Actually, I found the R51 (properly functioning) to be exactly as they advertised, low recoil and minimal muzzle rise. For me, the R51 is a very comfortable pistol to shoot, and I usually fire at least a couple hundred rounds per trip at the range. It has about the same comfort as my old Model 51 in .380 (R51's predecessor) that I've been shooting since the late 50s. I will say however, that a malfunctioning R51 can get real sharp in the hand after shooting one who's block & slide aren't cooperating as they were designed. A premature block departure does tend to "slam" the slide to the heel of the pistol and yes, that is not a friendly feel in the hand & wrist. I've fired 4 different R51s and it felt like 3 different types of actions. 2 of them are mine and the other was a range friend's pistol. I'm getting the 2 1911 R1s in place of my 2 R51s, but I will be watching the R51 program's progress and I do plan on repurchasing at least one new Gen2 R51. One thing I DO disagree with... They market the R51 as "SUB-COMPACT"... I completely disagree and I call it "COMPACT" at the very least.

Mine never did 'properly function' but its recoil is basically that of most single stack carry 9mm. If there was a difference it was so minimal you wouldn't feel a difference at the end of the day.

I agree remmy. It does feel like your typical single 9 although it has the feel of a gun that is heavier than the R51... again, when it's functioning like it should. Between my 2 R51s, one of them was a palm slammer where the other one was tame. Geez, how can one pistol have so many issues? Just thinking of those days at the range with my two R51s boggles my mind. Especially when the sear pin came out from the side while shooting. Talk about a malfunction! Unbelievable!

Well, I opted for the exchange today. Was told this is turning into a popular option however you cannot get the $75 rebate or the match barrels...Oh well, I'll throw it in the safe & purchase a gen 2 R51 sometime next year!

Rockford wrote:Well, I opted for the exchange today. Was told this is turning into a popular option however you cannot get the $75 rebate or the match barrels...Oh well, I'll throw it in the safe & purchase a gen 2 R51 sometime next year!

Well, of course the rebate isn't going to apply. They're swapping you even for your $429 and giving you one with a $729 M.S.R.P. Less the misery of the R51, you're already $300 ahead, plus any discount you got on yours. $399 was the most typical sales price. So, $330 ahead. Agree? Better bargaining power if you're thinking about using the new 1911 for trading for something else.

My terror would be that the R1 would turn out to be a lemon....

Tater wrote:My terror would be that the R1 would turn out to be a lemon....

That's one thing that I've tried to keep in the back of my mind. But I think they'll get it to a somewhat reasonable state of reliability. It'll never be a performer like the 1911 R1, but you never know. I've been surprised by less promising things.

Well gents, my new 1911 R1 arrived and I picked it up this evening. From the phone call made to do this swap from the R51 and the time I received it, it only took a total of 15 days. Not a bad deal from Remington if you ask me. Right out of the box it feels so smooth like a real 1911 should. The feel of precision milling exists with every rack of the slide. The trigger is very light and smooth. Guess I'd best get to the range and see how she runs, but first I'll strip it down, wash it, and put on the Gun Butter.

Good to hear Rick...!!

( That's three posts on the new R1 and NO pics.... )

Got my pa-63's. Took them to the range. Similar dimensions as the r51. Can't say that I like them as much, but they do actually work.

I'd consider picking up an r51 again, but only after I hear that they are 100%.

mr220v wrote:Got my pa-63's. Took them to the range. Similar dimensions as the r51. Can't say that I like them as much, but they do actually work.

I'd consider picking up an r51 again, but only after I hear that they are 100%.

That's exactly where I'm headed with the R51. I want to read how good they are before I buy a 3rd one so I don't go through that brain damage again. Good riddance to the Gen1 R51s. Hoping the Gen2 is a success.