Sharp! Remington Model 51 .380 ACP 3.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, MFD C&R
SOLD FOR: $2875
LSB#: 221019DS003
Make: Remington
Model: 51
Serial Number: PA37775
Year of Manufacture: 1918-1926
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the slide is marked “THE REMINGTON ARMS UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. INC. / REMINGTON ILION WKS. ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. PEDERSEN’S PATENTS PENDING”. The left of the frame has the serial number. The right side of the frame is marked “Remington / TRADE MARK”. An inspection mark is found on the right of the trigger guard. The grip panels have “REMINGTON / UMC / TRADE MARK” in circle on the upper flanks.
Barrel Length: 3 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade integral to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notched base, also integral to the slide. The top of the slide is horizontally serrated and has lettering, all reducing glare when sighting.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with logos at the tops and smooth borders. There are some scattered little marks on the smooth borders. The checkering is mostly intact but has some rub wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scuffs on the fronstrap that have lightly thinned the finish. There is some thinning on the leading edges of the slide. There are some areas of faint mottled patina, hardly noticeable but most notable on the grip frame. There is some standard operational wear. The pinheads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a 7-round magazine, factory box, paperwork including the manual, and cleaning brushes.
Our Assessment: The layout of the Remington 51 is similar to the Walther PPK pistol in the use of a stationary barrel and recoil spring surrounding the barrel. However, the unique feature is the use of a locking breech block within the slide. When the pistol is in battery, the breech block is held forward of the locking shoulder in the frame by the force of the recoil spring which holds the bolt face solidly against the end of the chamber. When the cartridge is fired, the bolt and slide move together a short distance rearward powered by the energy of the cartridge as in a standard blowback system. When the breech block contacts the locking shoulder, it hesitates, locking the breech. The slide continues rearward with the momentum it acquired in the initial phase forcing the hammer down and compressing the recoil spring around the barrel. This allows chamber pressure to drop to safe levels while the breech is locked and the cartridge slightly extracted. After the bullet leaves the barrel and pressure drops to a safe level, the rearward motion of the slide causes an inclined cam within the slide to lift the rear of the breech block free from its locking recess, continuing the operating cycle. One can insert a dowel into the barrel and push on the breech block. It will only move a fraction of an inch and stop against the recessed buttress. Only manually retracting the slide or firing a cartridge opens the gun. The Remington Model 51 was the only production pistol to utilize Pedersen’s type of operating system. Because the breech is locked, this pistol can handle greater pressures than a blowback firearm yet without the size and weight penalty of other locking systems. The design also allows the recoil spring to be placed around the barrel making for a shorter profile gun. Lighter operating parts and longer lock time provide less felt and actual recoil. A lower bore axis gives less muzzle rise which also lowers felt recoil. A fixed barrel allows for greater accuracy and reliability as well as simplifying construction compared to other locking systems. Overall, this system is lighter than a blowback, simpler than any conventional locking mechanism, and has less recoil than either of the other systems. This is an interesting gun and in such fantastic condition with its box will be an outstanding addition to a collection!! Please see our pictures and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
