IT'S BACK: Remington Relaunches A Redesigned R51

Posted by Bob Owens on January 21, 2015 at 9:31 am in the BearingArms.com article

...when the doors opened for SHOT Show 2015, a revised R51 that reportedly addressed not only the mechanical reliability issues but some of the more common gripes, such as smoothing out the "hitch" in the Pedersen action and creating a discernible trigger reset point that was missing in the 2014 version...and hope to start seeing these showing up in the hands of reviewers soon.

Hey Guys,

Check out the article that Bob Owens wrote in the BearingArms.com about the new and improved R51.

The wait is almost over,
T3

Hey Guys,
Look online at the Remington 2015 Catalog to see the R51 Gen 2.  There are descriptions of some improvements, but not much detailed information.  Although, since there is some information about it,  it would lend us to believe that the new design actually is in the future.  I have read the fabrication will be in the late second quarter, but I would like to think all testing will be completed prior to the next distribution...no matter how long it takes. 
Continuing the wait.
T3

*****UPDATE FROM REMINGTON*****
Guys,
Yesterday I sent an email to Remington asking if they would send me a letter prior to mailing the new replacement R51, or at least send a UPS Tracking Number when it was shipped.  I received the response below:

Mr.T3.....I sincerely apologize but I gave you some incorrect information. I was informed after I sent you an email that the R51's are just now going into production....for shipment sometime the first of 2015.
Remington should be sending you an email once these are ready to ship out but feel free to keep intouch with us.
Again, I apologize for the delay and the incorrect response.
Janice
Customer Service

Thank you and best regards,
Remington Customer Services

I am going to reply to the email:  If you were informed after you sent me the email that the R51's were just now going into production...for shipment sometime the first of 2015, why did you not send me another email to inform me.  That would have been the proper Customer Service and courteous thing to do.  It would be very easy to make one generic letter that could be sent via email to every R51 owner that has returned their pistol. 

This was actually what I had honestly expected.  Let's hope that they are able to follow through with their replacement promise.  I will let you know if they tell me of another delay, but it sounds like that will not come until after a couple of more months.

Still waiting,
T3

Well Guys,

I was fortunate enough to purchase two R51's.  I bought the second just after the Voluntary Recall notification for two reasons.  First, I wasn't sure if Remington was going to actually make the corrections and put the pistol back into fabrication.  If I were to send back my properly functioning (albeit starting to show some fatigue) first R51 and they not return a new one and want to send a refund check, I would have lost the remaining thread of respect for the Remington name and been mad at myself.  Secondly, if they did not go back into fabrication, I wanted to make sure I at least had one of the early originals as an investment.  That being said, I sent one back on September 15th and have been eager to hear about the repairs, remanufacturing, other comments, etc., and want my replacement R51. 

I have been reading several online posts in other forums and youtube, which have continued the traditional negative remarks, stating that Remington has duped us again, there will never be another R51, they are never going to make the corrections that they indicated and they would be getting out of the small self defense pistol market, it will be this time next year before the new ones are ready for distribution because the engineers still have not found the solution,  Blah, Blah, Blah.  After you read enough of this garbage, you start to question the probability that there could be some truth behind the naysayers logic.  So last night I sent an email to the Technical Support and received the following response today.

Remington Support
Service Ticket Response

Thank you for contacting Remington! We appreciate your patience and apologize for the delay in responding.
The R51's are in production and are scheduled to start shipping the end of October - first of November.
Customer Service

Thank you and best regards,
Remington Customer Services

The sounds like a generic response that can be sent to any R51 Owner that has a complaint.  I hope the Big Green R follows through with their statements and we get the R51 - Gen 2.  The next Shot show is scheduled soon and R will have to be able to respond to the Dealers and the journalists with something positive that has a lot of power to back it up or they will have such negative recoil that it will be devastating to them.  As soon as I receive the next correspondence or the "next generation", I will keep you informed.  Oh, and by the way, OpticsPlanet.com sent me an email similar to the one from Remington, about my order for the R51 replacement grips.  They said the manufacturer has not released the replacement grips yet, but they are expecting them soon.  They said they could keep my order open and would not bill me until the order was filled, or I could cancel it.  It is still open...and like the rest of us...waiting on the manufacturer to do what they said.

Respectfully,
T3

If you have any issues with your R51, on July 25th Remington has a resolution that we should all entertain:

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

Remington R51 Pistol Product Update

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 R51some 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.

Yesterday, I called and was put on hold for a few minutes until an extremely helpful customer service rep, Carolyn, answered and listened to the my concerns.  She spent quite a while bringing up my past emails, going over every concern I had, and made the offer to send the return mailing info.  I told her I really did not want to return mine, but wanted to see if there were some repair parts that could be used to make the corrections.  I told her that I love mine and it is functioning great, the front sights had been tuned in, both sights are a tight fit, it feels and aims great, is smooth to rack, and it feel like it was made for my hands.  There have only been a few FTF and that was because of the cheap steel jacket Russian ammo I bought.  The major concerns I have are: 1) with the wear on the Breach Block Assembly starting to show on the rear sides and beginning to create "troughs" (for lack of a better description) on the frame where the BBA slides in front and behind the two ears on the Disconnector & Fire Control parts.  After ~750 rounds, mine is very easy to rack, and disassembly and re assembly are done with ease. 

