http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_han ... ew_032511/

When Remington announced last year that it was going to be making a handgun, it definitely got everyone's attention.
By James Tarr

When Remington announced last year that it was going to be making a handgun, it definitely got everyone's attention. Big Green, America's oldest gun maker, hadn't produced a handgun in decades, and this was going to be the first new 1911 from the firm in 91 years.

Everyone assumed its 1911 would be traditionally styled, especially considering the 1911's 100-year anniversary was rapidly approaching, and Remington did not disappoint. The R1 does have classic looks, but if you were one of those people hoping for an identical copy of its classic Remington-UMC, you're out of luck.

A lot of people like the looks of vintage 1911s but don't necessarily like shooting them. Their original style grip safeties hurt the hand, their minimalist "hump and a bump" sights are hard to see in direct sunlight, they are difficult to reload with any speed, and they can have reliability issues with anything other than FMJ ammo. Aware of these contradictions, Remington decided to put out a pseudo-vintage version of the traditional 1911 in hopes of pleasing everybody.

Instead of the original GI-style "hump and a bump" sights, the R1 sports three-dot sights that are much easier to see and use.

The American-made R1 has done away with the original sights and replaced them with simple three-dot combat sights set into dovetails front and back. The ejection port is marginally lowered and lightly flared to aid reliability, and it has a stainless steel barrel bushing for a distinctive look.

The mag well is lightly beveled, and the two provided magazines have improved followers reminiscent of the fabulous PSI ACT mags. The R1 has a short trigger compared to the original UMC's long trigger, a flat mainspring housing as opposed to arched, and there's no lanyard loop on the butt. However, it does sport traditionally styled double diamond-checkered walnut grips and original Government-style grip and thumb safeties.

The R1 comes with a Series 80-style internal firing pin safety. 1911s without that particular safety (which is the majority of them, including the original Remington UMC) are not unsafe, and the extra parts of a firing pin safety generally result in a grittier trigger pull--and increase manufacturing cost of a basic model--so I asked Remington engineers at a recent industry event what the reason was for that addition. They couldn't really give me an exact reason, so I'm assuming it was a liability-driven decision.

There is a tiny slot at the top rear of the barrel hood that Remington is calling a loaded-chamber indicator. While theoretically it can be used to see if there is a cartridge in the chamber, the slot is so small that I would much rather just crack the slide back and be sure.

At the industry event, Remington provided five R1s to a group of gun writers, and in just over an hour we put 2,000 rounds of full-power ammunition through those guns. The only problems encountered were one feeding jam (mostly likely due to limp-wristing), and one of the guns' front sights started to work loose in its dovetail.

A fellow writer and I shared an R1, and in 45 minutes we put more than 500 rounds through that one pistol. We had runners loading mags for us, and got the gun so hot the front of the trigger guard was nearly too hot to touch, but it did not jam on us. That said, it was not a torture test I'd care to repeat, as the R1's old-style grip safety bruised the heck out of my hand.

Modern manufacturing techniques have enabled the Remington engineers not only to make a relatively tight and surprisingly accurate pistol for an affordable price, but one that even with a Series 80 safety has a decent trigger.

After our torture test and a proper cleaning, the trigger pull on the provided R1 broke right at four pounds. Admittedly, it broke more like a carrot than a glass rod, but it was still a relatively crisp single-stage trigger--something that cannot be said about the triggers on the original Colt Series 80 guns.
The R1 features a Series 80-type firing pin safety, which some dislike, but has a rather a crisp four-pound trigger pull.

The gun Remington sent me for accuracy testing had a mainspring housing that didn't quite extend down as far as it should have, resulting in the sharp edge of the frame digging a little hole in the heel of my hand.

None of the guns we torture tested had the same problem, so I'm guessing it was simply one mainspring housing cut a hair too short, and that was the only problem I found. If it was my personal gun, two minutes with a file would solve the problem.

The pistol digested all sorts of hollowpoints without a problem (try that with an original GI gun), although the owner's manual advises against the use of +P ammunition in the gun.

The name "Remington" has a history all its own, and for those of you interested in a classically styled 1911, the R1 should be at the top of your list.

Remington 1911 R1

Remington 1911 Review

i've never owned a 1911 before but im fixin to....tore between remington R1 , ruger SR1911 and i saw a springfield champion i liked at bass pro...probably get whichever one of these i can find when i have the money,but to be honest i think i'd prefer a ruger just based on looks....

OK better wish it was stainless though

It is very tough deciding on which 1911 to purchase; there are just so many options available.

