Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Remington r51 opinions

Hey all,

I'm looking at purchasing a remington r51 as my first carry gun. Experiences seems to be torn between it being wonderful or a disaster and most reviews are 3+ years old. Does anyone have any experience with the newer production r51?

For me, the price is right and it falls right in between cool weird gun and modern conceal carry weapon. If the reliability is actually there, I'd love to pick one up as my second consideration is a sig 365xl and for the price difference I could buy a couple hundred rounds of ammo, a holster, and a CCW class.

What do you all think? Any experience with newer production r51 pistols? Thanks

If you want one to pass on to your kid so they can say they have an example of a colossal F-up from the company formerly known as Remington go ahead.


To defend your life, NO, just plain NO. And it's operating system being different than what is used in most other semi-autos. How is that a good thing? I'd think tried and true would be better if my life is on the line. John Browning's tilt barrel concept is well established, no reason to pass it up.

Junk. Spend the extra money. I would think that your life is worth a couple hundred extra, ain't it?

Why buy a handgun from a company that has proven they don't understand how to make a quality product?

If you want something “weird”, get an old Makarov in 9mm Mak. Otherwise, get a cheap Ruger (if you wanna go “budget”) or spend the $$ and get the Sig. Yes, the Sig is a bit pricey, but it comes with night sights, which is a $100-$125 upgrade on most other guns.

Why Remington CAN’T bring back guns like the Nylon 66 or the Marlin 39, but can spend MILLIONS R&D’ing duds like the R51, etc, is beyond me...

If I wanted American-made defense handgun I would buy SR9C with stainless slide.

It should be in the 10 Commandments for Defensive Carry.

Thou shalt not carry any handgun made by Remington, for they are abominations and will get you killed, especially the r51.

The only modern Remington handgun I would consider is R1911. Strong competition comes form Springfield Armory and Ruger.

Lol, that's a good one.

Honestly, the short version as to why I am considering the r51 is that I'm a hipster don't have enough money to be a hipster.

The long version is that I only have enough money for one handgun so I don't have the resources to get a cool collectable and a boring, dead nuts reliable carry gun like a glock (sorry not sorry). I'd like to split the difference to whatever is reasonable and a lot of the more recent gen 2 reviews of the gun have been positive outside of takedown not being as simple as a glock or 1911. It seems that Remington finally, sort of, has it together and it seems more reasonable than it did a few years ago. The reputation of the gun, however, still isn't good due to the past.

I may need to check out a makarov, but the hollow point tests I've seen didn't show any expansion.

Thanks for all the feedback guys

Taurus G2C 9mm Compact
Meat and potatoes for about $215.

First generation LCP.

Check for used Springfield 1911 models. It sounds like the Range Officer version would be right up
your alley. If not the Springfield XD would certainly work. The price might be a bit higher but having the
reliability is worth something.

Only buy the Remington product if you feel you can knock the guy out the first time you throw the handgun at him.

If you want cool, collectible and reliable, how about a CZ 82 in 9x18, or a Star BM, Tokarev, Browning High Power

I have zero experience with them, but have heard that they got the bugs worked out and they are now pretty decent. But I'm still waiting for feedback from the public on the newer ones. I'm not in the market for any handguns but was wondering if they got them straightened out. Just curious as to the question of will that thing survive after that colossal screw up of an introduction.

get a used LEO glock from AIM surplus.

done deal.

I am a retired policeman who now works behind a gun counter. Do NOT buy the R51. Do NOT worry about expansion, or the lack thereof, in a Makarov. Penetration kills. If every penny matters, buy a Taurus G2C. If you can hold out, and save your coins, buy a used Glock. Do not be afraid of a used, Smith and Wesson revolver, if it suits you. Seek out instruction. If I can help in any way, let me know.

Taurus, see you like meat and taters too.

I have that one and like it.

Basically, buy any other handgun beside the R51 and you will come out ahead both in personal safety and in resale value.

Heck, a High Point C9 Compact is a proven reliable handgun.

AAAOA, where do you live? Cabelas has some great sales.