Nylon 66: Remington's Revolutionary Plastic Rifle

Published on May 19, 2023
Duration: 18:03

The Remington Nylon 66 revolutionized firearm manufacturing by utilizing DuPont's Nylon 6-6 polymer for its receiver and stock, significantly reducing costs. Despite initial skepticism, extensive durability testing, including extreme abuse, proved its resilience. This innovative .22 LR semi-automatic rifle, launched in 1959, featured a unique buttstock-fed tubular magazine and a striker-fired action, selling over a million units before production ceased in 1987.

Quick Summary

The Remington Nylon 66 was a revolutionary .22 LR semi-automatic rifle launched in 1959, primarily constructed from DuPont's Nylon 6-6 polymer to reduce costs. It underwent extreme durability testing and featured a unique buttstock-fed tubular magazine, selling over a million units.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Remington Nylon 66 revolutionary?

The Remington Nylon 66 was revolutionary because it was one of the first firearms to be constructed primarily from plastic, specifically DuPont's Nylon 6-6 polymer. This significantly reduced manufacturing costs and introduced a new era of material innovation in firearm design.

How durable was the Remington Nylon 66?

The Nylon 66 underwent extreme durability testing, including being run over by trucks and submerged in water, to prove the resilience of its polymer construction. Promotional events, like Tom Fry hitting over 100,000 blocks, further demonstrated its robust nature.

When was the Remington Nylon 66 released and how much did it cost?

The Remington Nylon 66 was launched in 1959 with a retail price of $49.95. It remained in production until 1987, with over a million units sold, indicating significant market success.

What are the key mechanical features of the Nylon 66?

The Nylon 66 is a semi-automatic, blowback-operated .22 LR rifle. It features a striker-fired system with dual recoil springs and a unique tubular magazine located in the buttstock, a design reminiscent of older Spencer rifles.

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