Remington Model 81 Special Police

Published on September 30, 2016
Duration: 11:03

This guide details the modifications that distinguish the Remington Model 81 Special Police from its predecessor, the Model 8. It focuses on the critical conversion to a 15-round detachable magazine, internal mechanical adjustments, and functional enhancements like the pistol grip and handguard, all developed to meet law enforcement requirements. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Remington Model 81 Special Police is a semi-automatic rifle evolved from the John Browning-designed Model 8. Its key modification, developed by Newton Hillyard, was the integration of a 15-round detachable box magazine, significantly enhancing its firepower for law enforcement applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Hillyard's History
  2. 01:24The Hillyard Conversion
  3. 02:25Remington Adoption
  4. 03:44Production & LA County Purchase
  5. 04:07Physical Modifications
  6. 05:09Receiver Markings
  7. 06:02Mechanical Changes
  8. 07:13Serialization & Magazine Design
  9. 09:19WWII Marketing & Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Remington Model 81 Special Police?

The Remington Model 81 Special Police is a semi-automatic rifle based on the John Browning-designed Remington Model 8. It was modified by Newton Hillyard's Peace Officer Equipment Company and later adopted by Remington, featuring a 15-round detachable magazine for law enforcement use.

Who developed the key modification for the Remington Model 81 Special Police?

Newton Hillyard, founder of the Peace Officer Equipment Company, developed the crucial conversion for the Remington Model 8, which involved adding an extended detachable 15-round magazine. Remington later licensed this design for the Model 81 Special Police.

What were the main differences between the Remington Model 8 and the Model 81 Special Police?

The primary difference was the magazine system. The Model 8 had a fixed 5-round internal magazine, while the Model 81 Special Police featured a 15-round detachable box magazine. The Special Police also often included a semi-pistol grip stock and an enlarged handguard.

Which law enforcement agency was a major buyer of the Remington Model 81 Special Police?

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was a significant purchaser, acquiring 200 rifles in 1942. This specific rifle featured in the video is from that contract.

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