Question for the Pistol experts
I'm looking for information on a semi-auto pistol that Remington made back in the 20s/30s. The model number escapes me, but I think it came in 32 caliber as well as 380. I saw one on auction from the Harry Stanford collection months ago. Anyone have any experience with this firearm?
-Mitch
-Mitch
0
-
It's called the Model 51. Very well made, but way over engineered for just a .380/.32 pistol. It has a delayed blowback mechanism thats overly complicated. Since they haven't been made for over 70 years, they have become a high dollar collectors piece, if in original condition. 0 -
Thanks Rufe. There's one on auction that's NIB. Pricey, but a fine looking little piece. 0 -
One reason it is complicated is that Mr Pedersen was having to work around the Colt-Browning patents, and Savage-Searle, too.
Another unusual thing in a pocket pistol of that era, the .380 was the first caliber offered and remained more common than .32.
quote:Is the model 51 Remington similar to the Walther PPK in any manner?
Well, it is a medium sized .380 auto, but not similar in any other manner I can think of. It is not double action, it is not blowback operated, it does not have an exposed hammer, and it is not foreign made.0 -
Is the model 51 Remington similar to the Walther PPK in any manner? 0 -
The Model 51 Is my Carry pistol of choice I am tall and skinny . this pistol is only .900 inches thick and because of the delayed blowback is the lightest recoil of any 380 I have ever shot The PPK is rather sharp in recoil on the WEB of your hand if they are boney. The Remington points great and natural point of impact to where you are LOOKING .Did I say I love these pistols[:0][:I]
Hello Rufe Snow I value your opinion very much and will take it under advisement[:)]. However I think most of the extractor problems on pistols are caused by dirty /rough Chambers and not design problems. The next to the last thing I ever want to happen is for me to have the need to use my carry Pistol and the last thing I want is for this pistol to fail me [:0]. I may be slightly lax on on outside looks on Firearms BUT being a Match shooter needing 100% function and having some gun-smithing skills I shoot pistols that only function 100% or find the cause and repair them. My P 51 was bought used and I have over 1000 rounds through it it has never had a Failure and I do trust it with my life. That is more then I can say for some of the most popular pistols in this size including the Vaulted PPK and many other pocket pistols I have owned and shot. My carry pistol of choice when conditions allow is a FULL SIZE 1911 type ."PRAISE THE HARD-BALL GUN"
Edit MBK I agree the The 38H is a better design IMHO then the PPK I have one in 32 and never seen a 380 of course there is not much different in the stopping power between the two . The only weak link is the decocker could be made of better material.0 -
quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
The Model 51 Is my Carry pistol of choice I am tall and skinny . this pistol is only .900 inches thick and because of the delayed blowback is the lightest recoil of any 380 I have ever shot The PPK is rather sharp in recoil on the WEB of your hand if they are boney. The Remington points great and natural point of impact to where you are LOOKING .Did I say I love these pistols[:0][:I]
Don't push your luck with a antique. The .380 I had years ago broke 1st time I shot it, ( broken extractor). I was lucky enough to find a another extractor from a outfit that sold parts. Got rid of the Remington.
My understanding is broken extractors are such a common problem, one of the parts houses are currently making new production replacements.0 -
Thanks to everyone for the insights. I'm not a pistol guy at all but am considering getting one for protection. I would like it to be something special and preferably vintage and somewhat collectable. 0 -
Carried and shot our Remington UMC 380 today, made in 1918.
Operates well. Was tested to be accurate. They have a grip safety.
It seems the General Patton had one these made by Remington to be given to ranking Generals, I think they were 45's.
Another interesting small pistol was the Sauer 38H.0 -
+1 for Perry Shooter's praise of the Rem 51.
Pederson, Remington's designer spent a lot of time on the ergonomics of grip shape and angle and he got it right. The pistol doesn't need sights because it points perfectly. Many subsequent gun designers copied the 51's grip shape but not its' slimness.
I don't find it overly complicated for what it is; a delayed blowback.
Internally the parts are properly hardened and you won't find any wear.
The Remington's finish is weak so you'll find a lot of them needing refinishing but they are worth it.
Hard chrome, parkerizing or Robar refinishing would make a very durable and reliable carry pistol.
If I had a proper holster for mine I'd carry it.
It's my second 380. The first I carried in my field jacket pocket or shoulder holster for over a year in Korea in addition to a 1911 or M-2 Carbine.
I haven't heard of extractors breaking but breechblocks have probably broken under overloading.
The one I took to Korea, I once overloaded with a 9mm Luger powder charge. It was none the worse for wear; twice the kick , penetration and noise. I did it only once in high school and dont recommend trying it.
Recently,I was lucky enough to find an extra breechblock assembly
and keep it as a spare.
One has to take the pistol apart to gain a fine appreciation for Pederson. The system of novel interlocking parts needs to be seen
in this screwless design.
The extractor and breechblock are hard to find but the extractor looks like an easy part to make0 -
The first gun I bought with my own money was a Remington Model 51. Gave $75 for it when I was about sixteen or seventeen. Still have it.
That 51 turned out to have been made during the first year of production. I'll bet I've run 1,000+ rounds through her since 1973. But no more- I retired her two years ago. I've since added another two 51's (one with original box).
Without a doubt one of the finest handgun designs ever. I would really like to see someone produce the 51 again.0 -
How much would a NIB model 51 sell for? 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
11 comments