I was wondering how well the R51 would handle different brands of ammunition. Any idea of how many rounds it would take to break the weapon in? How difficult would it be for a small woman to handle and fire a 9mm R51? Thanks in advance for any answers.

Gimpsdad wrote:I was wondering how well the R51 would handle different brands of ammunition. Any idea of how many rounds it would take to break the weapon in? How difficult would it be for a small woman to handle and fire a 9mm R51? Thanks in advance for any answers.

I am going to the range in the morning for the first time with the R51 I plan on shooting around 150 rounds with different ammo, WPA, Tula and Herter's. I am hoping the shop will have some Remington Ammo. If my fingers hold out that is. Sure which Remington would make the accessories available like in extra Mags, 3 more is what I want. Look for my post tomorrow night. and I might have some answers for you.

Gimpsdad wrote:How difficult would it be for a small woman to handle and fire a 9mm R51?

The felt recoil of an R51 is similar to that of a full sized, all steel, 9mm handgun. Recoil is very mild. The grip is not too big to hold on to but has enough grip enhancements so that it's not slippery. The trigger is decent (most say it's actually pretty good). The sights are good.

The R51 has more pep than a .22LR but it's vastly more comfortable to shoot than any other 9mm handgun of similar size.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Thanks to you both for your replies. I understand the slide is pretty easy to operate for a smaller woman. My wife doesn't like the strength it takes for her to operate the slides on my .45s.

Gimpsdad wrote:Thanks to you both for your replies. I understand the slide is pretty easy to operate for a smaller woman. My wife doesn't like the strength it takes for her to operate the slides on my .45s.

the slide is easy to operate, mine was alittle stiff at first but has smoothed out with several hundred rounds. My biggest complaint of the R51 would be the slide release, its pretty stiff, at least on mine, and may be tough for a smaller woman to operate

draidt wrote:

Gimpsdad wrote:I was wondering how well the R51 would handle different brands of ammunition. Any idea of how many rounds it would take to break the weapon in? How difficult would it be for a small woman to handle and fire a 9mm R51? Thanks in advance for any answers.

I am going to the range in the morning for the first time with the R51 I plan on shooting around 150 rounds with different ammo, WPA, Tula and Herter's. I am hoping the shop will have some Remington Ammo. If my fingers hold out that is. Sure which Remington would make the accessories available like in extra Mags, 3 more is what I want. Look for my post tomorrow night. and I might have some answers for you.

Disaster ! after about 30 rounds of Herter's ammo and a couple of FTE's my R51 Locked up with a live round chambered and the slide only moving back about a 1/4 inch and the trigger locked up solid. It is going back to Remington, made the call already. Only problem is you cannot ship and Remington will not accept a spent or live cartridge in the chamber. Taking it to my Gun Smith tomorrow to see if anything can be done. THIS SUCKS. I stated I would not sugar coat anything. The damn gun was spot on at 25 yards and the recoil was very good. Bummed out in Florida.

woah, this is a surprise.....thanks for sharing this and keep us posted please!

draidt wrote:

draidt wrote:

Gimpsdad wrote:I was wondering how well the R51 would handle different brands of ammunition. Any idea of how many rounds it would take to break the weapon in? How difficult would it be for a small woman to handle and fire a 9mm R51? Thanks in advance for any answers.

I am going to the range in the morning for the first time with the R51 I plan on shooting around 150 rounds with different ammo, WPA, Tula and Herter's. I am hoping the shop will have some Remington Ammo. If my fingers hold out that is. Sure which Remington would make the accessories available like in extra Mags, 3 more is what I want. Look for my post tomorrow night. and I might have some answers for you.

Disaster ! after about 30 rounds of Herter's ammo and a couple of FTE's my R51 Locked up with a live round chambered and the slide only moving back about a 1/4 inch and the trigger locked up solid. It is going back to Remington, made the call already. Only problem is you cannot ship and Remington will not accept a spent or live cartridge in the chamber. Taking it to my Gun Smith tomorrow to see if anything can be done. THIS SUCKS. I stated I would not sugar coat anything. The damn gun was spot on at 25 yards and the recoil was very good. Bummed out in Florida.

Wow I hate to hear that my man! I hope your gunsmith can get it figured out for you.

By chance did you do a thorough break down and cleaning prior to shooting?

draidt, I had that happen on a Glock one time & the gunsmith's hate to work on them like that. At least mine did. It was simple really, it was a bulged cop reload my son in law gave me. I never used reloads after that, but it easily could happen with a new bullet. The same S.In L told me he checks every round he loads his duty gun with by dropping each in the chamber.

