My parents gifted me my first rifle for Christmas in 1973, a Remington 581. About a year later after mowing a lot of lawns doing odd jobs for neighbors, I purchased a Tasco 4x32 with Redfield 1" rimfire dovetail rings for it. I've tried other scopes but keep going back to that 4 power Tasco. I t shoots ragged holes at 30 yards and I rarely miss a squirrel with it. It's very special to me and will be handed down to my daughter and grandson. Thanks for a great video! I will definitely include some Winchester Wildcat the next time I hit the range with it.

For a budget minded sportsman the 581 is tops. Shoots crazy accurate and wont break your bank account.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

Жыл бұрын

And I agree completely with that.

@jamescottrell7367

2 ай бұрын

Today if you find one not so much budget.

The accuracy of a Remington 581 is world class for an light weight inexpensive rifle. I bought it back in the late 80s to use for club matches. It was all I could afford at the time. It was consistent 3/8 inch groups at 50 yards with Ely TenX ammo. The downside is the light weight made it difficult to shoot steady free handed . Could of added weight but valued the rifle more as a hunting rifle than target rifle. Just bought a Sightron 3x9 rimfire scope that looks like a winner to replace an old 4X Tasco that work just fine but put it on a less accurate Ruger 10/22. A 3x9 scope is more worthy for the accuracy of the 581. Happy to see others have the respect I do for a Remington 581.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

I bought it for exactly the reason you said, it's reputation for world class accuracy and it didn't disappoint. The one modification I made was to put a Timney trigger in it and that made a huge difference. i don't normally worry about triggers but like you pointed out it is a light rifle, and heavier triggers on light rifles makes things a little tougher. But since changing triggers I have been ecstatic with this rifle. Best squirrel gun I could ever ask for and fun at the range.

Tom, my squirrel rifle I bought new in late 1960s. It is a Glenfield Model 25 made by Marlin. The load that it liked ( and assume it stil does )was the Winchester Wildcats. I have not been able to test or get out into the squirrel woods for quite awhile 20 years. I still have the rifle and two bricks( 500 rounds each) of the Wildcat 40 gr. Round nose bullets. Sure miss the Pennsylvania woods.

Great review

great honest video.really enjoyed it.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

This is probably the best video so far. Seemed like you were more lively and into the video

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

4 жыл бұрын

I'm getting better at filming and instead of having to do a presentation and keep up with 5 different things for filming I can now focus just on the presentation. That makes the whole thing a lot more fun and less stressful.

I have a 582, bought it when I was 15 years old. It has always preferred standard velocity ammo.

@1977Yakko

Жыл бұрын

Mine shoots the cheap lead nose ammo just fine. No need to buy the pricey ammo.

I enjoyed your video. Actually, I bought a 581 on GunBroker just a couple hours ago. Can’t wait to try it out. I’ve heard for years how accurate the 581’s are, so I had to give it a try.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I think you'll really like it? It's lightweight and they will shoot. I ended up changing the trigger out on mine but that certainly isn't necessary. I was just curious as to how much of a difference it would make and it did make a difference, but truthfully mine would have done everything I ever needed it to without changing a thing on it. Congrats on getting one mighty fine .22!

Funny thing about Wildcats, I have an old batch from the 1990s and, having one of my Stevens 44s lined after over 100 years of service (bore was rotten from old BP 22 rounds), took it out with a selection of bullets including Wildcats. The Wildcats just tore it up! Ten shots at 25 yards with my old eyes and buckhorn sights into a hole the size of the tip of my pinkie. I was stunned and impressed.

Love the 580 Rem series. I have my dad's 582 with a Redfield 6X wide field. Great on squirrels. Mine shoot blazers the best so far.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I have really been impressed with this 581. I'm going to change the trigger out after deer season just to see how good this thing can actually shoot because as good as it is now I think I can get just a little more out of it?

