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Remington R51

11K views 47 replies 22 participants last post by  siradorta 
#1 ·
Been looking at the Shield. Then then XDS. Now I just read about the coming R51. Anyone own a 'modern' Remington pistol? Thoughts? Will be interesting to check out an R51 in person (if I can find a Rem dealer near by).
 
#2 ·
Don't let the ads fool you, the gun is not quite "sub compact" and please follow my advice in not buying the very first run of a gun from a company that really hadn't made any h an d guns in the last 50+ years or so.

The oldest "modern" handgun from Remington is less than 5 years old or so when they started back up with the 1911. While their 1911 has gotten some good reviews it was not a new design. Let other be the guinea pig.
 
#4 ·
not brushing your comments off but, the 'don't buy a first' (for me) goes without saying. I asked specifically about their 'modern' pistols exactly because of their short pistol history you call out. 'New' design isn't quite true. The action design, though fairly rare, isn't new.

So, does anyone have a current model Rem to give thoughts on their build quality? If their current quality isn't great, there's no reason to worry about 'newness' or the type of action.
 
#5 ·
not brushing your comments off but, the 'don't buy a first' (for me) goes without saying. I asked specifically about their 'modern' pistols exactly because of their short pistol history you call out. 'New' design isn't quite true. The action design, though fairly rare, isn't new.

So, does anyone have a current model Rem to give thoughts on their build quality? If their current quality isn't great, there's no reason to worry about 'newness' or the type of action.
From what I've heard and read about the pistol they won't be available to the public until mid-late February.

Remington's New R51 9x19mm Plus P Semi-Automatic Pistol
 
#7 ·
Yes, R51 is not quite in production yet. Also agree with VAMarine that it's a borderline subcompact. At 6.5" long and 4.5" tall, it's roughly only .5" shorter than a Glock 19 (both ways). And the 19 is square in the middle of the compact range IMO. The R51 certainly isn't a pocket gun.

I fondled one at SHOT Show last week, and it did feel pretty good. Running the slide was interesting, though. Most every other slide I've racked is relatively smooth, but the R51's was clunky. It racked pretty easily/lightly, but you could feel clunks as you worked the slide back through the mechanism. Hope to get one on the range this spring and see what that's all about.
 
#8 ·
Willing to look

I'm going to look at one when they hit the stores. Remington has a good reputation for quality so far; at least by me.

The gun I carry everywhere is about 7 inches long and 5 inches high (just checked), so the size doesn't bother me. With an alloy frame, I think the weight should be okay. (I don't like all steel 'small' guns, they feel like a big fishing weight in my pocket.) However, I need to see how the grip fits my hand and fingers for 'girth'. I can handle a Government Model one handed, but a Glock 17 feels like I have a tenuous grip on a 2x2. I just don't feel comfortable shooting that 'wide' a pistol one handed.

Two other matters: Does the grip safety block the sear from disengaging or simply block the trigger? And last but not least, when will it be available in either .40 S&W or .45 ACP? I tend to prefer larger calibers.
 
#9 ·
To answer the OP's question -- I have a Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced, and it is very well made. It started out as the tightest 1911 I own, and with time it has smoothed out. My pistol is very accurate and has been perfectly reliable.

My interest in the R51 is much higher because my experience with the R1 E has been so positive.
 
#11 ·
Reading this thread seems to indicate that no one should start up a new company and build a new gun because nobody will buy them. And a gun company shouldn't introduce any new products because no one will buy them. Gun owners don't want innovation or change, they like keep things they they've always been. That ain't us, is it?

If people don't buy the first run, there won't be a second run. But then you say a lot of first time gun owners will buy it. Do you really want first timers evaluating a new design? Wouldn't experience shooters over all offer much better recommendations and suggestions?

Although recently we saw recalls from Springfield, Ruger and Caracal this is still an uncommon thing. Given these guns were introduced prior to and during this unending gun scare with most of the manufacturing of these new designs done throughout the panic, it's no wonder we didn't see more things go wrong.

Remington is a stand up company with an excellent reputation, I can't see buying a first run model as a risk. The worse case scenario may be an inconvenience if there is a problem with the design or production. You shouldn't buy a gun just for the gun, the company should instill some confidence whether it be well established or even a start up. Besides, Remington has publicly started they want to be known in the future as a handgun company. It would be silly for them to put it all risk with a flawed and faulty design so early in their long term plan. I bet they did their homework on this one.

Long live American Free Enterprise!
 
#12 ·
To answer the OP's question -- I have a Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced, and it is very well made. It started out as the tightest 1911 I own, and with time it has smoothed out. My pistol is very accurate and has been perfectly reliable.

My interest in the R51 is much higher because my experience with the R1 E has been so positive.
that is the kind of comment I was looking for from those with first hand experience. if what they made up to now is crap, what's the point of looking at the R51? good to know that at least one owner thinks their quality is good.

