Remington Model 550-1
Remington Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1946
Also known as: Remington 550-1, Remington 550
Overview
The Remington Model 550-1 is an American semi-automatic .22 rimfire rifle produced from 1946 to 1971. It is distinguished by its Williams floating-chamber design, which lets a single blowback action reliably cycle interchangeably mixed .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges from its tubular magazine. Heavy and mild-recoiling, the 550-1 earned a reputation as an accurate and durable plinking and small-game rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2835 g (100.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Floating Chamber, Interchangeable Ammunition, Tubular Magazine, Open Sights, One Piece Stock
Variants
- Remington Model 550-2G - Gallery Shooter
Production
Estimated total produced: 730,000 · Production years: 1946-1971
Approximately 730,000 Model 550 series rifles produced over its run.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1971
Notes
The floating chamber was licensed from Marsh 'Carbine' Williams, the same principle used in the .22 conversion of the Colt Ace and the Remington Model 550 series. Tube magazine capacity varies with ammunition: roughly 22 rounds of .22 Short, 17 of .22 Long, and 15 of .22 Long Rifle.
Background
The Model 550's floating chamber was the invention of David Marshall 'Carbine' Williams, the North Carolina moonshiner-turned-inventor who developed the short-stroke gas piston for the M1 Carbine while serving a prison sentence. His floating chamber let a blowback .22 handle the differing power of Short, Long, and Long Rifle rounds without any adjustment.