Introduction
In the world of firearms, the Remington R51 holds a unique place. Initially, it sparked considerable excitement, promising a sleek, modern, and highly concealable pistol. However, the reality of the first generation R51 quickly soured, marred by malfunctions and a reputation for unreliability. This effectively cast a shadow over what could have been a genuinely groundbreaking firearm. Fortunately, Remington didn’t abandon the project entirely. They listened to the criticisms, acknowledged the problems, and went back to the drawing board. The result? The Remington R51 Gen 2.
This article delves into the history, the original R51’s shortcomings, and the significant changes implemented in the Gen 2 model. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review, evaluating its performance, handling, and overall value. We’ll explore whether the Remington R51 Gen 2 lives up to the promise of its predecessor and, ultimately, whether it has earned its place as a reliable and practical concealed carry option. We’ll examine this pistol through detailed analysis and user perspective, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
The First Generation: Understanding the R51’s Origins
To truly understand the Remington R51 Gen 2, we need to look back at its predecessor. The original R51, introduced in 2014, was intended to be a modern, compact, and easily concealed handgun chambered in .380 ACP. Remington aimed to capture a share of the growing concealed carry market with a pistol that was easy to conceal, comfortable to shoot, and incorporated innovative design elements.
The R51 was a departure from the standard striker-fired pistols dominating the market. It utilized a unique “Petter-Browning” design, which featured a delayed blowback system, often lauded for its potential to reduce felt recoil. The pistol also showcased a concealed hammer and smooth, rounded edges, further enhancing its concealability. This sleek profile, along with its intended purpose, attracted a large initial audience.
However, the initial promise of the R51 was quickly shattered. The original model was plagued by a litany of issues, ranging from failures to extract spent casings to malfunctions when feeding rounds from the magazine. These problems led to a loss of confidence in the firearm, tarnishing Remington’s reputation, and significantly impacting sales. The R51’s flaws went beyond mere hiccups; many considered it unsafe and unreliable.
The original R51’s demise highlights the crucial importance of thorough testing and refinement during the development process. It served as a harsh lesson for Remington about the perils of rushing a product to market before ensuring it can perform consistently and reliably. The original R51 is now largely considered a cautionary tale in the firearms industry.
The R51 Gen 2: A Relaunch and Redesign
Recognizing the serious damage to its reputation and the potential of the underlying design, Remington made the bold decision to revamp the R51. The company’s engineers went back to the drawing board, addressing the problems that had plagued the original model. The result, the Remington R51 Gen 2, represented a significant effort to correct the mistakes of the past and to redeem the pistol’s reputation.
One of the most significant areas of improvement was the extractor. The original R51’s extractor design was frequently cited as a primary cause of extraction failures. In the Gen 2, the extractor was completely redesigned, and manufacturing methods were refined to address the issues. This change alone went a long way towards enhancing the pistol’s reliability.
Another key area of focus was the slide profile. The Gen 2 featured a revised slide, with subtle changes to the geometry and design. These adjustments were intended to improve feeding and extraction and to enhance the overall aesthetics. Manufacturing processes were improved to address the initial failures in the original design.
The trigger mechanism also underwent some modifications. The Gen 2 retained the same basic trigger design but aimed for greater consistency and smoother operation. The trigger pull was refined to be more predictable and user-friendly.
Finally, Remington made improvements to the feed ramp to facilitate more reliable feeding of ammunition. The feed ramp was carefully polished and recontoured to minimize the likelihood of the bullet nose catching during feeding, which was a frequent problem in the first-generation model.
Beyond these specific design changes, Remington took steps to improve its manufacturing processes, implementing stricter quality control measures to ensure that the Gen 2 was built to a higher standard than its predecessor. These changes, taken together, marked a significant upgrade from the original model.
Handling the Remington R51 Gen 2: Putting it to the Test
To truly assess the Remington R51 Gen 2, we subjected it to rigorous testing under various conditions. This involved extensive live-fire exercises, with various types of ammunition to gauge reliability and consistency. The test range was the key to assessing this new firearm.