This happened on the Walther site several times & it was bulged cases on new & reloaded ammo. I hope yours is as simple as that.

remmy wrote:

Gimpsdad wrote:Thanks to you both for your replies. I understand the slide is pretty easy to operate for a smaller woman. My wife doesn't like the strength it takes for her to operate the slides on my .45s.

the slide is easy to operate, mine was alittle stiff at first but has smoothed out with several hundred rounds. My biggest complaint of the R51 would be the slide release, its pretty stiff, at least on mine, and may be tough for a smaller woman to operate

I don't think it's intended to be a Slide Release. I think it's intended to be an external Slide Stop actuator.

I believe that, like with other small handguns of this type such as the Kel Tec PF9, the intention is to use the tab to manually lock open the slide for maintenance and for Safety Checks at the range. When the slide locks back on an empty magazine, I believe the intended method is to eject the empty mag, lock in a loaded one, and then retract the slide and release it, letting it run forward and strip the round from the top of the mag.

That's my understanding from the manual.

So if said smaller woman can jack the slide easily, that's a better option than using the lever as a Slide Release.

Peace favor your sword,
irk

draidt - sorry to hear about the problems. I was hoping your experience on the range would be one that you would be able to rave about. I would like to know well Remington handles this for you and your experiences when you get your gun back to the range. Thanks.

remmy - the slide stop on my 1911 R1 was hard to release. After 200 rounds it became easier, and I am going to assume (probably a dumb ass thing to do) that as I fire more magazines releasing the slide will become very easy. But the important thing for me at this point with regards to the slide on the R51 is that my wife can easily pull it back far enough to chamber a round. If she can do that she can pull it back another quarter inch to release the slide when she inserts a new magazine.

Please keep posting your experiences with the R51 as I think I would like to get one, but could just as easily walk away if there are problems that require fixes outside my very limited capabilities. Thank to you all.

remmy - the slide stop on my 1911 R1 was hard to release. After 200 rounds it became easier, and I am going to assume (probably a dumb ass thing to do) that as I fire more magazines releasing the slide will become very easy. But the important thing for me at this point with regards to the slide on the R51 is that my wife can easily pull it back far enough to chamber a round. If she can do that she can pull it back another quarter inch to release the slide when she inserts a new magazine.

Please keep posting your experiences with the R51 as I think I would like to get one, but could just as easily walk away if there are problems that require fixes outside my very limited capabilities. Thank to you all.[/quote]



Two things to keep in mind One, despite what you read or see online about the slide action, it DOES smooth out after a thorough cleaning and my wife can cycle easily. Two, You will have a 2 yr. warranty if you have issues (sometimes Remington will take care of you after the warranty time) The last few Remington products I have bought new (Versamax, 887) have had issues which either required it to be sent back or they will send parts to fix. I guess what I'm saying is that I wont be shocked if the R51 has an issue in the future and will need to be sent in. That's my two cents....

I took my pistol to my Gun Smith yesterday afternoon after posting that I would today. He got the round out and freed up the slide. The round has a scratch on it the whole length of the casing, Nose looks alright and the primer had a light firing pin indent. I mic'd the casing with 3 other brands of 9 mm and could not find any glaring measurement differences about this round. So step one complete now it is off to Remington for inspection and repair. Remington offered to reimburse me for any expenses incurred in getting the live round out, My Smitty is a super nice guy and refused any compensation. Stay tuned, about 2-4 weeks I am told.

I am not sure if this has been posted but here is a good (but bad) review on these issues including another one locked up and going back ...

http://youtu.be/yicodN7BrgU

Possibly related: BREAKING: Scott Blackwell, President of Marketing & Sales for Remington, Resigns

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/0 ... n-resigns/

I am now torn on what to say when I get a call from the LGS saying that they have a R51 in.

MetalBird wrote:Possibly related: BREAKING: Scott Blackwell, President of Marketing & Sales for Remington, Resigns

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/0 ... n-resigns/

Oh good heavens. He gossips like an old woman! He's sure is reading a lot into that email that I just don't see in it.

I am now torn on what to say when I get a call from the LGS saying that they have a R51 in.

