Recently we have voiced a ton of concern about Remington and wether or not they had the ability to bounce bank during it’s recent economic downturn. Well it seems that the staff at Remington have decided to revamp their full-sized 1911 based pistol the Remington R1 pistol to turn it into a new double stack platform. The new pistol will be offered in three different calibers, the 9×19 mm, the .40 Smith & Wesson and the iconic .45 ACP.

We here at the web site have received news from Remington regarding the rest of the specifications on the new pistol, including the weights, model numbers and all the other information that shooters want to know. This pistol appears on the surface to take the stock R1 and tailor it for competition use. The trend of double stacked 1911’s isn’t new, in fact they have been on the IDPA competition circuit for years. This is Remington’s interpretation of the design. Below is the press release that we have received this week.

“The new Model 1911 R1 Limited Double Stack series has been engineered end-to-end for championship performance. With its Ionbond PVD coating, the 5-inch match-grade stainless steel barrel, slide and frame deliver silky smooth operation in heavy use. The ambidextrous extended thumb safety makes for easy operation in either hand. Its fiber optic front sight and fully adjustable LPA target rear sight are built for rapid target acquisition and shaving split seconds off your score.

Features and Benefits:

• 5″ ramped, match-grade barrel – For superb accuracy
• Wide Rear and Front Cocking Serrations – For positive grip regardless of field conditions
• LPA Fully Adjustable Match Sights – For precision shooting
• Fiber Optic Front Sight – For faster target acquisition
• Extended Beavertail Grip Safety – For sure grip in the field
• Adjustable Skeletonized Trigger – For a clean crisp break
• Tough PVD DLC Finish – For durability in all conditions
• VZ G10 Grips – For solid hold while firing
• Two Double Stack Stainless Steel Magazines
• Stainless Steel Frame and Slide

The new Remington 1911 R1 Limited Double Stack handguns are currently available in three models – R1 Limited 19.9 – 9mm, R1 Limited 18.40 – 40 S&W and R1 Limited 15.45 – 45 Auto, manufacture suggested retail price of $1,399.  For further details on 1911 offerings click here.” 

Closing Thoughts

The Remington R1 is a pistol that the company has received generally good marks from industry reviewers. The problem on the surface is that Remington is wading into already crowded markets and trying to create sales in a market that is about as cut throat as it can get. Competition shooters love their gear and are very particular about guns, sights, magazines and everything else they use. I’m not sure how the long-term prospects are for the Remington R1. I would like to think this might be the product that helps turn the company around, small steps to a larger problem. What are your thoughts about the new double stack 1911 ? Does Remington have a sleeper hit on their hands or another project that never quite caught on ?