Why it almost immediately veered toward whether it is a true sub compact (neither are the two pistols I also mentioned) and that it wasn't yet available (I said as much) or 'it's a first run, stay away', I have no idea.

all that said, I read a review (can't remember where) that said the grip safety was poorly shaped and that the slide sides extend down low enough that the reviewer felt he was at risk of being sliced open. I'm still interested in checking it out if a shop near me ever gets them. Can't think of one that sells Rems, though.
 
#14 ·
from qwiksdraw
"Reading this thread seems to indicate that no one should start up a new company and build a new gun because nobody will buy them. And a gun company shouldn't introduce any new products because no one will buy them. Gun owners don't want innovation or change, they like keep things they they've always been. That ain't us, is it?

If people don't buy the first run, there won't be a second run. But then you say a lot of first time gun owners will buy it. Do you really want first timers evaluating a new design? Wouldn't experience shooters over all offer much better recommendations and suggestions?

Although recently we saw recalls from Springfield, Ruger and Caracal this is still an uncommon thing. Given these guns were introduced prior to and during this unending gun scare with most of the manufacturing of these new designs done throughout the panic, it's no wonder we didn't see more things go wrong.

Remington is a stand up company with an excellent reputation, I can't see buying a first run model as a risk. The worse case scenario may be an inconvenience if there is a problem with the design or production. You shouldn't buy a gun just for the gun, the company should instill some confidence whether it be well established or even a start up. Besides, Remington has publicly started they want to be known in the future as a handgun company. It would be silly for them to put it all risk with a flawed and faulty design so early in their long term plan. I bet they did their homework on this one.

Long live American Free Enterprise!"
I love your sentiments and agree with you 100%. Rem isn't new, neither is this design, really. It's been tweeked to modern expectations, that's all. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
 
#15 ·
by SP3

"here's the review I mentioned.

Gun Review: Remington R51 | The Truth About Guns

trigger reset doesn't bother me; every gun is different anyway. racking doesn't bother me; every gun is (a bit) different anyway. forgot about the reassembly issue he had. no way of knowing what it's really about until you do it for yourself but, ....."
I remember reading that review after reading a few other comments about how they were "snubbed" by Remington, not provided a sample when others were, etc. I think they didn't want to like it, even though they made a point to say otherwise.
 
#17 ·
I remember reading that review after reading a few other comments about how they were "snubbed" by Remington, not provided a sample when others were, etc. I think they didn't want to like it, even though they made a point to say otherwise.
I had the same impression. but, at least he supplied photos of his hand with and without the pistol to demonstrate his gripes that I mentioned.
 
#20 ·
another thing I noticed just now is, according to a new ad on Slick Guns, the warranty is only 2 years (nothing on Rem's site for the R51 yet). I don't know what the average length is for pistols these days. But, my wife's Bersa and my S&W both have 'lifetime'. 2 years seems, well, crap to put it bluntly. I started this thread thinking I might get one within a year or two. Now, with the various little things I've read added together, I'm thinking not.
 
#22 ·
I purchased one today, haven't fired it yet. First impressions are mixed.

I like the weight of the piece, I'm thinking the weight will hold the recoil down. The back strap safety is a bit loud, but, I'm thinking once it wears it'll feel like an old M1911A1.

The slide, although a bit clunky, is easy to rack. Not the prettiest of weapons, but I prefer functionality over beauty. And a big plus is it handles +P ammo.

I'll get to the range next week and will post a report. I'm anticipating a great out of box shooter.

As for holster, I prefer PJHolsters, however, Paul doesn't have a mold yet, so I may try one of the new Versa Carry models.
 
#23 ·
Hello all, I placed a deposit on an R51 a couple weeks ago. Today, my gun dealer informed me that the R51 has been recalled. I can’t find any information about this on the Remington website. I was wondering if anyone else has heard this and can expand on the problem. Thanks
 
#25 ·
Update: I took it to the range today and was quite pleased. I used Blazer brass 115 grn RN. The gun was pretty flawless. Had a couple of "clicks" from the trigger and no bang. I think the slide didn't seat all the way.

I fired 100 rounds and placed all but a few into about a 4" diameter. For me it shot low left, but I'm wondering if thats because I was so conscious of the backstrap safety. The sights are bright and easy to line up.

Of the 100 rounds fired I didn't get any FTFeeds. As stated above the slide failed to seat several times. On a few instances the slide locked back on the 6th round, one was still in the magazine, not sure why. Maybe the round didn't seat all the way up in the mag. Going to lube the mags and see what happens.

All in all I'm pleased with the gun. The grip will take some getting used to, but then thats with all new weapons. Recoil was light; trigger pull I thought was smooth.

I'll shoot again next week and will report on that outing.
 
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