Remington 51

Edward Tinker · 03-01-2007, 03:04 PM

Hey, does anyone know much about these Remingtons? I took a 1911 commericial in to send through an FFL (the Texas gun shop would not accept my 03 from me

), anyway, took my 1911 in to ship / transfer and saw this Remington 51, it is a 32 ACP. The story is, that it belonged to grandfather and no one knew he had it.

It is in such nice shape the gun shop assumed it was reblued. It is as pristine as it looks in these poor pictures.

Opinions?

They wanted $200, I offered $150, the guy had it on consignment accepted and it is now home with me.

ed

Pete Ebbink · 03-01-2007, 03:49 PM

Ed,

Of course...now you will need to hang out at yet, another, gun forum

http://www.remingtonsociety.com

I have seen really nice original ones in the more popular .380 ACP go for over $ 550...

I could never understand such a beautifully designed and elegant-looking gun getting that rather crude (IMO) treatment to the top of its receiver...

Dwight Gruber · 03-01-2007, 04:02 PM

Ed,

Those are very sweet little pistols. And you got a bargain (we won't use the word "steal"...), about 1/4 of its value. They came in .38 and .380, the .380 are supposedly worth a bit more. 65,000 units between 1918-1926.

Iirc the action is kind of a delayed blowback with a separate, tipping breechblock--an unnecessarily complicated design by John Pederson, of 1903 Springfield Pederson Device fame.

They are extremely well made, very elegant, the fire bluing is truly exquisite. Looks like yours has never been fired.

Here's the one I owned briefly before I traded it for a Luger...

--Dwight

Edward Tinker · 03-01-2007, 04:42 PM

Thanks Pete and Dwight!

I have liked how they looked for a long time, but just haven't gotten one.

I never thought the guy would take less, but he did, I think I'd have paid the $200 for it

Ed

davidkachel · 03-01-2007, 06:48 PM

)(*&#%*&^))(&#%_+)@*$+*&@$_^&%_&*@#%)_*((&#%_)(&*
and
#%)(&@(&)$#%^_!@#!_*$*_@$

Nice gun Ed! Ruins the hell outa my day!

#%)#)*#_&@$*@%)_*(@%)(*

<grin>

Heinz · 03-01-2007, 08:43 PM

Ed, let me know when you want to make a quick $75.00

:-)

BogeyB · 03-01-2007, 08:59 PM

Ed,

I echo David's sentiments! You, Sir; got a H*LL of a bargin. The .32 is a little rarer than the .380. Yours is a later piece ( finer slide serrations ). The fire bluing is super. They shoot real nice, albeit bad sights. Again, enjoy it!

Mike

Edward Tinker · 03-01-2007, 09:04 PM

Heinz and Mike, thanks much, the ole right time, right place and had the money on me

Ed

davidkachel · 03-01-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Edward Tinker
... the ole right time, right place and had the money on me
Ed

Hell, I would have gone next door and held up the liqour store if I didn't happen to have the cash on me!
Speaking of which, to get a deal that good you usually need to be wearing a mask and a gun any way. <grin>

Nice coup Ed.

Lloyd in Nevada · 03-01-2007, 09:48 PM

Mr. Tinker,

Congratulations on acquiring a VERY nice condition Remington Model 51 in what has to be the deal of 2007. Yours looks brand new! I have one in .32 that is very nice but nothing like yours. They are as Dwight said a very well made and carefully crafted Pistol. I think it is pretty neat to have a modern semi auto Pistol with the name Remington on it. Best, Lloyd in Vegas

Edward Tinker · 03-01-2007, 10:18 PM

Lloyd, mIStEr Tinker,

Again, thanks David

I saw one in an antique auction last year and it went for almost $500, so when I saw this one yesterday...

Ed

Ron Smith · 03-02-2007, 12:22 AM

Neat pistol Ed! Great score...

Ron

Lugerdoc · 03-02-2007, 10:52 AM

Ed, They only made about one .32 for every ten 380s, but the .380 are usually easier to sell, since most customers purchase these as shooter and I've found very few collectors of these out there. I would estimate that yours is worth $750 to the right guy, if you can find him. TH PS: Be sure to check the breech block for cracks, before attempting to shoot, as they are very prone to breakage. I do have most M51 parts in stock, except for original mags.

Brent B. · 03-02-2007, 05:28 PM

Ed, Always nice to make a good deal and it's a very nice looking pistol. hmmmm, that gun rack looks familiar. Brent B.

Edward Tinker · 03-02-2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks Brent, yes, it works for things other than luggers, and holds them nice

ed

Curly1 · 03-02-2007, 08:10 PM

Nice find, the only thing bad I have read about them is that they can be difficult to put back together if you do more than a field strip due to the design

BogeyB · 03-02-2007, 09:18 PM

Folks,

A decent field stripping guide can be found in W.H.B. Smith's Book of Pistols and Revolvers.

Mike

John Sabato · 03-05-2007, 01:05 PM

Ed, I owned one of these in .380 back in the late 1960's and early 1970's...

I have regretted trading it ever since... it has one of the flattest profiles of any pocket pistol and makes a great summer weight concealment gun... it disappears in a back jeans pocket...

Congrats! I would have paid the $200 without blinking... if I had been the one to find it.

wlyon · 03-05-2007, 01:20 PM

Ed Very very nice. Bargain of the year. Good for you! Bill

davidkachel · 03-12-2007, 07:21 PM

Ed, BTW...

If you should ever decide to sell this little beauty (i.e., go completely insane) please think of me first.

