Understanding the Foundation
The legacy of the 1911 pistol is undeniable. Born from the ingenuity of John Browning over a century ago, this handgun has stood the test of time, evolving from a military workhorse to a beloved platform for shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts across the globe. The 1911’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ergonomic design, inherent accuracy, and customizable nature. Today, countless manufacturers produce variations of the 1911, each aiming to capture the classic essence while incorporating modern features and enhancements. This review delves into the world of one such offering: the Remington 1911 Enhanced. We’ll explore this model in detail, examining its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it deserves a place in your collection or holster.
Appearance and Overview
Before we dive deep into the specific attributes of the Remington 1911 Enhanced, let’s briefly touch on the heritage. The 1911’s design, renowned for its single-action trigger, straightforward takedown, and crisp recoil, remains a favorite. The design is a fundamentally sound platform. Over time, countless companies have adapted the design. This led to a world of variations. Remington, a company with a long and storied history in firearms manufacturing, has stepped up to offer its take on this American classic.
Specifications at a Glance
Now, let’s break down the essential elements that comprise the Remington 1911 Enhanced. We’ll explore the details that set this model apart:
Before getting into the details, let’s lay out the basic specifications to provide a framework for further discussion:
The heart of the Remington 1911 Enhanced is typically chambered in .45 ACP, which is a common and widely available cartridge. It provides significant stopping power and a manageable recoil for many shooters.
The barrel, usually measuring a standard length, contributes to accuracy and balance. Overall length remains within the comfortable boundaries associated with 1911s. Weight, without a magazine loaded, strikes a balance between manageability and solid feel in the hand. The magazine capacity reflects the original design and is often a standard for 1911-style pistols. Frame and slide construction usually involve robust steel, while the grips are often made from durable materials providing a comfortable and secure hold. Sights, which we will analyze in detail, are generally upgraded for enhanced target acquisition, a key feature to look for in the Enhanced model. The trigger mechanism, a single-action design, is another vital component in this classic design.
Unpacking the Design: Features in Depth
Now, let’s break down the essential elements that comprise the Remington 1911 Enhanced. We’ll explore the details that set this model apart:
The frame, frequently crafted from steel, provides a solid and reliable foundation for the entire pistol. The finish applied to the frame enhances the pistol’s resistance to the elements and also improves the overall appearance. The grip design is crucial for comfortable and confident handling. Checkering or other texturing patterns on the front strap and mainspring housing often offer improved purchase, especially during rapid fire. This detail is crucial for maintaining control under pressure.
The slide, typically constructed from steel, houses the internal mechanisms. The slide frequently showcases purposeful serrations or other features which aids in manipulating the slide during loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions. The slide’s finish mirrors the frame, ensuring a cohesive and attractive appearance.
The barrel is a critical component in any firearm, responsible for guiding the bullet accurately towards the target. The Remington 1911 Enhanced often includes match-grade barrels, providing improved accuracy potential. The precise machining and tighter tolerances translate into better performance on the range.
Sights play a pivotal role in target acquisition. Often, the Remington 1911 Enhanced features upgraded sights, like a three-dot system or a more modern sight picture, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. These features improve your ability to quickly and accurately aim. The adjustability of the sights further enhances precision, allowing for zeroing the sights for your preferred ammunition.
The trigger is a signature aspect of the 1911 platform. The single-action trigger offers a crisp, clean break. The trigger’s weight and feel are carefully calibrated to provide a positive and consistent experience, allowing for precise shot placement.
The grips are the contact point between the shooter and the firearm. The material and texture of the grips have a significant impact on comfort and control. The Remington 1911 Enhanced often utilizes high-quality grips, offering a secure and comfortable hold. The grips allow for rapid and confident handling, helping reduce any potential movement during firing.