I presently own three .22 rifles. In 1990 I bought a Marlin 39A with the 24" micro-groove barrel and a 2-7X32 Tasco WA scope. This replicated the rifle that I had bought in 1960 when I was 10 years old. This is a decent squirrel rifle but what frustrated me was the fact that it would not shoot a 1" 5-shot group at 50 yards with any ammo that I tried, and I tried a lot. In 2000 I got a Ruger 10/22 Target with a SS hammer-forged heavy bbl. and a Simmons 3-9X32 .22 Mag. scope. This improved things quite a bit but the only ammo that it would really group consistently well was Remington Golden Bullets. Kind of like your Winchester Wildcats. In 2018 my club was having monthly .22 long-range steel competitions and I thought I might just need a Savage Mk.II BTVLSS target rifle with a Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 scope with BDC reticle. This was some serious, if casual competition among friends. Most were shooting CCI Target ammo, as was I until one fellow told me about SK Match ammo in the Red box. This stuff is made in Germany in the same factory as Lapua small bore ammo. This ammo would shoot lights out in all of my rifles and my 10/22T will actually out-shoot the Savage bolt gun. The SK Match was available online and not ridiculously expensive for match ammo. I bought three bricks of it before the bad times hit. Shooting matches have been on hold for a year because of COVID and I doubt that the SK ammo is currently available, but I am set for ammo for the foreseeable future if things get back to 'normal'.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip on that. I'm guessing it will be a while before any of us get a chance to purchase any but I will keep that in mind for the future.

I have a tasco scope on my Marlin model60 it works great, now I need to check what you just said I did not about the height of the scope now I have sompthing to do...

My go to is cci mini mag hp. It's what I run in all my 22s especially hunting so its sighted in and good for squirrel to deer to hog but mainly in traps because hide is tough for open field( I say deer because we can legally take deer with 22lr it's just not encouraged.)

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

With such a wide variety of game it makes sense to go with the mini mags. Here 22's are a no no for deer so mine is just small game and I stay with lower velocities cartridges. But I will take a 22mag on occasion if I'm going to be in areas with wild hogs.

Well, have an old 541 and it shoots those Blazers fairly well.

I have a 582, and the ammo I've found to be most accurate so far is the same one your 581 liked best.

A very timely video sir! I just happen to have acquired a near mint Model 581 LH. Yup a southpaw bolt but they stayed with the RH ejection port which I love because I can see the rounds load. I can't wait to shoot it but I'm not sure which scope to put on it.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the 581 and in a left hand at that! I know it can be tough for you south paws to find a left handed rifle in what you are looking for and I think you're going to be happy with this one. As for the scope, that always is a tough choice.

@14goldmedals

2 жыл бұрын

Tom River - Simple Living if you can believe it I bought the 581LH and a CZ452 LH American as a package deal! Both near mint in 22LR and the CZ needs a scope too. Isn’t life funny? I have probably 10 scopes on the shelf to pick from at home but I keep hunting for “the perfect” scope for each rifle. Gun owners here in the Great White North 🇨🇦 aren’t very plentiful and these two fine LH bolts I found may be some of the only ones in the country. Tom I sure hope my grandsons grow up to be southpaws too or they’re going to look at all the rifles for them awful funny.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

@@14goldmedals With 2 fine rifles like those they'll just have to learn to shoot left handed if they aren't! LOL Congrats on both!

@philforcedotcom

Жыл бұрын

Left hander here. Inherited a right hand model. Nice example, with family history, but don't need a RH bolt action!

@14goldmedals

Жыл бұрын

@@philforcedotcom I grew up without LH guns just fine. In some cases there better like bench shooting. Your trigger hand stays put to have consistent squeezes. Right opens the bolt and you can see into the action to monitor operation. My first LH bolt came at 20 years old because I had a job lol.

Interesting. I got an old 582 (tube magazine) that got passed on to me when my grandfather died. It's something he got for my uncle when he was in high school ROTC back in the late 60s or early 70s but after that it just sat in his closet for decades. When I got it, the safety/bolt release was broken but a gun smith fixed that. I just lubed up the bolt, cleaned the barrel and it shot just fine. Just cheap lead nose ammo from Federal or Remington mainly. I don't have a scope on mine but it's a fun plinking gun. Long barrel though. I've looked at other .22LR bolt action rifles and I haven't seen one with a barrel that long. I've heard that excess barrel length can impede velocity with low pressure rds but who knows. It shoot just fine for me. Also, regarding heavy guns and accuracy, I think that applies to handguns too. I'm more accurate with my steel 1911 than I am with my polymer and alloy 9mm handguns.

