Nylon 66: Remington's Revolutionary Plastic Rifle

Published on May 19, 2023
Duration: 18:03

This guide details the field disassembly of the Remington Nylon 66, a unique rifle known for its extensive use of polymer. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates how to remove the receiver cover and magazine tube to reveal the internal polymer chassis, highlighting the rifle's innovative design. This process is crucial for understanding the rifle's mechanics and performing basic maintenance.

Quick Summary

The Remington Nylon 66 is a revolutionary .22 LR semi-automatic rifle known for its extensive use of DuPont's Nylon 6-6 polymer for the stock and receiver, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and weight. It underwent extreme durability testing and was produced from 1959 to 1987, with over a million units sold.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Nylon 66
  2. 00:42Market Context and Cost Cutting
  3. 02:06DuPont and Nylon Development
  4. 03:01Design and Engineering
  5. 04:12Durability Testing
  6. 05:11Launch and Commemorative Editions
  7. 06:44Controls and Magazine
  8. 08:33Disassembly and Internal Mechanics
  9. 11:11Bolt and Striker Assembly
  10. 14:45Tom Fry's Shooting Record
  11. 15:58Production History and Variants

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Remington Nylon 66 a revolutionary firearm?

The Remington Nylon 66 is considered revolutionary due to its extensive use of DuPont's Nylon 6-6 polymer for the stock and receiver, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and weight compared to traditional firearms of its era. It was a major gamble for Remington in the 1950s.

How durable is the Remington Nylon 66?

Remington conducted extreme durability tests, including driving over rifles with trucks and submerging them in lakes, to prove the polymer's reliability. A notable feat involved Tom Fry using three Nylon 66s to hit over 100,000 thrown blocks, demonstrating exceptional resilience.

What are the key design features of the Remington Nylon 66?

Key features include a monolithic polymer chassis, a sheet metal receiver cover for a traditional look, a tang safety, a plastic charging handle, and a unique tubular magazine housed within the buttstock, similar to the Spencer rifle design.

When was the Remington Nylon 66 produced and what variants exist?

The Remington Nylon 66 was produced from 1959 until 1987, with over a million units made. Notable variants include the Apache Black, Seneca Green, and the Nylon 76 lever-action model.

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