Another matter to consider is the ammunition. Although we still import quantities of plinking ammunition, our native ammunition industry is the best in the world. Annually our cartridge makers turn out millions of rounds of high-quality ammunition, because that is what American sportsmen want. The Remington R1 is a good gun when shooting good ammunition. Together, they both perform.

There is no handgun so thoroughly customized as the M1911 .45 ACP. Yankee pistoleros derive endless delight in fiddling with the innards—and “out-ards” —of their guns, and I’m certain that more than a few R1s will be subjected to this treatment. Based on what I have seen in the early samples, the R1, while perhaps a bit rough in some aspects, is nonetheless generally solid and reliable. Its accuracy is much better than what you would expect for an entry-level pistol, and at $699 it strikes me as a very good buy.

Manufacturer: Remington Arms Co.; (800) 243-9700; www.remington.com
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: steel
Barrel: 5"
Rifling: 1:16" LH twist
Capacity: detachable box, seven rounds
Sights: three-dot, drift-adjustable
Trigger Pull: 5 lbs.
Overall Length: 8.5"
Width: 1.32"
Height: 5.25"
Weight: 38.5 ozs
Accessories: lockable hard case, lock, manual, extra magazine
Suggested Retail Price: $699