@christinamoneyhan5688

Жыл бұрын

You heard correctly. If you would have access to a chronograph and you were shooting the same ammunition ( manufacture and weight of bullet) the longer length barrel will slow the bullet down but, not that much that you would notice shooting. 18” is supposed to be optimum for total powder burn for long rifle. That’s what I’ve been told.

@1977Yakko

Жыл бұрын

@@christinamoneyhan5688 Thanks. If/when I ever get a Tikka .22 I've been wanting, I won't be alarmed at it having a shorter barrel. 🙂

Good Video! First time I've watched ya.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate that. And if there's anything you would like to see me cover in future videos just let me know.

Excellent explanation of the relationship between higher mounted scopes and the position of the cheek on the comb. I use CCI Mini-Mags exclusively in my Glenfield Mod 60. 15 shots inside a 1" dot is common at 50yds. Hate to see ya build up the comb on that fine old rifle. If it were me I would go down to a 32/33mm scope 3x9 of course with a fine reticle. Tom, is there an email address I could send some pictures to?

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

trsimpleliving@gmail.com; and funny you mentioned that on the scope because I recently put a 3x9 remfire scope on it and lower rings! And those old Marlin and Glenfields are great rifles too. I just passed on one in 22mag but it was tempting. Especially since there is so much 22 mag available right now compared to everything else. Thankfully I already have a Marlin 22mag! I think it's the one rifle I own that hasn't been in a video?

With my 581 most accurate to less , Agulra 40rn, CCI Select, CCI Standard Velocity, CCI Mini Mag, Federal Auto Match. Winchester Red Box. I have just started weighing out my 22 ammo. In 50 of the Auto Match I got 23 rounds that weighed the same, 51.6 gr. The span of weight was 1.1 grains. Lightest was 50.7, heaviest 51.8. The light ones will hit low and to the right , the hot ones will hit hit and to the left. The ones in the middle, at 51.6 at 50 yards from the bench 5 shots all holes touching a dime sized groups. The light ones I'll used as Rat Wreakers, the heavy ones for my sidearm, the middle ones I'll use for Match. I have a box each of FAM and Agulra, 1k of 22 rounds to sort through and 500 of MiniMags.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

Now that's some serious dedication when you start weighing rimfire ammo. And I'm really impressed with the results you got from doing that.

Out on a sunny afternoon with friends shooten 22's, just so much fun. I do wish ammo cost would return to normal tho'. MMR&PCLUB

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

I think we'll all be glad to see the ammo prices come down and the availability improve. And I agree it is fun to get together with friends and just shoot 22's. I have to say I miss that.

Hi Tom, I like your common sense approach to hunting. You seem like a real peace loving man but have you ever considered what guns and ammunition you would recommend for home defence. Thanks and best regards, Elo McMillan

Recently bought a 581 and was wanting to install some sling swivel studs. Would you recommend just the screw in type like Uncle Mikes brand from Walmart or Academy? Just nervous about splitting the wood on the for end of the stock.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I would recommend the Uncle Mike's and that's what I used on my with no issues. Just drill your holes the size recommend with the slings studs and you won't have any issues with splitting. Where I got into trouble was on the side where the cut out for the bolt is while doing the hand fitting after putting in a new Timney trigger. But a little wood glue fixed it right up.

If you think it's weird that Winchester Wildcat shot best in that rifle, CCI Stingers shot best in my CZ 457 ( one ragged hole at 40 yards indoors). It could be the combination of the long case and the tight chamber.

Had a 581 years back. Shot like a silhouette rifle. Sold it for some stupid reason. Luckily I bought a 541 t when it came out and it shoots even better than that tack driving 581 but damn I still miss that little rifle. Wont make the same mistake with the 541. That's mine till I'm dead.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

Жыл бұрын

I've been keeping an eye out for a 541 stock for this one. They used to show up on ebay a lot, but not anymore.

What rings are needed for the 481...3/8 inch groove on receiver?

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

4 жыл бұрын

You are correct, it's the standard 3/8" grooved receiver. But I think made a type "o" on the 581? Hope that helps.

