Remington announced at the SHOT Show this week that it is expanding its pistol offerings with a new 9mm compact.

The new Remington R51 features a 3.4-inch match grade barrel and is rated for +P ammunition. Capacity is 7 rounds plus one in the chamber.

Adam Walker, a research engineer with Remington, says the new R51 is in many ways a 21st century update of the Remington Model 51 pistol, which was designed by John Pedersen in 1917 and popular in the 1920s.

A key feature of the R51 and the Model 51 is the Pederson Block, which give the pistol less felt recoil. “Muzzle rise is virtually non-existant on this gun,” Walker says.

Another key feature of the R51 is its positive grip safety and internal hammer design. “All you have to do is grip this pistol and pull the trigger,” Walker says.

Suggested retail price on the R51 is $420. “That price surprises people when they learn the R51 has a aluminum and metal frame,” Walker says.

The Remington R51 is expected to reach the market in mid-February.