Remington R51

by
posted on March 31, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
remingtonr51.jpg

One of 2014's hottest new products, Remington's R51 is the 198-year-old company's first attempt at a compact personal protection gun since the John Pedersen designed Model 51 was discontinued in about 1926. The .32 or .380 ACP Model 51 was an advanced design for its day, having excellent ergonomics and slim, streamlined lines.

The new R51 is a compact carry gun built on an aluminum frame that measures a mere 6.6" long by 4½" high, and is less than an inch across. It uses a form of delayed-blowback operation called the Pedersen lock or an impingement lock. It represents a combination of features chosen specifically to make it extremely easy to point and shoot. Its grip angle has been optimized for rapid target acquisition. The low bore axis design boosts this effect while also aids in offering up to 25 percent less muzzle rise at the shot for faster, more accurate follow-ups. For comfortable carry, it features a lightweight aluminum frame with rounded edges.

For more information, check out the video embedded below, hosted by American Rifleman's Brian Sheetz, or go to Remington.com.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: 9 mm

Capacity: 7+1

Barrel Length: 3.4 inches

Overall Length: 6.6 inches

Width: 1 inch

Height: 4.6 inches

Weight: 22 ozs.

MSRP: $420

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.