A selection of Nylon 66 Rifles in various colors. The Nylon 11 can be distinguished by the detachable magazine.
The Nylon 66 Family - Reliable Polymer Guns Before Glock
When it comes to American firearms icons, few names should resonate quite like the Nylon 66 from Remington.
Built from 1959 to 1989, this innovative .22 LR rifle made history as one of the earliest mass-produced firearms to feature a synthetic stock. Predating Glock’s own polymer success by over two decades.
For decades, seasoned shooters and novices alike have praised its reliable operation, easy handling, and lightweight design—factors that helped this polymer masterpiece sell well over a million units. From its pioneering introduction to its widespread acceptance, the Nylon 66 story is a case study in firearms engineering, manufacturing cost savings, and the brilliance of the American shooting community.
In this in-depth article, we’ll delve into the conception, design, variants, and enduring legacy of the Nylon 66. You’ll also learn about other Remington Nylon rifle models—like the seldom-seen bolt actions and even a lever-action version. Along the way, we’ll show how the Nylon 66 stands as a powerful testament to our shared belief in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens under the Second Amendment. If you’re an enthusiast, a prospective collector, or you simply appreciate groundbreaking firearms innovations, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
The Conception: A Leap Into Synthetic Materials
By the late 1950s, Remington Arms was looking to produce a new .22 rifle that could be offered at a more budget-friendly price point without sacrificing performance. Traditional rifle manufacturing relied on steel receivers and wooden stocks, both of which add labor and material costs. Seeking ways to reduce production expenses, Remington turned to DuPont—its parent company at the time—for an alternative.
The cap at the base of the Nylon 66 and related rifles shows off the family name.
DuPont’s chemical engineers proposed Zytel 101, a part of its “Nylon 66” polymer series. This decision was nothing short of revolutionary: instead of using nylon merely for the stock, Remington replaced a significant portion of the rifle’s receiver with the polymer as well. While some manufacturers had experimented with synthetic stocks before (Stevens had employed Tenite plastic in limited firearms runs), none had offered a mass-produced .22 rifle featuring such extensive synthetic construction.
Despite industry-wide skepticism, Remington’s risk paid off. The end result was the Nylon 66, a lightweight, dependable .22 rifle that quickly became the company’s best-selling rimfire of all time. By bridging cutting-edge materials science with classic American firearm design, Remington not only saved on production costs but also permanently changed how shooters viewed polymer components in firearms.
Rugged, Reliable, Revolutionary: Key Features of the Nylon 66
The Nylon 66 offered an impressive suite of features that are still ahead of their time, even decades after discontinuation:
Two Nylon 11 Rifles with 19- and 24-inch-long barrels
Synthetic Stock and Receiver
- The receiver is predominantly composed of self-lubricating nylon rails. A thin, grooved, sheet-steel cover on the outside gives the illusion of a traditional metal receiver.
- Owners are advised not to apply oils or lubricants to the polymer rails, as the material itself is designed to run friction-free, even in extreme temperatures.
Above is an Apache Green Nylon 77 showing the polymer receiver. The metal ejector can be seen in the side of the receiver, this is only held in place by the metal “faux” receiver.
Lightweight & Maneuverable
- At around 4 pounds (unloaded) and 38.5 inches overall, the Nylon 66 is notably lighter than many comparable .22 rifles.
- This “featherweight” construction makes it a dream to carry for small game hunting or all-day plinking sessions, especially in cold climates where a heavier rifle might be less appealing.
Tubular Magazine in the Stock
- Instead of placing the magazine under the barrel, Remington engineers opted for a 14-round tubular magazine located in the buttstock.
- This configuration keeps the overall profile slim and sleek, while balancing the rifle nicely in the hands.
Ice-Cold Operation
With minimal need for external lubrication, the Nylon 66 excels in sub-zero conditions. It’s often noted for reliable cycling even in arctic climates, thanks to its self-lubricating nylon action.
Impressive Accuracy
While some worried that a lightweight synthetic rifle would suffer in accuracy, real-world shooters and historical records show that the Nylon 66 can produce excellent groups at typical .22 LR ranges—especially when the shooter adjusts for the rifle’s minimal muzzle weight and flexible stock. Reviews from 2017 document groups between 0.55 and 0.65 inches at 25 yards.
