Earlier this year, we launched the innovative R51 subcompact pistol to critical acclaim. During testing, numerous experts found the pistol to function flawlessly. In fact, they found it to have lower felt recoil, lower muzzle rise and better accuracy and concealability than other products in its class.

However, after initial commercial sales, our loyal customers notified us that some R51 pistols had performance issues. We immediately ceased production to re-test the product. While we determined the pistols were safe, certain units did not meet Remington’s performance criteria. The performance problems resulted from complications during our transition from prototype to mass production. These problems have been identified and solutions are being implemented, with an expected production restart in October.

Anyone who purchased an R51 may return it and receive a new R51 pistol, along with two additional magazines and a custom Pelican case, by calling Remington at (800) 243-9700.

The new R51 will be of the same exceptional quality as our test pistols, which performed flawlessly.

Following on to our comments on Sunday’s podcast, I’m not holding my breath. Remington is taking what might be their only viable step on this, trying to make whole, those who bought a flawed product that was rushed to market before it was ready. Jeff is obviously a bit more upset about it than the rest of us but, he’s right about it being a black-eye on Remington and the entire Freedom Group management.

The scuttlebutt throughout the industry is that engineers specifically told management that the gun wasn’t ready. Management sided with the marketing group and the bean counters because Remington needed an answer to the Glock 42, Ruger’s LCP, and Smith’s M&P Shield among other compact semi-autos recently introduced to the market. It was a gamble. They lost. And combined with recent recalls on long-standing issues with the Remington 700 and general quality control issues, Remington’s reputation is the lowest it’s been in a century. One would hope that Freedom Group and Remington as its subsidiary find their way once the dust settles from ongoing relocations and other restructuring within the firm.

GM