Enhancements are central to the Enhanced designation. The features can vary based on the model, but the aim is to elevate the overall performance of the gun. This could include an extended thumb safety for easier operation, a beavertail grip safety to prevent hammer bite, front strap checkering for improved grip, a skeletonized hammer that reduces weight, and/or a match-grade barrel for enhanced accuracy. These features, combined, transform a good 1911 into a great one.
Putting It to the Test: Performance Evaluation
To truly evaluate the Remington 1911 Enhanced, we must consider its performance on the range. This includes factors such as:
Shooting a firearm, and getting the feel for it in your hand, is vital. This starts with the recoil impulse. How does the gun handle the energy? The ergonomics and balance contribute to a comfortable shooting experience, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. The ease of acquiring the target plays a huge role. The design of the Remington 1911 Enhanced is geared to aid and assist the shooter.
Accuracy is paramount. The Remington 1911 Enhanced typically offers excellent accuracy potential. Tight groupings at reasonable distances are achievable, thanks to the match-grade barrel and quality sights. Proper technique is always a factor, of course.
Reliability is paramount. During our evaluation, we must test the pistol with various ammunition types to assess its consistency. Jams or failures to feed can signal problems that must be addressed. The goal is a reliable platform, for both recreational shooting and defensive purposes.
Evaluating the trigger pull is a must. A clean, consistent trigger enhances accuracy and control. The trigger should break cleanly without excessive travel or weight.
Considering the Pros and Cons
Like all firearms, the Remington 1911 Enhanced has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s weigh them:
What Stands Out: The Upsides
Value: The Remington 1911 Enhanced often offers a competitive price point, providing excellent value for the features it provides.
Shooting Comfort: The ergonomics of the 1911 design, combined with the features in the Enhanced model, usually result in a comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
Accuracy: The presence of match-grade barrels and enhanced sights contribute to the pistol’s inherent accuracy.
Build Quality: Remington’s reputation for firearms production typically ensures that the 1911 Enhanced is built to last.
Feature Set: The inclusion of enhanced features like beavertail safeties, extended controls, and improved sights adds significant value and improves the overall functionality.
Areas to Consider: The Downsides
Finish Durability: While the finish might be visually appealing, some owners may find that it’s not as durable as some other finishes, and it may show wear with use.
Specific Features: Depending on personal preference, certain enhanced features may not appeal to every shooter. Some may prefer a more minimalist approach.
Maintenance: Like all 1911s, the Remington 1911 Enhanced requires proper maintenance. This includes regular cleaning, lubrication, and parts inspection to ensure proper functioning.
Assessing Value and Comparison
The price of the Remington 1911 Enhanced, like all firearms, will vary. The features and build quality must be considered. Compare it to other 1911s in its class to determine whether the features justify the price. Does the Remington 1911 Enhanced provide a competitive offering? This will depend on what you are looking for.
Consider other models in the market, such as those from Springfield Armory or Colt. The Remington 1911 Enhanced offers a unique combination of classic design and upgraded features. The Enhanced model often provides a compelling package for its price.
Care and Upkeep: Keeping Your Pistol Running
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, the Remington 1911 Enhanced requires regular maintenance:
Following these procedures will help ensure the reliable functioning and lasting performance of your firearm.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts
The Remington 1911 Enhanced presents a compelling option for those seeking a modern take on a classic design. It blends the reliability and accuracy. This pistol has a solid foundation in the proven 1911 platform, enhanced with features that improve both the shooting experience and overall performance.
This pistol is best suited for shooters who appreciate the 1911 platform and are looking for a well-built, reliable, and accurate handgun. The Remington 1911 Enhanced is suitable for target shooting, home defense, or even concealed carry, provided that the user is comfortable with the size and weight. If you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the 1911 platform, this is one of the many variants in the vast world of the 1911 design that’s worth the investment.
The decision to purchase a firearm is always personal, and this review is designed to help you make an informed choice. Remember to prioritize safety, handle firearms responsibly, and always follow all applicable laws and regulations. Consider the Remington 1911 Enhanced if you are looking for a well-made, accurate, and feature-rich 1911.
