R-51

[barnbwt]

Ah, but how much is a gen 1 R51 that works gonna run? It is looking more and more like the guns either work or they don't (which is more or less what I've been seeing/reading all along) based upon how tight the chamber was mis-cut (I say mis-cut because I have little reason to believe actual chamber reamers were being used based on my gun, but rather hand-ground endmills that left no leade and were prone to wobble/chatter/galling). Personally, I'm astonished that I haven't read of anyone checking, let alone finish reaming their chamber like I did, since my functional example was still way off of spec. I can only imagine what the too-tight ones having trouble chambering look like.

And if that is the fix to cure what ails most of the R51's (and I suspect it is) it is one heck of an easy job (like 20$, tops) there just may be a market to support such a tune up. Obviously the rest of the gun is still made poorly, which is something Remington is at least making noises about correcting (if such is the case, I'd consider purchasing second and making this one a test bed for barrels, carbine conversions, laser integration and other crazy ideas), but the failings elsewhere on the gun don't seem to be the primary drivers of inoperability.

Loose dovetails and many of the other nitpicks raised on the R51 are easy for neophytes on the web to complain about because they are readily understandable, but they hardly make a gun non-functional, nor are show-stoppers (just embarrassing). Chambers, which hardly anyone bothers to check for when buying, are an incredibly dangerous place to be cutting corners, and will cause everything from failures to feed to out of battery kabooms, and that's in any platform (a 1911 wouldn't bulge a case, but it would sure shear barrel/slide lugs if fired slightly out of battery and made to too loose tolerances)

TCB

 

[Sniper66]

I'm very new to the controversy that surrounds this pistol. I picked one up at a gun show this weekend and loved the feel of it. Thought I had found the perfect 9mm carry pistol. It fit my hand perfectly and it is a welcome visual relief from the ugly, but highly functional Glock. I hear it is to be reintroduced in October. I've tried M&P, Kahr, Beretta, Glock and a couple others; don't like any of them for one reason or another. I may end up with the Glock since it functions better than all the others listed in spite of its butt-ugly looks and too-fat grip. I hope the R51 is reintroduced minus the problems since I lack the skill and knowledge to correct the problems myself.

 

[barnbwt]

Did you rack/strip the gun you saw at the show? Let me guess, it was tie-wrapped shut 'for your safety'

TCB

 

[JohnBiltz]

http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/press-releases/2014/corporate/remingtonr51pistolproductupdate.aspx

Earlier this year, we launched the innovative R51 subcompact pistol to critical acclaim. During testing, numerous experts found the pistol to function flawlessly. In fact, they found it to have lower felt recoil, lower muzzle rise and better accuracy and concealability than other products in its class.



However, after initial commercial sales, our loyal customers notified us that some R51 pistols had performance issues. We immediately ceased production to re-test the product. While we determined the pistols were safe, certain units did not meet Remington’s performance criteria. The performance problems resulted from complications during our transition from prototype to mass production. These problems have been identified and solutions are being implemented, with an expected production restart in October.



Anyone who purchased an R51 may return it and receive a new R51 pistol, along with two additional magazines and a custom Pelican case, by calling Remington at (800) 243-9700.



The new R51 will be of the same exceptional quality as our test pistols, which performed flawlessly.

We appreciate your patience and support.

 

[bikemutt]

This is killing me. I shot mine at the range today and was reminded why I really like this pistol. 10 yards, 20 rounds, all but 1 in the black. What to do?

 

[Tommygunn]

This is killing me. I shot mine at the range today and was reminded why I really like this pistol. 10 yards, 20 rounds, all but 1 in the black. What to do?

Bikemutt, why do you let this bother you? If you have a good working gun and you like it, that's great! Enjoy it! More power to you man!
Don't let it get you down. Seems you got lucky with a good pistol.

 

[barnbwt]

It's gnawing at me too. I really like the gun, but man, another two mags that you can't buy anywhere and (what appears to be a weaponized DSLR camera) hardcase are really testing the limits of my devotion. I think I'd send mine in just as soon as I can verify the new guns aren't hard-boiled garbage (should only take a week or so, unless reviewers are colossal oblivious idiots for a solid month like last time again) so long as the grip panels aren't changing (I really would rather not dive into radiation/pesticide laden sawdust that also stains everything yellow again for a little while).

TCB