Remington has reentered the handgun business with the new 1911 R1, manufactured under the ERPC brand. The company last made 1911s during World War I. This new model is a 1911A1 variant with some outstanding modern upgrades. Remington says this 1911 is just the first model in an extensive line. By the end of this year, it plans to offer a stainless-steel model. Other models under consideration include a Commander-style 1911, 1911-style pistols chambered for calibers other than .45 auto, and perhaps a centennial model for 2011.
Remington 1911 R1 Pistol
The 1911 R1 has excellent safety features. As with the original John Moses Browning design, Remington's new 1911 has a grip safety and a mechanical safety. It also has a Series 80-style firing pin block to protect against discharges from hard knocks.
The bright dot sights on the 1911 R1 allow the shooter to make quick target acquisition. The standard grip texture is moderately abrasive. Many 1911 enthusiasts prefer more aggressive checkering, but this is a good middle ground for those shooters who don't want to bleed after a day at the range.
Buyers of the Remington 1911 R1 can acquire the company's special 1911 multi-tool for around $50. The tool includes the usual multi-tool blades and drivers plus a bushing wrench and other items specifically designed for breaking down a 1911. The tool even fits in the 1911 R1's hard case.
Remington makes 15 types of .45 auto ammunition, and the company says that every one of them will feed through the 1911 R1.
The Remington 1911 R1 is an A1 variant with modern upgrades. It has a flared and lowered ejection port, a beveled magazine well, a loaded chamber indicator, and high-profile dovetail single-dot front and two-dot rear sights. Trigger pull is set at 3.5 to 5 pounds. Both the barrel and the barrel bushing are match grade.
Remington plans to offer a wide variety of accessories for the 1911 R1, including Rosewood and G-10 grips (pictured) with the "R" medallion.
The 1911 R1 comes with two seven-round mags. The company is also selling eight-round mags as an accessory.
The Remington 1911 R1 lists for $699. That price buys a very well-engineered 1911, two mags, a bushing wrench, and a protective plastic case.