03-01-2007, 03:04 PM	#1
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Remington 51 Hey, does anyone know much about these Remingtons? I took a 1911 commericial in to send through an FFL (the Texas gun shop would not accept my 03 from me ), anyway, took my 1911 in to ship / transfer and saw this Remington 51, it is a 32 ACP. The story is, that it belonged to grandfather and no one knew he had it. It is in such nice shape the gun shop assumed it was reblued. It is as pristine as it looks in these poor pictures. Opinions? They wanted $200, I offered $150, the guy had it on consignment accepted and it is now home with me. ed

03-01-2007, 04:42 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Thanks Pete and Dwight! I have liked how they looked for a long time, but just haven't gotten one. I never thought the guy would take less, but he did, I think I'd have paid the $200 for it Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-01-2007, 06:48 PM	#5
davidkachel User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 784 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	)(&#%&^))(&#%_+)@$+&@$_^&%_&@#%)_((&#%_)(&* and #%)(&@(&)$#%^_!@#!_$_@$ Nice gun Ed! Ruins the hell outa my day! #%)#)#_&@$@%)_(@%)( <grin> __________________ A heroin habit would be cheaper.

03-01-2007, 08:59 PM	#7
BogeyB Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mc Donough, GA. Posts: 420 Thanks: 0 Thanked 222 Times in 96 Posts	Ed, I echo David's sentiments! You, Sir; got a H*LL of a bargin. The .32 is a little rarer than the .380. Yours is a later piece ( finer slide serrations ). The fire bluing is super. They shoot real nice, albeit bad sights. Again, enjoy it! Mike __________________ MAGA Always!! NRA Benifactor, GCA

03-01-2007, 09:04 PM	#8
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Heinz and Mike, thanks much, the ole right time, right place and had the money on me Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-01-2007, 03:49 PM	#2
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Ed, Of course...now you will need to hang out at yet, another, gun forum http://www.remingtonsociety.com I have seen really nice original ones in the more popular .380 ACP go for over $ 550... I could never understand such a beautifully designed and elegant-looking gun getting that rather crude (IMO) treatment to the top of its receiver...

03-01-2007, 04:02 PM	#3
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,902 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,318 Times in 431 Posts	Ed, Those are very sweet little pistols. And you got a bargain (we won't use the word "steal"...), about 1/4 of its value. They came in .38 and .380, the .380 are supposedly worth a bit more. 65,000 units between 1918-1926. Iirc the action is kind of a delayed blowback with a separate, tipping breechblock--an unnecessarily complicated design by John Pederson, of 1903 Springfield Pederson Device fame. They are extremely well made, very elegant, the fire bluing is truly exquisite. Looks like yours has never been fired. Here's the one I owned briefly before I traded it for a Luger... --Dwight

03-01-2007, 08:43 PM	#6
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	Ed, let me know when you want to make a quick $75.00 :-)

03-01-2007, 09:48 PM	#10
Lloyd in Nevada User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mr. Tinker, Congratulations on acquiring a VERY nice condition Remington Model 51 in what has to be the deal of 2007. Yours looks brand new! I have one in .32 that is very nice but nothing like yours. They are as Dwight said a very well made and carefully crafted Pistol. I think it is pretty neat to have a modern semi auto Pistol with the name Remington on it. Best, Lloyd in Vegas

03-01-2007, 10:18 PM	#11
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Lloyd, mIStEr Tinker, Again, thanks David I saw one in an antique auction last year and it went for almost $500, so when I saw this one yesterday... Ed

03-02-2007, 12:22 AM	#12
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Neat pistol Ed! Great score... Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

03-02-2007, 10:52 AM	#13
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Ed, They only made about one .32 for every ten 380s, but the .380 are usually easier to sell, since most customers purchase these as shooter and I've found very few collectors of these out there. I would estimate that yours is worth $750 to the right guy, if you can find him. TH PS: Be sure to check the breech block for cracks, before attempting to shoot, as they are very prone to breakage. I do have most M51 parts in stock, except for original mags. __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 [email protected]

03-02-2007, 05:28 PM	#14
Brent B. User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 176 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, Always nice to make a good deal and it's a very nice looking pistol. hmmmm, that gun rack looks familiar. Brent B.

03-02-2007, 07:06 PM	#15
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Thanks Brent, yes, it works for things other than luggers, and holds them nice ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-02-2007, 08:10 PM	#16
Curly1 User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,242 Thanks: 117 Thanked 714 Times in 371 Posts	Nice find, the only thing bad I have read about them is that they can be difficult to put back together if you do more than a field strip due to the design __________________ Laugh hard and often. Gary

03-02-2007, 09:18 PM	#17
BogeyB Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mc Donough, GA. Posts: 420 Thanks: 0 Thanked 222 Times in 96 Posts	Folks, A decent field stripping guide can be found in W.H.B. Smith's Book of Pistols and Revolvers. Mike __________________ MAGA Always!! NRA Benifactor, GCA

03-05-2007, 01:05 PM	#18
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	Ed, I owned one of these in .380 back in the late 1960's and early 1970's... I have regretted trading it ever since... it has one of the flattest profiles of any pocket pistol and makes a great summer weight concealment gun... it disappears in a back jeans pocket... Congrats! I would have paid the $200 without blinking... if I had been the one to find it. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-05-2007, 01:20 PM	#19
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,637 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,561 Times in 956 Posts	Ed Very very nice. Bargain of the year. Good for you! Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

03-12-2007, 07:21 PM	#20
davidkachel User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 784 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Ed, BTW... If you should ever decide to sell this little beauty (i.e., go completely insane) please think of me first. __________________ A heroin habit would be cheaper.