Remington Pistols

Remington, America's largest and oldest maker of rifles and shotguns, was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington II, who believed he could build a better gun than what was then available for purchase on the open market. Today, Remington is the only U.S. company that produces both firearms and ammunition domestically.

Remington's rugged, reliable .44-caliber six shooters known as Old Army Model and New Army Model were used in large numbers during the American Civil War, laying the groundwork for Remington's successful line of small-, medium- and large-frame pistols to come. The Wild West era brought with it Zig-Zag derringers and single-shot Rider pistols. Remington released the R1, their take on Colt's legendary M1911 semi-automatic military pistol in the 1910s.

After selling a controlling interest to DuPont during the Great Depression, Remington operated five U.S. government-owned ammunition factories and secured lucrative postwar military contracts. Ultimately, Remington produced modern handguns like the 9 mm Model 51, subcompacts in .380 caliber, and the XP-100, a bolt-action pistol capable of firing rifle cartridges. Remington's reliable and effective sidearms, both past and present, are popular finds at auction.

Quick Facts

• In 2006 at Bonhams, a Remington Model 51 semi-automatic pistol surprisingly sold for a bargain, going for only $351
• In 2014, a Remington Model XP-100 .458-caliber single-shot pistol with a custom frame and barrel sold at a Lock, Stock & Barrel Investments auction for $2,633.01
• A very rare Remington cane pistol from the collection of "Mr. Remington" Elliott Burka more than doubled its pre-auction high estimate of $12,000, bringing $24,150 in a 2015 James D. Julia sale