Remington Model 51 .380 chrome or nickel plate finish?

[Georgia Guy]

I have a Model 51 in .380 cal that I bought 40+ years ago, probably at a gun show. S/N is PA440XX and I presume manufactured somewhere in or around early 1920's. The pistol was either chrome or nickel plated (don't know how to determine which) when I bought it back whenever.

My question is this. I've never seen another 51 finished this way and was wondering if this was an option when it was manufactured?

[ForumAdmin]

very late 1922

[officiator]

Georgia Guy,

I also have a chrome or nickel Remington 51 because as a collector of guns I have come to recognize the Remington 51 as one of the finest carry weapons ever produced. Right now I am at my recreational home and do not have access to my weapon collection but tomorrow night I will check the serial number of my silver colored Remington to see if my number is close to yours in the hope that the factory produced some and the numbers were in sequence. Several years ago I asked the very same question that you now pose and was told that no one has ever heard of factory produced silver colored 51s. It is interesting/exciting that you have one as well.

Tom Sporar in Washington State

Cell (253 678-5057

[aardq]

There might be some factory nickel M-51s, but only one that I'm aware of, that is confirmed as factory nickel. The edges on the gun in the original post appear rounded, not sharp and crisp, so I suspect that it's a re-finish.

Having said the above, I am of the opinion that a few nickel guns must have left the factory, but how many, and how to prove that a nickel 51 is a factory finish? We may never know.

[officiator]

I'm embarrassed to see that my last post about a chrome/nickle Remington 51 was in 2010 and at that time I indicated that I would see what serial number it had. Mine has serial number 499XX with Remington Trade Mark on the right side and an anchor at the base of the back strap. Presently I own eight of the 51s all in 380 except one. I have some parts and an extra 32 barrel that were probably acquired at gun shows years ago. Haven't shot one in many years but tomorrow will run several magazines of ammo through the chrome/nickle 51 and a P38 that I recently came to own through a trade. I carry daily but would be reluctant to count on a weapon almost 100 years old like the 51. My carry gun is a Rohrbaugh 9mm, but it isn't anywhere as attractive as a Remington 51. The Rohrbaugh is one of the most dependable weapons made anywhere at any time in my opinion and I consider it a single premium life insurance policy.

[ForumAdmin]

I'm embarrassed to see that my last post about a chrome/nickle Remington 51 was in 2010 and at that time I indicated that I would see what serial number it had. Mine has serial number 499XX with Remington Trade Mark on the right side and an anchor at the base of the back strap. Presently I own eight of the 51s all in 380 except one. I have some parts and an extra 32 barrel that were probably acquired at gun shows years ago. Haven't shot one in many years but tomorrow will run several magazines of ammo through the chrome/nickle 51 and a P38 that I recently came to own through a trade. I carry daily but would be reluctant to count on a weapon almost 100 years old like the 51. My carry gun is a Rohrbaugh 9mm, but it isn't anywhere as attractive as a Remington 51. The Rohrbaugh is one of the most dependable weapons made anywhere at any time in my opinion and I consider it a single premium life insurance policy.

I'm a big fan of Sig's so I'm used to expensive guns but the Rohrbaugh is just to slippery for me....

[Georgia Guy]

I'm embarrassed to see that my last post about a chrome/nickle Remington 51 was in 2010 and at that time I indicated that I would see what serial number it had. Mine has serial number 499XX with Remington Trade Mark on the right side and an anchor at the base of the back strap. Presently I own eight of the 51s all in 380 except one. I have some parts and an extra 32 barrel that were probably acquired at gun shows years ago. Haven't shot one in many years but tomorrow will run several magazines of ammo through the chrome/nickle 51 and a P38 that I recently came to own through a trade. I carry daily but would be reluctant to count on a weapon almost 100 years old like the 51. My carry gun is a Rohrbaugh 9mm, but it isn't anywhere as attractive as a Remington 51. The Rohrbaugh is one of the most dependable weapons made anywhere at any time in my opinion and I consider it a single premium life insurance policy.

Officiator, been waiting for you to get back to us. Almost gave up after 5 years.

[Bigbird]

Hi everyone, well you can add mine to the list of nickel, chrome 51's PA24086...what year is this one ????and a gun Smith's inspected it , did not want to give it back , mine is at least 95% every edge smooth he says it appears to be a factory fibish, has the anchor proof stamp ...what is value ? Thanks....no pictures my files are too large.,