I bought a Remington Model 81 in .35 rem today. The gun is near new with no modifications other than USA 9234 engraved on the left side of the receiver above the Remington logo. I was told it came out of a Texas prison and never saw any use. I couldn't think of any prison or LE organization using USA, jsut made me think of U.S. Army but never heard of them taking over Model 81s and ther were no other markings like US or flaming bomb. The serial is 17814 and EK is the barrel code which translates to October 1941. Does anyone know if the government took over any Model 81s (like they did some of the Model 720s) or what organization USA could stand for, particularly in Texas? I know it could be someone's initials and last 4 of a SSN but if it is he never used the rifle.
Thanks in advance.