Minimal Maintenance
- The polymer design resists warping, chipping, or cracking, and owners often report firing thousands of rounds before feeling the need to detail-strip and clean.
- However, removing the barrel for basic maintenance is quite straightforward, as it’s held in place by a bracket secured at the bottom of the stock.
A Marksmanship Feat: Tom Frye and the 100,000-Block Challenge
No story of the Nylon 66 is complete without referencing one of the greatest feats in trick-shooting history. In 1959, Remington field rep and exhibition shooter Tom Frye set out to break Ad Topperwein’s legendary record of hitting 72,500 airborne wooden blocks with only nine misses. Over a span of 13 days:
- Frye fired at 100,010 wooden blocks (each roughly 2.5 inches square).
- He used three off-the-shelf Nylon 66 rifles, rotating through them as he fired continuously.
- At the end of the marathon demonstration, Frye had missed only six blocks, resulting in an astonishing 100,004 hits.
Even more impressive, the rifles experienced no mechanical failures across more than 100,000 total rounds fired, proving the Nylon 66 to be a remarkably robust design. The only “maintenance” performed was periodically brushing debris off the bolt face with a toothbrush.
Below you can see Tom Frye in action, in a vintage promotional video.
Variants and Sibling Models: Beyond the Nylon 66
Remington introduced several other rifles that incorporated Zytel-101 polymer stocks and, in some cases, receivers. While the Nylon 66 was by far the best-seller (over a million units total), the broader “Nylon” line also included:
Nylon 66 Color Variants
- Mohawk Brown (MB): The most commonly encountered and popular finish, with black streaks resembling wood grain.
- Seneca Green (SG): An OD green-like color that proved less popular and was discontinued by 1962. Around 42,500 total were made, making this variant relatively collectible.
- Apache Black (AB): The black-stock model with a chrome-plated receiver cover and barrel, produced between 1962 and 1984. Over 220,000 made.
- Black Diamond (BD): Introduced around 1978, featuring a black stock with black diamond inlays, along with a blued barrel and receiver.
Nylon 66 Gallery Special (GS)
Chambered for .22 Short only, these were designed for shooting galleries—often with a shell deflector or small attachment point for a chain, preventing fairgoers from walking off with the rifle. Production numbers were considerably lower than the standard models, making them quite scarce today.
Nylon 10, 11, 12 (Bolt-Action Rifles)
- Nylon 10: A single-shot .22 S, L, LR rifle.
- Nylon 11: Featured a detachable box magazine.
- Nylon 12: Used a tubular magazine beneath the barrel.
- These were made from 1962 to 1964 in relatively small numbers. They included more conventional steel receivers but retained the signature polymer stocks.
Nylon 76 (Lever-Action)
- Nicknamed the “Trail Rider,” this short-throw lever action was offered from 1962 to 1965. It was chambered in .22 LR and fed from a tubular magazine.
- With total production around 26,000, the Nylon 76 is now especially collectible. It remains the only lever-action rifle Remington ever produced.
Nylon 77 and Mohawk 10C (Detachable Magazine–Fed Semi-Autos)
- The Nylon 77 replaced the tube magazine with a single-stack, detachable 5-round “clip,” with an optional 10-round accessory.
- Renamed the Mohawk 10C around 1972, these rifles were sold into the late 1970s. The 10C commonly shipped with a 10-round magazine.
- A special run, the Apache 77, was produced exclusively for Kmart in a bright green stock—though the quality was sometimes inconsistent.
Nylon 66: 150th Anniversary Edition & Bicentennial
- A special edition of the Nylon 66 was produced for Remmington’s 150th anniversary. It was distinguished by the “150th Anniversary” engravings on the metal sides of the rifle that you can see below.
- A special American Bicentennial model was also produced with custom engravings
Production Numbers and Users
Since the Nylon 66 was first introduced before the federal mandate for firearms to be serialized, you can find examples produced from ’59 to ’66 that are not marked with a serial number. For the 1967 models serial numbers range from 410000 to 419011 and for 1968 they go from 419012 to 473710.
