Remington R51 vs Sphinx SDP Compact

[3000+]

Assuming both can be bought here through single-shot exemption (Sphinx has 10-rounders available as well), which pistol is superior in terms of features and ergonomics? I'm aware that one is much more expensive than the other, but if we could ignore that just for the sake of discussion that would be great. The only pistol we can judge with regard to reliability would be the SDP since it's been on the market for about a year now, but all the specs are readily available for both. Which would you get?

R51
-No thumb safety
-Lower bore axis
-Pederson device (locking breech block)
-No sharp edges
-steel frame
-SA only

SDP Compact
-Higher capacity
-Interchangeable grips
-Aluminum upper/Polymer lower
-Longer barrel
-DA/SA
-Decocking lever, 6 safeties

[gigglemonkee]

I have a sphinx 2000ps and the ergonomics are great on it. CZ grip angle and full ambi for the slide lock, safety and the mag release. Both are great guns but I would go for the SDP if you can find one.

[briguy64]

Even with specs, isn't it a little early to make any sort of comparison including the R51?

[Marquand]

Yeah, can't really comment on ergonomics until we can at least hold an example in our hands.

[3000+]

Yeah, can't really comment on ergonomics until we can at least hold an example in our hands.

[viet4lifeOC]

You should consider the 2014 CZ P-07....a shorter version of the P-09 or...a cheaper looking Sphinx SDP.

Had no idea about the Remington R51, but us suppose to operate like the HK P7 series?

[Icypu]

I question the apples vs bananas comparison of a $429 pistol vs a $1300 pistol. Either way my vote is for the SDP.

Would I buy an SDP, yes. Will I buy the SDP or the R51, I'd buy the R51 which I can afford.

[Marquand]

Okay...that qualifies as someone else's opinion. If I want a glowing review of a given product I have to look no further that any of the dozens of glossy gun magazines on the supermarket shelves. If I had a dime for the number of so called experts who told me how wonderful the grip was on a Kahr or Springfield XD was...

So I'll amend my previous statement.

Can't really comment on ergonomics until I hold an example in my hands personally.

[RoundEye]

I've held the R51, and in all honesty, it was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be / press release led me to believe it to be. The shape reminds me a lot of a makarov, and it has an interesting locking block design that makes the cycling almost feel gritty when you cycle the slide. The guys at Remington explained it as a feature to keep the chamber sealed longer during the recoil process to improve accuracy. It also kind of reminded me of the Sig P230/2.

The Sphinx on the other hand is more of a "typical" type of handgun. It will come in three sizes a standard, compact, and sub compact. The gun is made of three separate materials, the slide and frame are metal, but the grip is polymer. All the models resemble the CZ in that is has a full length guide rail, and the slide sits low inside the frame. It's shoot straight, points/track well, and is very flat from a recoil perspective.

I didn't get a chance to fire the R51, so I can't really speak to that, but based solely on their feel, if you can afford it, and you can get one, I would go with the Sphinix in a heartbeat.

[penguinofsleep]

where are you guys getting sphinx pistols?

[RoundEye]

where are you guys getting sphinx pistols?

I most recently shot one at a special event held by KRISS as part of SHOT Show, and prior to that they sponsored the Green Beret Shooters Cup and had them there to shoot as well.