Well, UPS picked up one of my R51s last evening at 6:30PM and just got delivered to N.C. at 10:01AM this morning. So, now I'm on the "waiting wagon" with you guys how have sent yours in. I'll hold on to my 2nd R51 until I see how the new one runs.

Rick 51/ R51 wrote:

SHOOTER13 wrote:Hey Rick...what is the year of manufacture on your original R51...!?

It was built late in 1919, same year my dad was born. My grandfather purchased it new in 1919 after dad was born. He paid full retail for it @ $15.50 USD. He gave it to dad in the late 40s and I started shooting it when I was almost 4 years old. Dad gave it to me about 40 years ago.
Serial# is PA 12XXX, built roughly September, 1919.

Bet that original R51 runs like a champ.

That old Model 51 is flawless. All steel frame, slide and all the innards make it a lifetime of reliability and accuracy. The hard resin-like grips, which are worn smooth on the edges by the way, slide into place and are pinned across the bottom, so, no screws anywhere to come loose. And, it is smooth everywhere and can't snag clothing for pocket carry. Sights are small, but that's early 1900s technology.

Runs like a champ 'remingtontoter'? Never in 95 years has this pistol mis-fed, mis-fired, failed to eject, or malfunctioned in any way. !00% reliable to date and I still shoot it frequently. I scored a perfect 250 with it on my CHL range proficiency test. The barrel is worn to the point where you can't see the lands, but that old 51 doesn't care... still shoots a tight group.

Gen. George Patton was very particular about his firearms, and the old Model 51 in .380ACP was his choice for back-up pistol worn on his ankle.

For reference, the original is a "MODEL 51". No "R". The new one is the "R51".
"51"... (Original) Built 1918 - 1927
"R51"... (RE-born model) Built 2014

I posted a few side-by-side photos of the 51 & R51 a page or two back.

When I sent my R51 back to Remington they wanted me to send both magazines back as well. The man said that the magazines had been a problem for many owners.

My question is for those who have returned their guns to be replaced.

Did they ask for your magazines also?

I have read on here from other members that they either wanted the mags back or they did not. My particular call rep at Remington said to send both mags with the R51.

lincen wrote:Rick51, wish I could stumble across one of the model51's at a good price. Would love to shoot one some day to compare it to the new R51.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =439825622


Take a look if still interested in a model 51.....

remmy wrote:

lincen wrote:Rick51, wish I could stumble across one of the model51's at a good price. Would love to shoot one some day to compare it to the new R51.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =439825622


Take a look if still interested in a model 51.....

That one looks pretty good if the internals are in good shape. Just a few days left on it and no reserve. Looks like it will sell this time. If I was on the market for another one, I'd bid on this one. It looks to be in better shape than most I've seen. By the way, this one was built about mid-1919, just before mine was built.
Note also that they made the mistake of listing that old 51 as an R51. It's more commonly referred to as the UMC Model 51 or Remington Model 51.