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/11848/photos-of-the-remington-r1-enhanced/

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/inde ... ield-test/

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/inde ... -enhanced/

This is pretty neat

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/inde ... -ejection/

I added a few enhancements to my basic R1 after 100 rounds shot through it. Jacketed bullets were accurate, but I had to subject it to the ultimate test of accuracy .... cast bullets. The R1 is reliable, accurate, easy handling, and well built. I should probably keep my comments brief since results speak for themselves. I will let my first test target attest to the quality and performance of the R1.

Very nice grouping and thanks for posting up your thoughts on the Remington Model 1911 R1!

Thanks for posting your thoughts on your R1

Awesome !!...why waste yer breath when a pic sez it all !!

From the 2012 Shot Show

I have the R1 Talo model........200 rounds straight out of the box.....loving it
However the sights were put on by ray charles......fronts are way off center and the rear
also a touch off......need to lay the slide in a vice and tap them straight....

I see this way too many times in my gun purchases latley......

Thanks for sharing the info and welcome to Remington Owners. I'm still waiting on paper work before I can pick up my R1.

Welcome to the Remington Owners Forum SonnyCrockett !!

Yea, what is up with almost every major manufacturer's QC lately !?

I'm kinda torn between the 1911 R1 stainless and the SR1911 Ruger but would prefer a Commander sized firearm I guess it's up to who makes one first that gets the business.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011 ... -enhanced/

Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced

At SHOT Show, Remington introduced a new version of their 1911 R1 handgun. Cosmetically is looks more modern than the more traditional looking original 1911 R1. I really liked the look when I saw it at the show.



[img][img]http://cdn5.thefirearmsblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/img_5125-tm-tfb.jpg[/img][/img]

The enhanced model features ...

Adjustable Rear Sight
Fiber-Optic Front Sight (Red)
Front/Rear Slide Serrations
Beavertail Grip Safety with Checkered Memory Bump
Enhanced Hammer
Anodized Aluminum Match Trigger
Enhanced Wide Thumb Safety
Flat Checkered Mainspring Housing (20 LPI)
Match Grade Stainless Barrel and Bushing
Front Grip Strap Serrations
Custom Grips with Thumb Groove and Ambi Cut
8-Round Magazines with Bumper Pad (2)



Specifications
Caliber .45 ACP
Capacity 8 rounds
Finish Satin Black Oxide
Grip Wood Laminate
Barrel 5"
Twist 1-16 LH
Overall Length 5 1⁄2"
Trigger Pull 3.5 - 5 lbs
Weight 40 oz.
Front Sight Red Fiber Optic
MSRP (Price) $940

http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=6375

January 28, 2011
Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced
Filed under: 1911 — Tags: 1911 — CTD Blogger

We spoke with Remington sponsored shooter Robby Johnson last year to discuss his competition in 3-gun events and his history in the shooting sports. During the conversation, we asked about future development of the new Remington 1911 R1 for competitions, and Robby mentioned that there were efforts in that direction.

In one of the first steps towards the development of a full-fledged competition gun, Remington has recently released their new 1911 R1 Enhanced model. With more aggressive serrations on the slide and a red fiber-optic front sight, the new Enhanced R1 incorporates many of the features sought out by competitive 1911 shooters.

MSRP is expected to $940 and no date of availability is known at this time.

From the press release:

With the MODEL 1911 R1 ENHANCED, Remington Arms Company, under contract by E-RPC™, LLC, is introducing a new, more aggressive model to its classic MODEL 1911 R1 product line.

Not content to rest on the accolades and success of our MODEL 1911 R1, the new ENHANCED model include design features selected specifically to enhance the shooting experience. In a world of composite materials and sleek, feminine style, the MODEL 1911 R1 ENHANCED is a reliable, handsome alternative to mass-market handguns. And it’s built with pride in the USA.

The Remington Model 1911 R1 Enhanced is manufactured with pride and precision, to the exacting standards you’ve come to expect from Remington. Right here in Ilion, New York.

KEY FEATURES:

Adjustable Rear Sight
Fiber-Optic Front Sight (Red)
Front/Rear Slide Serrations
Beavertail Grip Safety with Checkered Memory Bump
Enhanced Hammer
Anodized Aluminum Match Trigger
Enhanced Wide Thumb Safety
Flat Checkered Mainspring Housing (20 LPI)
Match Grade Stainless Barrel and Bushing
Front Grip Strap Serrations
Custom Grips with Thumb Groove and Ambi Cut
8-Round Magazines with Bumper Pad (2)

Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced Specifications
Caliber .45 Auto
Magazine Capacity 8
Barrel Length 5″
Twist – 1 turn in 1:16 LH
Overall Length 8.5″
Overall Height 5.5″
Trigger Pull 3.5-5 lbs
Barrel Finish Satin Black Oxide
Grip Material Wood Laminate
Grip Design Enhanced
Avg. Wt. (oz.) 40