Remington Model 81 barrel markings

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Sharps50-140
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Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 4:52 am

Remington Model 81 barrel markings

Post by Sharps50-140 »

I have a Model 81 Remington in 30 Remington. The serial number is 945. What I noticed is that the barrel markings (near the receiver) are KYY3 then DE underneath the KYY3. Any help in deciphering these would be greatly appreciated. The serial number indicates first year production. It is almost a 100% gun. I traded a silver saddle for it 35 years ago and it has been in hermetic storage since then. I never even checked the numbers until now. Thanks for any help, JS
Tom H
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Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2003 3:13 pm
Location: Northern Minnesota

Re: Remington Model 81 barrel markings

Post by Tom H »

KYY3 means returned to factory for repair in May, 1952. I assume the DE, which could be September of 1936 or 1958, was also a repair date and they did not strike a 3. I have seen other guns with a repair date and no 3 occasionally over the years........tom
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Sharps50-140
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Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 4:52 am

Re: Remington Model 81 barrel markings

Post by Sharps50-140 »

Thanks Tom H. I appreciate the info. Is there any way to find out what was done to the rifle repair wise?
If it was produced in 1936 originally I guess it would be safe to assume it probably was not repaired in 1936. It seems like 1958 sounds more likely. As KYY3/DE are the only markings, would it possibly be that the barrel was replaced in 1952?
Also I noticed that the forearm has finger grooves that I haven't notice on other 81's. They appear to be factory however could be an addition by somebody proficient in doing it. Any ideas? Thanks Sharps50-140
Tom H
Posts: 111
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2003 3:13 pm
Location: Northern Minnesota

Re: Remington Model 81 barrel markings

Post by Tom H »

First of all, let me apologize. Having not read carefully, I assumed you had a model 8 and not an 81. DE means the rifle was made in September, 1936 and it was back for repair in May, 1952. There is no way to tell what the repair was. As to the finger grooves, I really have no idea......tom
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Sharps50-140
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Re: Remington Model 81 barrel markings

Post by Sharps50-140 »

Thanks again Tom. That makes total sense. They stamped the KYY3 above the original DE. You can tell they were made with a different type set.
You can see the grooved front forearm. It is so perfectly done and has the same patina as the rest of the wood that I assumed it was factory done. It actually makes the rifle hold feel very comfortable.
The rifle is in .30 Remington.
I traded a horse saddle for it almost 40 years ago and it has been stored since.
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