Remington will release the Model 1911 R1 through select independent dealers in June, marking a return to production of a 1911-type pistol for the first time in almost a century, the company has announced.
In the fall, several firearms bloggers reported Remington was developing the pistol and hoping to bring it to the SHOT Show.
The last time Remington produced 1911 pistols was more than 90 years ago. In 1917, the U.S. Ordnance Department issued an order to Remington-UMC to manufacture 500,000 1911s for the armed services. The first Remington-UMC produced 1911 pistols were delivered in August of 1918.
On Nov. 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I was signed and the contract from the Ordnance Department with Remington-UMC was suspended. In all, Remington-UMC produced 21,677 1911s.
The Remington-branded 1911 R1 is an A1 variant of the 1911 with modern upgrades. Like the original 1911, the 1911 R1 has a flat mainspring housing, short trigger and double-diamond, walnut grips.
Modern enhancements include a flared and lowered ejection port; beveled magazine well; loaded chamber indicator; high-profile dovetailed single-dot front and two-dot rear sights; a 3.5 - 5 pound trigger pull; and a match-grade stainless steel barrel and barrel bushing. It also has the Series 80-style firing-pin block safety.
The pistol will be shipped in a custom carry case with two seven-round magazines and a barrel bushing wrench. It will be produced in Ilion, New York.
The Remington 1911 R1 will be unveiled at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Charlotte, N.C., on May 14. It will retail for $699. View our photo gallery of the pistol.
