1911 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 1911 produced example is dressed in 8D or "Peerless" engraving and checkered stocks. The rifle has wonderful scroll work on the metal and 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: 25750
Year of Manufacture: 1911, Returned to factory late 1920s to early 1930s, the date code is unclear.
Caliber: .35 Remington
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Fixed Magazine Fed, Semi-Automatic Rifle
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Sheard brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel jacket. The rear sight is a Marble folding "U" notch sight that is screwed to a base that is fixed to the barrel jacket. The rear of the receiver is installed with a folding Marble aperture peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a shotgun-style checkered black hard rubber Remington Arms Co. buttplate. There is an inlaid bone diamond on the bottom of the forend. The forend is marked with the serial number. There is a large chip loss at the rear of the forend. There is a crack at the top tang. There are some marks in the wood. Most of the defects have colored with age. There are some scattered compressions and light handling marks. Areas of the wood are slightly shy to the metal. The checkering is strong with some minor rub wear. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the Remington plate. The plate has been reprofiled on the edges, and the fit is shy in areas and proud in others. The checkering and lettering are strong. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is strong. There are a few spots of minor erosion. In my opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The base of the barrel jacket is marked with the serial number. There is a date code on the barrel jacket indicating return to the factory. There are areas of thinning and finish loss. There are some areas of faint patina. There are some nicks, scuffs, and scratches in the metal. There are some scuffs and areas of thinning. There are some spots of oxidation and scabbing. There are some areas of erosion. There is operational wear. The markings are mostly 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: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE