and examples in .300 Savage—especially with bright, sharp bores—remain sought after by shooters and collectors who appreciate their place in the evolution of American semi-automatic sporting rifles.