At the same time that WWI was breaking out and the world was falling into chaos, Remington was launching one of the most unique pump-action hunting rifles ever produced. Built to compete with fast-running, high-powered lever actions from the likes of Winchester, Marlin, and Savage, the Remington Model 14 and Model 141 carved out a strong niche with American hunters. 
 

History of the Model 14

These side-ejecting pumps were engineered as a hammerless platform for rimless centerfire cartridges. With American walnut and blued steel, they were solid specimens that have weathered the generations. Chamberings include Remington’s own .25 Rem, .30 Rem, .32 Rem, and .35 Rem. 

Rifles wore 22-inch barrels, with carbines sporting the shorter 18-inchers. Designer John Pedersen, who can be credited with dozens of firearms patents, is perhaps most well-known for this gem. A much more rare variant, the Model 14-1/2, was chambered in .38-40 and .44-40. Model 14s were crafted in Ilion, New York, and numbers reached some 125,000 units before the Great Depression. 

Model 141
 

Following a slight redesign in the mid-1930s, the Model 14 was renamed the Model 141. Adding the Gamemaster designation was a nod to the platform’s success among hunters and sportsmen of the era. Barrels were extended, with rifles now sporting 24-inchers and carbines gaining a half of an inch at 18.5. The addition of a brass cartridge-base inset into the receiver not only denotes the chambering but adds a unique flair to these rifles. 
 

Stocks were slightly redesigned and squared off with a steel shotgun-style buttplate. The Model 141 saw production until 1950, though it went dormant in the WWII years with very few rifles coming off the line. Though the 141 ultimately gave way to the Model 760, the sleek, artful lines of the 14 and 141 have never been replaced. 
 

Guns.com Vault Gun
 

Finding classic Model 14 and 141 specimens continues to get more difficult as collectibility increases. We were lucky to get our hands on a lovely Model 141 from the Guns.com Vault. Chambered in .35 Rem, this one was more than capable on deer-sized game, and we’d like to know the history of its journey. While it feels surprisingly sleek and light, a visit to the scale reveals a 7.75-pound empty weight. Finding ammunition for these models is not as easy as it once was, but it is still available, and reloaders have ample options, too. 
 

Design Features

The guns are instantly recognizable, even today, for their spiral magazine tube. Looks, however, were not the purpose. Rather, the twisted tube prevented the pointed projectiles from accidentally striking the primers of the other rounds. The bolt release button is located on the bolt itself. Also of particular interest, the magazine tube actually moves with the forend. The guns were fitted with practical iron sights, though many found themselves with tang-mounted peeps. 

Variations included Special, Peerless, and Premier Grades, each commanding a premium over the other. The standard base models, though, were affordable and utilitarian pieces at the time. Only recently has the collector value been climbing as the gun world recognizes the unique features, history, and fast-cycling capability of this humble slide action.