Winchester Wildcat has shot great out of every .22 LR I have owned except a CZ 452 and the two Ruger Single Six revolvers I've owned but those two handguns didn't like grouping with anything I ever tried in them.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

Жыл бұрын

Jerrold, I'm not sure what's going on with Winchester but they seem to be getting a bad reputation for quality on all of their ammo? But I'm with you, in the past Wildcats always shot good for me.

I woulda guessed that the stingers woulda had the best group. I have never had any good luck with any winchester ammo thru my .22 lr. I just wonder if the older long barrel rifles like u have just like the round nose heavy ammo vs the light ammo because that's all they had back then and they were tuned to that ammo?

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

Жыл бұрын

Josh I've wondered similar things on all rifles. I've noticed that the old style bullets generally shoot better in the older rifles across the board.

Question for you what scope mount are you using? I would like to put a scope on the 581 also and am having a hard time getting one to grip the grooves on mine . Thanks

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

2 жыл бұрын

LighteningGB93, I don't know if they still make these but they are Redfield mounts 47320. I found them on Amazon and I have been very happy with them. I hope that helps.

@LightningGB93

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your help ,Tom

I have the same rifle and possibly the scope is the same too, tasco 4-12 x 40, just did a video the other day my results were not great

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, it's an old Tasco but this one is a 4x16x42. I'm going to do a video probably in January for my 581 and I'm going to try to put a new Timney trigger on it. My rifle has outstanding accuracy but the trigger is horible, and I'm not one to fuss about triggers. But when the trigger pull is more than the weight of the rifle it can make things tough. Depending on how my new trigger works out you might want to try that? And if you've posted your video I'll be sure to check it out.

@user-fd8uv3hk6x

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving agreed on the trigger I mentioned the same thing in the video I posted last weekend, I will have to look at the timey, thanks brother

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-fd8uv3hk6x Good video! On that trigger, it's a trigger for a 788 but it is suppose to fit the 581 also but I did read you would have to do some fitting on the stock for the safety. And honestly I hated to spend that much on a trigger for a 22 but I want to see just how good can this rifle shoot, and I suspect pretty good?

I have a 582 that shoots well with sk standard.

What brand of trigger did you use?

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I used a Romney 788 trigger but it required some fitting of the stock and turned into a bit of project.

You SHOULD have tried Federal Champions

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I'll have to try those after deer season when I re shoot this. I've got a new trigger to try on this rifle that I think is going to make a big difference on how it shoots? I'm not normally fussy about triggers but the trigger pull on this one is more pounds than the rifle weighs!

i only use 22 shorts for Squirrels those stingers will tear up a Squirrel & Most High/Hyper Velocity 22LR there Great for Ground Hogs

I've had best results with federal ammo in my 581

CCI STANDARD

@14goldmedals

2 жыл бұрын

That's been my go to ammo and never disappoints.

I bought a 581 LH for $32 at Gov-mart in Renton Wa. in 1972. They thru in a soft case and a cleaning kit. I gave it to my wife for her birthday since she showed a interest shooting and went out many times with me. Years later we divorced. then many more years later while picking up the kids I noticed it behind the door. The stock was scarred, the bluing was rusty and the sights were gone. I offered to buy it and took it home. I refinished the stock adding a white line spacer to the butt plate. I took it to a gunsmith in Buckley Wa. Had it re-blued and the barrel re-crowned. He also added a ramp front sight. I installed the rear sight. My favorite shooting spot over looked a large gully. Maybe 300 yards across. Tons of skeet was shot there and hundreds of clay lay unbroken 100 yards away. With this rifle I could break more than 9 out of 10 shots. After many outings, only broken clays remained and found my self hitting the pieces more often than not. I still like this rifle.

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

They are shooters and I have no regrets with mine. And thanks for sharing that. It reminded me of going out with my uncle and shooting bottles floating down a creek. That was a lot of fun.

@olblu8746

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving did you ever swim or walk into that creek?

@TomRiverSimpleLiving

3 жыл бұрын

@@olblu8746 No one did in that particular place. That was the most snake infested place I've ever seen.