Just go buy it. They've made thousands with very few reported problems, even for a "new gun shakedown" period. Yeah, my copy has some issues. But it's over SN 1,100 and it doesn't look like too many of the previous thousand have reported issues (that we've heard about). That make something like 1/10th of a percent "problem" rate. And that's while it's still in the "growing pains" "first generation" period. That's pretty good, really.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

MetalBird wrote:I am not sure if this has been posted but here is a good (but bad) review on these issues including another one locked up and going back ...

http://youtu.be/yicodN7BrgU



I am now torn on what to say when I get a call from the LGS saying that they have a R51 in.

Exact issue I have, but my grips did not loosen up. Sorry cannot recommend this gun to anyone. My serial number is 27xxR51 with issues (severe issues) Transporting a jammed up gun with a trigger that would not move and a live round in the chamber is a severe issue. I cannot tell you the extreme distress I felt and extreme caution I used while getting it home and then to a gun smith. I did not simply carry it into the Gun Smith but went in and explained what my issue was before he came out and retrieved it from my vehicle.

draidt wrote:

MetalBird wrote:I am not sure if this has been posted but here is a good (but bad) review on these issues including another one locked up and going back ...

http://youtu.be/yicodN7BrgU



I am now torn on what to say when I get a call from the LGS saying that they have a R51 in.

Exact issue I have, but my grips did not loosen up. Sorry cannot recommend this gun to anyone. My serial number is 27xxR51 with issues (severe issues) Transporting a jammed up gun with a trigger that would not move and a live round in the chamber is a severe issue. I cannot tell you the extreme distress I felt and extreme caution I used while getting it home and then to a gun smith. I did not simply carry it into the Gun Smith but went in and explained what my issue was before he came out and retrieved it from my vehicle.

ok to date I probably had a few hundred rounds through this thing. I watched that youtube vid by "Tacticalexistance" today. So I decided to go out and just blow abunch of rounds through this thing and give it a real workout.......well this gun went to hell. I had every single issue draidt and this guy had in the youtube vid. My gun started by not going into full battery and FTF the first round, this happened about 3-4 times. The first time it happened I had a hell of a time racking the slide back to get the bullet out, and that's scary with a live round. Also had a several FTF which oddly enough seemed to be the 3rd round in the mag. Also, as I have stated on here before the grip panel screws came loose, also this happened to the guy in the youtube video. I'm screwed too because no warranty from Remington for a barely used R51 (not the original purchaser). So looks like I better sit down and think about where to go with this.....

remmy wrote:

draidt wrote:

MetalBird wrote:I am not sure if this has been posted but here is a good (but bad) review on these issues including another one locked up and going back ...

http://youtu.be/yicodN7BrgU



I am now torn on what to say when I get a call from the LGS saying that they have a R51 in.

Exact issue I have, but my grips did not loosen up. Sorry cannot recommend this gun to anyone. My serial number is 27xxR51 with issues (severe issues) Transporting a jammed up gun with a trigger that would not move and a live round in the chamber is a severe issue. I cannot tell you the extreme distress I felt and extreme caution I used while getting it home and then to a gun smith. I did not simply carry it into the Gun Smith but went in and explained what my issue was before he came out and retrieved it from my vehicle.

ok to date I probably had a few hundred rounds through this thing. I watched that youtube vid by "Tacticalexistance" today. So I decided to go out and just blow abunch of rounds through this thing and give it a real workout.......well this gun went to hell. I had every single issue draidt and this guy had in the youtube vid. My gun started by not going into full battery and FTF the first round, this happened about 3-4 times. The first time it happened I had a hell of a time racking the slide back to get the bullet out, and that's scary with a live round. Also had a several FTF which oddly enough seemed to be the 3rd round in the mag. Also, as I have stated on here before the grip panel screws came loose, also this happened to the guy in the youtube video. I'm screwed too because no warranty from Remington for a barely used R51 (not the original purchaser). So looks like I better sit down and think about where to go with this.....

Call Remington and ask if they'll service it anyway.

When I called, they didn't ask if I was the first owner. I certainly hadn't sent in my Registration Card (it's still in the green box, even now). I guess they just assumed I was the original buyer (which I am, of course).