The reliability test was the primary focus. We fired hundreds of rounds through the pistol, ranging from standard .380 ACP loads to some premium defensive ammunition, looking for any failures. We also used a variety of different magazines to assess consistency. The goal was to determine if the Gen 2 had overcome the extraction and feeding problems that plagued the original model. We also spent time with various users, allowing them to evaluate the pistol for their needs.
Accuracy testing involved shooting the R51 Gen 2 at various distances, utilizing different sight pictures and aiming techniques. We assessed the consistency of shot groupings and the overall precision of the pistol. This test helped to determine how the Gen 2 handles accuracy and its usefulness in practical scenarios.
The handling characteristics of the Gen 2 were also carefully evaluated. We considered factors such as the overall weight, grip ergonomics, and recoil management. The goal was to determine if the R51 Gen 2 was comfortable and easy to control, as well as to get the information needed to give a fair recommendation.
The trigger feel was another crucial aspect of the evaluation. We assessed the trigger pull weight, reset, and overall smoothness. A good trigger is essential for consistent accuracy and intuitive shooting, so this was a very important assessment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the R51 Gen 2
The Remington R51 Gen 2 offers several advantages, including its compact size and concealability. The pistol’s slim profile and rounded edges make it well-suited for concealed carry. The delayed blowback system contributes to softer felt recoil, making the R51 Gen 2 more pleasant to shoot compared to other .380 ACP pistols. It’s easy to carry and has a good feel in the hand.
Another major advantage of the Gen 2 is the significant improvement in reliability compared to the original model. The redesigned extractor, refined slide profile, and improved manufacturing processes have all contributed to a much more reliable pistol.
However, the R51 Gen 2 has some potential drawbacks. Although the reliability has been significantly improved, some users report occasional malfunctions. It may also take some training to get used to its handling and operation. Some may find the trigger pull to be heavier than they prefer.
Comparison to Other Concealed Carry Pistols
When considering the Remington R51 Gen 2, it is important to compare it to other pistols in the same market segment. This helps potential buyers make an informed decision.
The SIG Sauer P365, for example, has become the standard for compact concealed carry pistols. The P365 offers a higher capacity magazine, with a more proven track record of reliability. It is also a striker-fired design.
The Glock 43 is another popular choice, known for its simplicity and ruggedness. It also offers a reliable platform and can be easily customized.
The Ruger LCP is also a popular option. Its even smaller design makes it easy to carry. However, it can have a very sharp recoil.
The Remington R51 Gen 2 stands out due to its unique design and its enhanced reliability. Its softer felt recoil is a definite advantage. However, it has a lower magazine capacity.
User Opinions and Experiences
User reviews for the Remington R51 Gen 2 are generally more positive than those for the original model. Many users appreciate the improved reliability.
Some reviewers have reported experiencing occasional issues, particularly with certain ammunition types. However, the general consensus is that the Gen 2 is a significant improvement over the original.
Conclusion: Is the R51 Gen 2 Worth Considering?
The Remington R51 Gen 2 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. The company has addressed the issues, demonstrating a commitment to correcting the problems of the original design. The Gen 2 has improved reliability and is a more comfortable shooting experience.
The R51 Gen 2 is best suited for those seeking a compact and concealable .380 ACP pistol with a unique design. It is an excellent option for concealed carry, particularly for those who prioritize a softer felt recoil.
While it may not be perfect, the Remington R51 Gen 2 is a solid choice in the .380 ACP market and proves that a company can learn from its mistakes. With its significant improvements, the Gen 2 should not be dismissed.
Final Thoughts
The Remington R51 Gen 2’s story highlights the importance of careful design, rigorous testing, and a commitment to quality. It is a lesson in persistence and the potential for redemption in the world of firearms. If you are looking for a compact concealed carry pistol, the Remington R51 Gen 2 deserves serious consideration.
