Remington To Replace R51 Pistols

[DenmanShooter]

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Earlier this year, we launched the innovative R51 subcompact pistol to critical acclaim.

During testing, numerous experts found the pistol to function flawlessly. In fact, they found it to have lower felt recoil, lower muzzle rise and better accuracy and concealability than other products in its class.


However, after initial commercial sales, our loyal customers notified us that some R51 pistols had performance issues.

We immediately ceased production to re-test the product. While we determined the pistols were safe, certain units did not meet Remington’s performance criteria. The performance problems resulted from complications during our transition from prototype to mass production. These problems have been identified and solutions are being implemented, with an expected production restart in October.

Anyone who purchased an R51 may return it and receive a new R51 pistol, along with two additional magazines and a custom Pelican case, by calling Remington at (800) 243-9700.

The new R51 will be of the same exceptional quality as our test pistols, which performed flawlessly.

We appreciate your patience and support.


Read more: http://www.ammoland.com/2014/07/remington-announces-r51-pistol-exchange/#ixzz38XIpiioV
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[Hardwood83]

I saw that on another site. I guess the positive it Big Green is trying to fix this fiasco. Gotta wonder how it got THAT Fubared though?

Interesting design, I hope they figure it out.

[DenmanShooter]

Interesting design, I hope they figure it out.

Yes it is a different design.  I can't remember what it was based on but it was a "competitor" or predecessor of the Browning design at the time. 

I have followed this from development because I was impressed Remington was making an attempt into the pistol market and was interested to see how they would do.  As they say the early prototypes and the test pistols they sent out worked flawlessly.  As soon as the production models hit the market it was obviously they were a chunk of worthless metal.  Misfeeds, no feeds. Slide hard to operate.  Firing with slide open.  All kinds of malfunctions.

I really hope they can turn it around but I am afraid the stain may not be easily removed.

[JAK]

From what I read about this pistol in Gun Tests, Remington only recommended using Remington or Barnes ammo in it.  When Gun Tests tested the gun and used anything else it wouldn't extract or the cases were bulged/ruptured.  This was due to the pistol requiring a specific pressure curve in order to work right.

John K

[bkoenig]

From what I read about this pistol in Gun Tests, Remington only recommended using Remington or Barnes ammo in it.  When Gun Tests tested the gun and used anything else it wouldn't extract or the cases were bulged/ruptured.  This was due to the pistol requiring a specific pressure curve in order to work right.

John K

If that's true then I would consider the pistol essentially worthless even if it functions as designed with the recommended ammo.  I can see something like this in a race gun, but for a factory firearm to not work with all types of commercially available, SAAMI compliant ammo in that caliber is unacceptable.  Just my .02, but I don't want to be stuck having to buy a specific brand which may or may not be available.

[bk09]

I remember feeling one come through the store and feeling what all the hype was about and couldn't help but laugh at how awful it felt. Pretty sure they manufactured it while submerged in sand, HiPoints felt nicer than that rough POS. And for people looking for a small gun I think the excess space in the grip safety would catch thin skinned people and cause a nice pinch when activated. Remington and their sister companies don't seem to be anywhere near the quality they once were.

[bkoenig]

Tell me about it.  I bought a Rem 700 last year that had a giant burr on the crown of the barrel.  I don't think they even bother with QA anymore.  Hopefully some day someone who actually cares about quality will buy them.

[m0par]

Old thread, but...

Did anyone else buy an R51? Contact Remington yet?

I was waiting to see the new version before I decided what to do, but just today decided I'd give them a call to see what's what.

They told me now the new version is not expected to be released until late Q2, 2015. They are offering a trade for the base model R1 1911 though. They said that offer started in November.

After finding this out and doing a little search, I can assume I am probably the last R51 owner to know this.

Tempting trade, since the R1 is a significantly more expensive pistol. Could be ahead by taking the 1911 now, selling it, and buying a new R51 when they're released, assuming they're also improved/fixed.

[v188]

I think in general Big Greens quality is starting to be suspect.  I know Marlin guide guns are crappy compared to when they weren't bought by Cerebus.   My .02.

[Hardwood83]

.....They told me now the new version is not expected to be released until late Q2, 2015. They are offering a trade for the base model R1 1911 though. They said that offer started in November......

I would take that deal and run. A bird in hand as well as a more valuable pistol. Like you said, can always get a R51 later, assuming Remington gets it figured out.

Truly sad Big Green is in the toilet.

[dkarp]

This is most likely related to fallout from R51 fiasco- some Remington engineers leave and form another company:

http://www.shootingwire.com/story/336621