Remington Model 581

Remington Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1967

Also known as: Remington 581, Model 581

Overview

The Remington Model 581 is a .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifle introduced in 1967 as part of Remington's 580 series of inexpensive sporting and training rifles. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, it feeds from a detachable box magazine and can be converted to single-shot operation. Its bolt employs six rear locking lugs, a design shared with the centerfire Remington Model 788 introduced the same year, giving the action a short bolt lift and smooth cycling. The 581 was a popular plinking and small-game rifle and replaced the older Model 511.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2155 g (76.0 oz)
Overall Length1080 mm (42.52")
Barrel Length610 mm (24.02")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle Energy141 J (104 ft·lbf)
Effective Range90 m (98 yd)
Maximum Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 1967-1999

Original Model 581 produced 1967-1983; 581-S Sportsman variant produced 1986-1999

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Remington Arms Company

Discontinued: 1999

Notes

Part of the 580 series: Model 580 (single shot), Model 581 (detachable box magazine), and Model 582 (tubular magazine). Produced 1967-1983 in the original form, with the 581-S Sportsman economy variant offered from 1986 to 1999.

Background

The 580 series shared its six-rear-lug bolt design with the centerfire Remington Model 788, which debuted alongside it in 1967, making the humble rimfire 581 a close mechanical cousin of one of Remington's most accurate budget centerfire rifles.