Rem. may be willing to cut you some slack because it's a brand new design.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Yea I'm thinking about calling them like you said and go with the 'don't ask, don't tell'. Shot another 50 rds since todays last post and same issue, does not complete battery. About 1/8 or so of the barrel shows, bump it forward everytime and its good to go, but that gets annoying for every mag. Oh but my grip panel screws were still tight so that's showing improvement haha. I still love the looks, recoil, trigger pull, grip safety, etc on the R51

Thanks draidt. Looking forward for more from you.

remmy wrote:Shot another 50 rds since todays last post and same issue, does not complete battery. About 1/8 or so of the barrel shows, bump it forward everytime and its good to go, but that gets annoying for every mag. Oh but my grip panel screws were still tight so that's showing improvement haha. I still love the looks, recoil, trigger pull, grip safety, etc on the R51

Is it just not going into battery for 1st round of a fresh, fully loaded mag? (Loaded with 7 rounds?). Have you tried it with fewer? I'm not suggesting that is the solution, just trying to narrow down the problem.

Also, how are you releasing the slide? Via slide release? Or pulling the slide to the rear all allowing to go forward, aka. "Slingshoting?" Technically the manual states that the slide (when locked to the rear) should be pulled and released to load the gun. I'm not saying I agree with that, but they do state it. I wonder if they didn't know there was an issue from the git-go, hence that instruction.

I'm seeing consistent issues (unless gun is hot from shooting) with the slide release not fully allowing slide to go into battery on first round of full mag, but sling shot method seems to work all of the time.

Regarding the video, I personally think some of the malfunctions are contrived and the question whether or not the gun is being purposely setup to fail. About midway through the video it looks to me as if "Mr. Tactical" is riding the slide with his trigger finger when chambering a round. I am able to recreate the problem easily when I do so.

While I think there are enough issues with the gun it that the "helpful" videos aren't a total whitewash, I still see a lot I question regarding these good natured public service efforts being put out. There are more than enough cross posts between "tactical existence" and "MAC" enough to establish a pre-existing relationship. MAC also was a highly vocal detractor of the gun from the time of the shot show. It concerns me that there are lip service statements to the effect that "I had high hopes for this gun" and "I really hoped it would work out" but yet "TE" turns around and posts videos of the first shots of a pistol he's described as "sticky" multiple times but nothing about. I personally would have broken the gun down, checked it out and the lubed it. While I'm not suggesting that there aren't issues going on, I just wonder if they're not being helped along, then showcased in some passive aggressive hissy fit towards the Freedom Group.

I have read a lot of reviews the last few weeks about this gun. My primary purpose for wanting one is for my wife. My questions to all of you is should I look elsewhere? Is this a gun that you would trust to work for your wives, girlfriends, etc should a situation arise that required the use of a gun?

I don't release the slide with the slide stop. When I load my mags I pull back on the slide and release. Slide stops just short of making battery on the first round, any mag used. Yesterday while shooting the slide momentarily stopped half way then continued. So on occasion the slide sticks. After I bought it I took it down and cleaned it thoroughly and it ran a few hundred rounds fine and now this is going on. I do have a really low serial # so maybe they had a problem with first production and now some of them on the shelves are fine....? I love big green and I love everything else about this gun, but if it cant do the job as a ccw gun then its not really worth having in my situation, but I'll see what Remington will do for me first.....

Gimp- As of right now, if your wifes primary purpose is using the R51 as a ccw, I cannot recommend at this time. If you really want this gun I would wait after a production year or so and maybe they will have the bugs worked out? Although that wasn't the case with their 887

remmy wrote:I don't release the slide with the slide stop. When I load my mags I pull back on the slide and release. Slide stops just short of making battery on the first round, any mag used. Yesterday while shooting the slide momentarily stopped half way then continued. So on occasion the slide sticks. After I bought it I took it down and cleaned it thoroughly and it ran a few hundred rounds fine and now this is going on. I do have a really low serial # so maybe they had a problem with first production and now some of them on the shelves are fine....? I love big green and I love everything else about this gun, but if it cant do the job as a ccw gun then its not really worth having in my situation, but I'll see what Remington will do for me first.....

Gimp- As of right now, if your wifes primary purpose is using the R51 as a ccw, I cannot recommend at this time. If you really want this gun I would wait after a production year or so and maybe they will have the bugs worked out? Although that wasn't the case with their 887

I agree take a pass right now. To be honest I am not expecting my gun when it comes back from Remington to be 100% I hope to be proved wrong. Right now I feel I am out the purchase price of the gun. Word is spreading who would buy a used one ? I don't think I would even offer it for sale. Try a Ruger LC 9/ 380 for a proven carry gun or LCP 9/380. IMO the trigger pull sucks compared to the R51 but it will go bang every time.

Thanks to you both. I was really hoping this would be the weapon for her to carry. I'll keep following your posts as Remington might work the problems out and this could be a carry weapon for me.