Older Remington bullet trapper, quality?

BJE

BJE

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Apr 12, 2006
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Been seeing a few of the bullet trappers and lockbacks on the auction site, some go for quite a bit while others are relatively inexpensive, they all look to me to be Camillus made from the 90’s-2000’s.

My question is for those who have examples of these knives, how is the overall quality?
I
imagine they are all mostly stainless.

Are there any years or versions that are more desirable from a user standpoint, better made, ect.
Any to avoid?

Trying to scratch the GEC large trapper itch since they are practically impossible to purchase without spending custom money on secondary market, regret selling my 47 all those years ago.
 
I'd like some more info here, too. I see them a fair amount in antique malls, and would grab up a kickback version if I came across a good example, but most I have held have been underwhelming for me.
 
It's not uncommon for the 80's ones with Delrin handles to have pin cracks. Not sure if this was remedied by the 2000s.
 
BJE said:
Been seeing a few of the bullet trappers and lockbacks on the auction site, some go for quite a bit while others are relatively inexpensive, they all look to me to be Camillus made from the 90’s-2000’s.

My question is for those who have examples of these knives, how is the overall quality?
I
imagine they are all mostly stainless.

Are there any years or versions that are more desirable from a user standpoint, better made, ect.
Any to avoid?

Trying to scratch the GEC large trapper itch since they are practically impossible to purchase without spending custom money on secondary market, regret selling my 47 all those years ago.
Click to expand...
The ones I have are of very good quality imho. Here's a thread I started for Jumbo trappers, hope it helps .
Thread 'Jumbo Trappers, lets see what ya got!' https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/jumbo-trappers-lets-see-what-ya-got.1678357/
 
I have been underwhelmed with Camillus overall throughout the years, they knew how to make a very pointy tip, all my examples are functional, just lacking in the fit and action department. Of the two New York companies that closed around the same time, I lament Schrade closing much more than Camillus, but maybe I just haven’t had the right example from them.

I do have a #3 lockback that’s very nice, most of them I have seen appear to be advertising knives.
 
“Older“ Remingtons means real Remington made not Cammilus. They are excellent. With Cammilus, 440A steel is common at 58 RC. Better than GEC 1095 Remingtons. Some Cammilus have cracks develop at spring pins and thong holes. Price range for any single model can be wide, low end delrin, then bone, then silver shield. Usually decent knives. Bear made remingtons I don’t care for, Bear‘s quality is not to my taste.
 
I purchased a number of the Camillus made Remington Bullet knives. They all took a sharp edge and some of them have cut me numerous times. I was very disappointed that none of the patterns I purchased are worth more than what I paid. Only the first Camillus bullet knife has significantly increased in value.

Look, they were American made, built to a price point, and then sold for more than the competition because of the name. These were before the internet, so all you knew about steel was whether it was "high carbon", or "Solingen Steel" or "Surgical Steel". Knives did not compete based on steel composition. If the steel is 440A, it is relative easy to sharpen and it does not rust easily. If you like the patterns, then you will like the knives.
 
I like the 80s/90s Camillus Remington Bullets. Decent enough knife. Made in the US, reasonable priced. You could do a lot worse. Here are a few of mine.
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Most that I have seen or owned have been nice. Good value for what you are getting in my opinion. USA made and decent fit and finish. Look into the silver bullet models if you are wanting bone covers. The bullet shield on those particular runs are made with sterling silver. I only have one example but it really is a great knife.

20230217_121740.jpg
 
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