One of the faster growing markets within the firearms trade was rimfire rifles. Many of these rifles were marketed to adults as varmint guns, but mostly to young boys. They were known as "Boy's Rifles".
The competition for this market was fierce. Some companies resorted to selling their rifles at steep discounts to manufacturers of feed or other products to be included as give-aways with the purchase of a bag of feed or seed. Companies like Hamilton, Marlin, Stevens, Mossberg, Iver Johnson, Winchester, H&R, Quackenbush and others competed for market share.
Remington would not be left out and in 1939 they introduced two new .22 rimfire rifles, the model 510 Targetmaster and the model 511 Scoremaster.
What followed was a series of rifles all based on the same platform. First we will examine what the rifles have in common, then we will take a look at each of these and explain the differences.
All of the "5-Teen" series rifles shared the same receiver and for the most part the same bolt.
The bolts were self cocking, featured dual extractors and a firing ready indicator that protruded out the end of the bolt when cocked. The bolts along with some other parts (trigger, safety lever and screws) were color case hardened.
They also had dual locking lugs, a right side mounted safety and a grooved trigger.
The receivers were made from drawn steel rectangular tubing, which was much cheaper to manufacture than a forged one.
Lastly all of the guns in this series came with a full sized walnut stock. Date codes were printed on the left side of the barrel, just ahead of the receiver. For details click here
510 Targetmaster
The 510 Targetmaster was introduced in 1939, although the name was used prior on the Remington model 41.
The model 41 was manufactured for a short time from 1936 until 1939, when it was replaced by the 510.
The 510 is a single shot, bolt action target rifle with a full sized walnut stock. The trigger guard was metal as was the butt plate (which was swapped for plastic after the war).
There were a several different variations of the model 510 produced including a Carbine, one with a chromed bolt and a smoothbore model called the MO-SKEET-O bore.
Model 510 Targetmaster Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 43"
Barrel Length: 25 inches
Weight: 4 3/4 lbs
Magazine: N/A - Single Shot
Manufactured: 1939-1962
Remington made more than 500,000 model 510s before production ended in 1962, the model was re-introduced for a short time between 1965 and 1967 as the 510X.
511 Scoremaster
The model 511 Scoremaster was introduced the same year as the 510 Targetmaster. The difference was the Scoremaster was a repeater, having a box magazine of 6 rounds (originally) that sat almost flush with the bottom of the stock. Like the 510 there were multiple variations of the 511 including the 511P (for Peep Sight) and the 511SB (for Smooth Bore). As above the model was re-introduced for a short time between 1965 and 1967 as the 511X. Total production was 381,267.
Later on a ten round magazine was offered and aftermarket companies offered replacements in 6, 10 and 15 round capacities.
Model 511 Scoremaster Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 43"
Barrel Length: 25 inches
Weight: 5 1/2 lbs
Magazine: Box, 6 round capacity
Manufactured: 1939-1963
512 Sportmaster
The model 512 was the same as the 510 and 511 except that it utilized a tubular, under barrel magazine. Introduced a year after his older brothers and manufactured until 1962. Like its brothers there were more than one variation including the model 512P (Peep Sight), 512SB (Smooth Bore) and the 512 X which was a reintroduction that was available from 1965 to 1967.
Total production was 393,665 units.
Model 512 Sportmaster Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 43"
Barrel Length: 25 inches
Weight: 6 lbs
Magazine: Tube, 22 Short, 17 Long or 15 Long Rifle capacity
Manufactured: 1940-1962
513 Matchmaster
The 513T Matchmaster was introduced along with the 512 Sportmaster in 1940. The 513T was really just an upgraded model 511, using the same box magazine, but with a heavy barrel, target sights and a special walnut stock.
A year later in 1941 the 513S (for Sporter) was introduced. The 513S featured standard barrel, standard sights, blued finish and a checkered walnut stock.
After WWII both variations of the 513 continued to be produced.
In advertisements, the "S" model almost always took a back seat to the more expensive and desirable "T" model.
Production of the less popular 513S ended in 1956, while the 513T remained in production until 1969.
Total production between both the S&T models was 137,302
Model 513T Matchmaster Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 45"
Barrel Length: 27 inches
Weight: 9 lbs
Magazine: Box, 6 round capacity
Manufactured: 1940-1969
Model 513S Matchmaster Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 45"
Barrel Length: 27 inches
Weight: 6 3/4 lbs
Magazine: Box, 6 round capacity
Manufactured: 1941-1956
In terms of production numbers the model 510 was the most prolific with the model 513 the most rare, the chart below shows the specs of all 5 models
The most rare of all these guns has got to be the U.S. Property marked model 513T Matchmasters. Followed by the 513-S Matchmasters which were only made for 15 years and were not as popular as the 513-T.
Edit, it was pointed out to me that I missed one rifle, the model 521T/TL Junior Special, this was a modified version of the 513T
The Junior Special had most of the same features of the 513T,
Model 521T Junior Special Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 43"
Barrel Length: 25 inches
Weight: 7 lbs
Magazine: 6 round box
Manufactured: 1947-1969
Model 521TL Specs:
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Length: 46"
Barrel Length: 27 inches
Weight: 9 lbs
Magazine: 6 round box
Manufactured: 1947-1969
As with most of my Featured Gun posts, they are inspired by guns I own or have come in contact with.
Here are the Remington 5-Teen series guns that I have owned/worked on
This 512 Sportmaster is owned by my brother, he bought it a while back and asked me to refinish it....look for posts on this project this month.
While I was working on the first 512 , my brother bought another one at a pawn shop....512 #2:
Then I refinished the metal on this model 511 Scoremaster, this is the finished product, look for a post on this one soon
Then my Brother bought a third 512 (I think he is trying to corner the market)..
Then I was gifted this project, it is a 1946 vintage model 513-S Matchmaster....in pieces...another project.
Sources
Liberty Tree Collectors
Gun Visor Pro
You Will Shoot Your Eye Out
Wikipedia
American Rifleman