1910 Remington Model 8D "Peerless" .35 Rem Factory engraved Semi Automatic Rifle
Our Assessment: The Remington Model 8 was the brainchild of John Moses Browning. Originally patented in 1900, it was the first successful high-powered semi-auto rifle made in the United States–or just about anywhere else, for that matter. It is a long-recoil operated rifle and feeds from a fixed magazine. The model 8 was chambered in four different Remington rimless cartridges, they were the .25, .30, .32, and .35 Remington. They were primarily used by hunters, though some law enforcement agencies adopted them and it was possible to modify them for removable magazines. It was even the preferred rifle of Texas Ranger Frank Hamer who used a customized .35 caliber model with 15-round magazines, and his was one of the two Model 8's known to be at the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde. This 1910 produced example is dressed in 8D or "Peerless" engraving and checkered stocks. The rifle has wonderful scroll work on the metal and has a pistol grip instead of a straight grip. Remington always had a pulse for engraving, putting out some of the most beautiful pieces. They display a well balanced aesthetic of scroll, border engraving, and blank space that combine for a rifle that is effortlessly refined and elegant. Not only is this jaw-dropping aesthetically, the parts on the Peerless models also receive more attention with hand polishing and fitting resulting in one of the finest semi-autos money can buy. The rarity of factory engraved model 8s as well as this being an early production model will certainly interest Remington and early autoloader collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Remington
Model: 8D "Peerless"
Serial Number: 20778
Year of Manufacture: 1910, Returned to Factory 1929
Caliber: .35 Remington
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Fixed Magazine Fed, Semi-Automatic Rifle
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble's inverted "V" blade with a folding white bead. The front sight is dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel jacket. The rear sight is a Marble's flip-up "U" notch sight screwed to a base on the barrel jacket. The rear of the receiver is installed with a folding Marble's aperture peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated crescent metal buttplate. The interior of the forend is stamped with the serial number. There are a couple hardly noticeable hairline cracks at the rear of the top tang. There are some scattered compressions and little marks through the finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are portions of the wrist that are shy to the tangs. The checkering is strong with scattered rub wear. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has some scattered areas of scabbing, scratches, and light erosion. The plate is generally slightly proud to the wood. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel jacket is a replacement.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light pitting and erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The bse of the barrel jacket is marked "PX" and "20778" below the stock line and has a test mark above the stock line. The barrel jacket does not have any scroll engraving and is a replacement with patent years later than the receiver was made. The safety tab has been removed and upgraded with a button. There is finish wear on the edges. There are scattered areas of mottled discoloration. There are some oil marks. There are some marks in the metal under the finish. There are some scattered areas of thinning and finish loss. There are some minor spots of oxidation. There are some spots of erosion under the finish. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly used. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: CA DEALER: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE