Post WWI Remington Model 51 .380 ACP 3.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325
WOA#: WY240203LSB004
Make: Remington
Model: 51
Serial Number: PA12021
Year of Manufacture: 1918-1926
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
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. 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. The left side of the Magazine is marked “.380 CAL”.
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 with one notable dent in the left side panel. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Good overall condition. There is some surface rust on the grip rivets.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes one Remington magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is Well defined. There is mild erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are minor surface scratches and pitting throughout with finish loss on the bottom of the muzzle and on the front strap of the grip. The pinheads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition for a Post WWI era pistol.
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. This pistol utilizes a magazine disconnect (won’t fire without magazine) and grip safety. .
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one magazine.
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 will be an outstanding addition to any collection! Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