I also like the fact that mine has the Serial No. 00037XXR51.  Carolyn said that if I returned it, the new and improved Generation 2 would have the current consecutive Serial Number stamped to date.  She also said she was going to discuss the issues documented in my emails and would call me back with their comments and we could discuss the options to help me make the best decision.  When she calls back, I will ask her about the changes to the magazines, to find out if the common complaint about the thin plastic base plate had been replaced with something more substantial. 

In addition, OpticsPlanet.com is now selling the new replacement grips in both the Rosewood and Rubber.  I have ordered the Rosewood online for $24.89 + S&H.  An hour late a representative called to kindly let me know there was a two delivery time on this item and asked if that was a problem they could cancel the order.  I expected that there would be some delay due to the handling and told them to ship the pair as soon as they could.  Whether I return mine for the new and improved version or not, the grips should be interchangeable.

I hope the best for you and your decisions as to how to resolve any issues with your R51.

T3

Last week I bought two boxes of Russian bullets from Academy Sports for $10.98 a box and went to the range. These were steel casings and the salesman at Academy said they had just arrived and he did not know anything about them.  He asked if I would give him a report after my experience.   After over 400 rounds without a single negative incident, I had the first FTF in my R51.  I actually had 8 failures to fire out of three magazines.  I went straight back to Academy from the range with a box and a half of that garbage.  They told me they did not normally give refunds on ammunition, but after hearing my description, they did refund for the unopened box.  Besides trashing a half of a box of ammo, the treatment used around the steel casings left a lot more burnt mess to clean.  I then bought a box of Winchester and Remington FMJ 115g and back to range I went...no issues whatsoever...not a single FFE or FTF!  Today, I purchased a 50 round box of Herter's (manufactured by Sellier & Bellot and made in Czech Republic) Select Grade Brass 115g from Cabela's for $13.98.  I went straight to the range and did not have the slightest problem.  While I was there, two new friends said they were also going to purchase an R51 after seeing mine and seeing how there was very little recoil.  They too had heard about the cleaning and lubing the pistol straight out of the box.  I told them how I had racked it a bunch to smooth out all of the "wrinkles" and assist the break-in period.

I noticed in an article recently published on the internet that an owner had returned his R51 for repairs.  Then he called Remington and was told they are going to be making a new Action Spring Bushing (something I was hoping for and stated on a previous post).  The Remington rep also said they were making some improvements to the Breech Block.  Another post stated the new grips were scheduled to be on the market in June or July.  These are all good things.  I hope to post some pictures soon of a pair of new grips I am making.

My R51 keeps getting better (but it doesn't like that Russian crap).
T3

Guys,  I broke down my R51 and removed the guts and thoroughly cleaned all of the parts again.  Then laid the oil on real heavy on all of the sliding parts and put them back together and put the slide on.  I did not put the slide release back in.  I then racked the slide several hundred times, re oiling as needed .  I cleaned it all again.  It is amazing how much easier the action is now.  Iran through another 200 Winchester 147 grain without an incident again. I don't know if this is something that will help others, but it just keeps getting better for me and my R51.
Also,   I bought a T-Fit ankle holster that works great.  Instead of the hard molded fitting that it comes with,  I slid a 1/2" polyurethane padding cut to fit which works better for me.  Good luck.  T3

and another good review:

http://carolinagunrunners.net/remington-r51/

Here is another spot on review:

Nom de plume: Rivrdog: Remington R51, in service!

rivrdog.typepad.com/rivrdog/2014/04/remington-r51-in-service.html‎

Check out the positive blog from the American Rifleman -  Remington R51 "Gun of the Week" By NRA Staff (RSS), March 31, 2014

http://www.americanrifleman.org/blogs/remington-r51-gotw

The Remington R51 is Big Green's official entry into the subcompact concealed carry market.

Thanks, T3

To all who have been thinking about getting a Remington R51 and have not yet... stop thinking and find a way to get one!!!!  My LGS emailed yesterday to let me know my order would be delivered Tuesday.  Bruce McDonald with Powder Keg Armory, LLC called today to let me know it was ready.   He had received it, broke it down, and cleaned it.  He said Remington had packed it on every part with some thick grease that had hardened, along with the debris from the first bullet, that took a considerable amount of time to completely clean the gummed up gunk... and then properly lubricated it.   He said it was a challenge to disassemble for the first time, but had he not done that I would have had major feeding and slide problems.  He always cleans a new gun before he sells it.  He also recommended that I should do the same each and every time I have a shooting session.  The slide racked so smooth I could do it with one finger.  The action spring, being brand new was tight, but the glide was so smooth and clean.  McDonald said, when racking the slide to always let it snap back to complete battery, which polishing all of the parts that slide against each other will only make it better.

