Boxed, Excellent Remington UMC Model 51 - .380 ACP

Description

9/24/26 - This is an excellent example of a Remington UMC Model 51 chambered in .380 ACP and manufactured in 1924-25. This is a scarce Type 1 "transitional" variation, which retains the early pattern of nine "U"-shaped slide serrations, while also having the caliber designation on the barrel hood (not necessary until 1921 when the .32 cal version was introduced) and the famous Remington rollmark on the right side of the frame, The combination of these features can only be found within the 20,000 to 38,000 serial number range (this range also includes .32 caliber guns). The design incorporates John Pedersen's ingenious triple-safety system, pairing a manual safety and magazine disconnect with an active grip safety that locks the sear, serves as a cocked-hammer indicator, and acts as a slide release. The gun retains virtually all of its original finish, with only a hint of muzzle wear and finish loss on the leading edges of the slide. While there is no actual finish loss, there is a light, sparse speckling of oxidation on most of the metal surfaces. The original checkered black grips are in excellent condition, showing a couple handling wear. The bore retains strong rifling with minor pin-pricking throughout. This listing includes one original factory magazine, a period cleaning rod, a rare original instruction manual (in great condition) and even rarer original factory box (excellent shape for its age but shows some mild tattering along the edges and lid). These boxes were typically hand-numbered in pencil on the bottom and on the front lid label. While the last few digits of the serial number appear to be present on the front lid, the digits on the bottom of the box have faded with time, leaving nothing legible.

Conceived by legendary arms inventor John D. Pedersen, whom John Browning praised as the finest gun designer in the world, the Model 51 was engineered with extraordinary ergonomics. Remington developed its grip geometry using clay hand impressions to achieve an instinctive point of aim marketed as "the self-aiming pistol," an attribute that later prompted General George S. Patton to carry an engraved Model 51 as his personal sidearm. Rather than employing a standard blowback action, Pedersen implemented a patented hesitation-lock breechblock that keeps the action positively locked until the bullet exits the barrel, noticeably dampening felt recoil while allowing for an exceptionally slim, lightweight slide. Remington introduced the Model 51 in 1919, and manufactured roughly 65,000 total units before ending production in 1927, a fate that would befall every American Pistol not made by Colt at the onset of the Great Depression. Remington would not produce another pistol until 1963.