Remington R51 Gen 2 Full 500+ Round Review (2016)

Published on August 17, 2016
Duration: 20:03

The Remington R51 Gen 2, a modernized version of the 1917 Model 51, was tested with over 500 rounds across various ammunition types. While accurate and ergonomic, the Gen 2 version suffered from significant reliability issues, particularly with lighter loads and steel-cased ammunition, experiencing frequent nose-dive malfunctions and light primer strikes. Hotter NATO and +P loads showed improved performance, but the overall conclusion is that the R51 Gen 2 is not reliable enough for self-defense.

Quick Summary

The Remington R51 Gen 2 9mm pistol experienced significant reliability issues, including nose-dive malfunctions and light primer strikes, particularly with steel-cased ammo. While it performed better with hotter NATO and +P loads, the reviewer concluded it is not reliable enough for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & History of R51 Gen 2
  2. 00:53Features & Ergonomics of the R51 Gen 2
  3. 01:33Testing Methodology: 600 Rounds
  4. 01:48Initial Malfunctions with R51 Gen 2
  5. 04:07Performance with Hotter Loads
  6. 10:05Mechanical Failure Analysis
  7. 17:55Final Verdict: R51 Gen 2 Reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main reliability issues with the Remington R51 Gen 2?

The Remington R51 Gen 2 experienced frequent nose-dive malfunctions, especially with steel-cased ammunition, and also suffered from light primer strikes. These issues suggest potential problems with magazine feeding and overall system reliability.

Did the Remington R51 Gen 2 perform better with certain types of ammunition?

Yes, the R51 Gen 2 showed significantly improved performance with hotter loads, specifically 124 grain NATO-spec and +P defensive ammunition. With these loads, the pistol ran without malfunctions over several magazines.

What is the primary mechanical cause of the R51 Gen 2's malfunctions?

The primary issue appears to be magazine-related friction, which causes rounds to nose-dive during feeding. The slide also tends to ride over the bullets, leading to failures to chamber and visible marks on the casings.

Is the Remington R51 Gen 2 recommended for self-defense?

No, the reviewer concludes that the R51 Gen 2 is not reliable enough for self-defense. Despite its accuracy and ergonomics, the persistent malfunctions lead to a lack of trust in the firearm for life-saving situations.

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