After the paperwork was completed, I left to go to my first shooting session.  I went through a box of Winchester 147 grain FMJ's.  After 50 rounds I had no problems, not one FTF or FTE.. it shot perfect!  It took a little bit to get used to the grip safety and the long smooth trigger...about two rounds!  It felt great, like I had hoped it would.  The angle of the grips and grip safety directed my aim so that it was effortless.  At 10 yards my aim was on target, very accurate sighting in for shooting the first time.  The sights were both so tight that it would take a sighting tool to make any adjustments.  I left the range and took my new R51 to the mat for my first disassembly and cleaning.  The first step is to remove the slide stop, which took some time to finally find the right way to position the slide and hold it there. There is a half round notch, about the size of a ball point pen, that has to line up directly over the center of the slide stop shaft to be able to remove it.  Once I found that sweet spot the slide stop was easy to pull right out, and the rest was just following the directions in the Owner's Manual (and watching the YouTube videos).  The easiest YouTube video to follow is the one "Remington R51 Field Strip and Assembly - YouTube".  After you do it enough, you too will say..."it's so easy a kid can do it".   I was surprised that it was still amazingly clean.   Remove the slide stop, hold the barrel and push the frame out from under it, easily slide your finger under the pin in the Breach Locking Assembly and it falls out, pull back the spring and bushing and slide the barrel out, then the action spring bushing and spring, thoroughly clean and lubricate...then reinstall them in reverse.  When you reinstall it, keep the finger grooves of the slide stop just below the seating location as you push it in as far in as it will go, slightly move it up and it seats properly where the notch on the shaft slides under the turn down on the spring.  That seems to be the major critical part to putting it back together.

The R51 has been hyped since November 2013, when I knew I was going to own one.  Several Internet reports have been published with negative issues; that may not have happened if their pistol had been the packing gunk properly cleaned and lubed; or maybe they just got a lemon!   I love my new Remington R51.  It was worth the wait and I am very satisfied knowing this will be my new CCW.  I look forward to it becoming an heirloom for the next generation.  I cannot wait for the aftermarket parts to go on sale, so I can dress it up with some new larger grips.  Also, the Action Spring Bushing is aluminum that will wear down over time.  It will be replaced with a stainless or titanium part as soon as someone is smart enough to make them.  There will surely be a more rigid base plate for the magazine that can replace the originals, that will also make it easier to fully latch without having to think about.

I will continue to post my improvements in the future.  My gunsmith said if it was his gun, he would disassemble it and polish each part (and I will probably give him the opportunity).  Our member friend, Barry, said he had buffed and polished his R51 to make it much smoother.  If others make improvements, please also post them. Thanks to Remington Arms for making another future "classic" affordable pistol and a solute to the genius of Mr. Pederson.

Thanks,  T3

Bob, thanks for starting the forum for the R51.  This is a great place for new owners of a new pistol to meet each other, ask questions, find out what others have done to make modifications and improvements, and discuss issues about this revolutionary new gun.  I have been researching all of the information I can find on its design and the read the reviews and watched the videos about the range sessions since the first leaks were published in late 2013.  There have been a lot of negative reviews due to some QC issues that unfortunately appear to have some merit.  I hope the "Remington/Freedom Group" will take advantage of the early reviews and look at them positively as critiques to make the corrective management decisions to resolve them quickly.  Fellow "R51 Pistol Forum" member, Barry, has written a very honest and insightful review and indicated he has personally corrected one of the most reported, biggest quality control issue related to the slide friction.

I placed my order for the R51 a couple of weeks ago with Powder Keg Armory, my LGS in Easley SC, for a cost including tax that is less than the big box stores published price before tax.  Since the distributors have it listed as Allocated, I will gladly wait.  Hopefully the production problems will be resolved prior to mine being fabricated.  I was fortunate to have held one last week and racked the slide several times.  It was great to finally hold one, after 6 months of anticipation.  The grip and angle felt perfect in my hand.  The way the grip safety fit (in my slightly larger than medium sized hand), it positioned the slide just high enough that I do not think there will be a problem with "slide bite".  Since the R51 has the different action with the stationary barrel, recoil spring around the barrel, locking breech, etc., racking the slide is not like that of the typical blowback action pistol... it is obviously going to feel different.  Although it was relatively easy, what I felt was not near as smooth as it is depicted in the one finger racking on the Remington Arms video advertisement.  The store clerk told me the rough feel of the slide was due to the trigger guard that they were required to have on it while it is inside the store, which does not sound logical.  Barry said he was able to correct the tight fitting slide action with a little TLC, cleaning the original shipping lube, and help by buffing and polishing the areas that appeared to be rubbing with his rotary tool.  I hope he will be able to provide more details as he continues to make improvements.  The FFE, FTF and feeding issues I have read about will surely have to be resolved by the factory before our first responders and correction facility friends will use the R51 as their backup weapons of choice.  I am eager to get mine so I can make it right and use it as my CCW.

Thanks again for starting a great site!  I look to see more new members as this forum gains attention.  I will be making further posts as soon as I receive the call that my order has arrived and I can also be a proud owner making New R51 owner impressions report.

T3