While popular with civilians, it was never adopted by any U.S. military or police forces, however the Bolivian Police did adopt it in unknown numbers.
| Model (Years of Production) | Number produced |
|---|---|
| Nylon 66 Gallery Special (1962-1981) | Unknown |
| Nylon 66 150th Anniversary (1966) | 3,792 |
| Nylon 66 Bicentennial (1976) | 10,268 |
| Nylon 77 | 15,000 |
| Nylon 66 Seneca Green (1959-1962) | 42,500 |
| Apache 77 aka Kmart Nylon | 54,000 |
| Nylon 66 Black Diamond (1978-1987) | 56,000 |
| Nylon 10C | 128,000 |
| Nylon 66 Apache Black (1962-1984) | 221,000 |
| Nylon 66 Mohawk Brown (1959-1987) | 716,492 |
Why the Nylon 66 Still Matters Today
Over 30 years have passed since the Nylon 66 was officially discontinued by Remington. Yet, among vintage rimfire aficionados, these rifles remain in high demand. Why?
Historical Significance
- The Nylon 66 proved polymer rifles were practical, long before the rest of the industry jumped on synthetic stocks.
Outstanding Reliability
- From the Tom Frye exhibition to everyday owners firing tens of thousands of rounds, the rifle’s record of minimal malfunctions is nearly unparalleled.
Ease of Carry
- At just around 4 pounds, hiking or small-game hunting with a Nylon 66 is almost effortless.
Collectability
- Rare variants such as the Seneca Green, Gallery Special, and certain Kmart-only runs can command high prices on the collectors’ market.
Caring for Your Nylon 66
Although the polymer stock and receiver can withstand plenty of abuse, a little care goes a long way:
- Avoid Excessive Lubrication: The rails are self-lubricating. Additional oils may attract grit or freeze in extremely cold temperatures.
- Barrel Removal: For thorough cleaning, simply remove the barrel bracket screw, gently slide the barrel out, and clean from the breech end.
- Receiver Cover: The thin steel cover can be removed by loosening two cross screws. Just be mindful of the loosely-fitted ejector piece.
- Light Protective Oil: While the inside rails don’t need lubricants, a thin layer of rust protectant on the outside metal surfaces is wise, especially if the rifle is used in humid or wet conditions.
Modern Parallels and Market Outlook
Fast-forward to our present day, and polymer frames and stocks have become the industry standard in various firearms categories—from modern sporting rifles to handguns. The Nylon 66 paved the way by challenging conventional thought on “wood and steel” builds. Although the original molds and tooling have long since disappeared or worn out, used examples continue to find new homes among shooters and collectors.
Prices have steadily climbed for well-maintained examples. Mohawk Brown models remain the most common and therefore the most affordable, whereas rare color schemes and certain limited editions can easily climb into four-digit territory. If you’re looking to add a piece of firearms history to your collection, now might be the time to pick up a Nylon 66.
Conclusion: The Nylon 66’s Lasting Legacy
The Nylon 66 was truly a rifle ahead of its time. Its synthetic construction, reliability under harsh conditions, and remarkable out-of-the-box accuracy led it to become Remington’s best-selling .22 rifle ever. Its success also paved the way for widespread acceptance of polymer in firearms, a concept many took for granted once synthetic-frame handguns and rifles became mainstream.
From a hunting perspective, the Nylon 66 remains a top-notch small-game rifle, and it’s a perfect plinker for anyone craving a lightweight, quick-handling rimfire. From a collector’s standpoint, it’s a piece of firearms history—one that continues to generate admiration and interest more than 30 years after production ended. And from a Second Amendment viewpoint, the Nylon 66 stands as a proud example of American ingenuity, reminding us how freedom fosters innovation.
Whether you are an FFL dealer, a longtime firearms collector, or an avid plinker exploring the wonders of rimfires, the Nylon 66 is worth your attention. It exemplifies the spirit of responsible gun ownership and the joys of innovative firearm design.
So, if you come across a Nylon 66 in your local shop’s used gun rack or spot one online, consider giving it a closer look—you just might acquire a classic piece of American firearms legacy that remains second to none.
