A Foundation of Firepower: The Legacy of the 1911
To truly understand the Remington Double Stack 1911, we must first revisit its ancestor. The original 1911, chambered in .45 ACP, was born from a need for a powerful, reliable sidearm. It rapidly gained acceptance, seeing extensive service in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its popularity wasn’t solely due to its military adoption; the 1911’s design offered a combination of key features. Its single-action trigger, for instance, provided a clean, consistent pull, promoting accuracy. The grip safety ensured that the pistol would only fire when held correctly, adding a layer of safety. The ergonomics were generally well-suited to a variety of hand sizes, and the all-steel construction contributed to both durability and recoil absorption.
The .45 ACP round itself contributed to the 1911’s initial success. It packed a significant punch, providing a formidable stopping power at a time when that was of paramount importance. The combination of a powerful cartridge and a relatively easy-to-handle platform made it an extremely popular choice. Over time, the 1911 evolved from its military roots to also become a favorite among civilian shooters. It’s a favored firearm amongst enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and those seeking self-defense options. The platform’s modularity and the thriving aftermarket support, fueled by a vast array of manufacturers, custom gunsmiths, and parts suppliers, have also played a vital role in its longevity.
Expanding the Arsenal: The Evolution of High-Capacity 1911s
While the original 1911 offered undeniable benefits, its standard magazine capacity (typically seven or eight rounds in .45 ACP) was a limiting factor in the face of evolving combat scenarios and shooting sports. As the demand for increased firepower grew, the concept of a double-stack magazine for the 1911 platform gained traction. The goal was straightforward: increase ammunition capacity without abandoning the excellent qualities of the classic design.
This involved widening the grip to accommodate staggered columns of ammunition. This increase in grip circumference has its own pros and cons. The primary advantage of a double-stack 1911 is, of course, the higher round capacity. This is a clear benefit in competitions, self-defense situations, and when facing multiple threats. However, the wider grip can pose a challenge for shooters with smaller hands. Comfort and reach to controls become key elements of consideration. The increased size of the magazine well also requires modifications to the frame. Early attempts by various manufacturers sought to find the right balance, but the challenge of achieving high-capacity in a familiar format was a significant undertaking.
Remington Enters the Fray: Building on a Proven Design
Remington, a name synonymous with firearms for over two centuries, decided to embrace the challenge of creating its own double-stack 1911. The company, with its history of manufacturing quality weapons, saw an opportunity to offer a modern take on a revered platform. They leveraged their expertise to provide a pistol that merges the familiar design aesthetic of the 1911 with the functionality of a high-capacity magazine. The Remington Double Stack 1911 was born.
Examining the Hardware: Features and Specifications
Remington’s approach to their double stack 1911 design typically features variations on a theme, catering to a variety of preferences. Specific models may have different barrel lengths (offering advantages for both concealed carry and target shooting), sights (ranging from basic iron sights to modern optics-ready slides), and finishes (such as traditional bluing or more robust coatings).
The fundamental specifications, however, paint a clear picture of the pistol’s capabilities. The 9mm variant tends to be the more popular, often allowing for a magazine capacity of up to seventeen rounds. This translates to a substantial increase over the standard 1911. .45 ACP versions are also available, typically with a reduced capacity (although still significantly more than the original). The materials used in construction are critical for both durability and longevity. Frames are often made of steel, offering both strength and helping with recoil management.
The design of the slide and frame play a critical role in handling and performance. Many models feature enhanced slide serrations for easier manipulation, even with wet hands or gloves. The grip, a central element of the double-stack design, is typically designed to maintain as much of the classic 1911 feel as possible, despite the expanded capacity. The trigger mechanism maintains the iconic single-action setup, providing a clean, crisp break that many shooters prefer. Safety features, mirroring the original, often include a grip safety and a manual thumb safety, offering redundant layers of protection.
The Performance Spectrum: Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy is arguably the most important aspect of any firearm, and the Remington Double Stack 1911 aims to deliver on this front. With the inherent accuracy of the 1911 design as a foundation, these pistols generally perform well at various distances. The specific accuracy will depend, in part, on the shooter’s skill and the ammunition used. Quality ammunition will often lead to better groupings.
Reliability is another critical factor. Feeding, extraction, and ejection must all work seamlessly for the pistol to be effective. The Remington Double Stack 1911, like any semi-automatic firearm, can potentially encounter issues, particularly during the break-in period. Modern manufacturing processes, however, have significantly improved reliability. Careful attention to lubrication, proper magazine selection, and using quality ammunition can minimize potential problems.
Recoil management, a key consideration, will vary depending on the caliber and the design of the pistol. The all-steel construction, for instance, contributes to greater mass, which can help tame recoil, making the pistol easier to control during rapid firing. The grip design also plays a vital role in mitigating recoil, allowing the shooter to maintain a solid hold on the weapon.
The Good, the Bad, and the Considerations: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The advantages of the Remington Double Stack 1911 are clear. The primary benefit is the higher magazine capacity, giving the shooter more rounds at their disposal. This is especially valuable in defensive situations and competitive shooting events. The classic 1911 styling also resonates with many shooters who appreciate the design’s history. The availability of aftermarket parts and accessories is another key benefit, allowing owners to customize their pistols to their specific needs and preferences.
However, there are potential downsides to consider. The larger grip size can be a challenge for shooters with smaller hands. While the grip may be carefully designed to retain the feel of a traditional 1911, the increased width is an unavoidable consequence of the double-stack magazine. Reliability, while generally good, can be a concern, as with all firearms, especially during the break-in period. The price of a Remington Double Stack 1911, while often competitive, can be higher than some other models, depending on the features and finish.
Beyond the Basics: Comparing to Other 1911s
Compared to a standard, single-stack 1911, the Remington Double Stack offers a marked advantage in terms of capacity. The increase in round count can make a significant difference in real-world scenarios. However, the single-stack design can often offer a slimmer profile and a more familiar feel for some shooters. The choice between the two depends largely on individual needs and preferences. For concealed carry, the thinner profile of a single-stack might be an advantage. For competition shooting, where capacity is paramount, the double-stack holds more appeal.
Compared to other double-stack 1911s, the Remington offering competes well. Remington’s focus on combining the classic look with high-capacity is an attractive selling point. The specific features and build quality will, of course, vary depending on the particular model.
Meeting the User: Who is This Gun For?
The Remington Double Stack 1911 caters to a wide range of shooters. Competitive shooters, particularly in disciplines that benefit from high-capacity magazines, will find the increased round count to be a definite advantage. Those seeking a home-defense weapon will appreciate the combination of stopping power, reliability, and capacity. For concealed carry, the larger grip may require a bit more consideration and potentially a larger holster. Ultimately, the best fit depends on the individual’s hand size, shooting style, and intended use.
The Final Assessment: A Modern Classic
The Remington Double Stack 1911 represents a successful blend of tradition and innovation. It honors the legacy of the 1911 platform while addressing the modern demands for greater capacity and enhanced performance. The combination of classic styling, reliable operation, and high-capacity magazines make it a compelling option for a wide array of shooters. While the larger grip may not appeal to everyone, those who prioritize increased firepower without sacrificing the familiarity of the 1911 will find the Remington Double Stack an attractive choice.
Whether for competitive shooting, home defense, or simply as a range gun, the Remington Double Stack 1911 is a solid contender in a crowded field. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the 1911 and the ability of innovative manufacturers to improve upon a classic design.
