Remington 1911 R1 Review [Hands On Review]

The Remington 1911 R1 was introduced in 2010, with a number of different variants available.  The one we’re specifically reviewing today is the Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel.  Taking most of the attributes of the Enhanced model, and adding a few suppressor-centric features as well.

• Tall two-dot sight system allows use with silencer installed
• Front and rear slide serrations
• Beavertail grip safety with checkered memory bump
• Enhanced hammer
• 3 hole adjustable match trigger
• Enhanced wide thumb safety
• Flat checkered mainspring housing (20 LPI)
• Match-grade stainless barrel with threaded muzzle and thread protector
• Front grip strap serrations
• Custom grips with thumb groove and ambi cut
• 8-round magazines with bumper pad (2)
• Barrel thread pitch (.578-28)

1911 R1 History

That the 1911 series is still alive and relevant in the face of 100+ years of technological advances is a testament to the prowess of famed gunmaker John Moses Browning. 

After receiving a contract from the US government to create pistols, Remington Arms produced a 1911 style pistol based on the Colt 1911 in 1918.

Remington suspended production of the 1911 in 1919 until April 2010, when they announced that they would resume manufacturing.

This time, the pistol would be known as the Remington 1911 R1. This comeback into the handgun market is the first in years since Remington discontinued their last pistol, the Remington XP-100.

The continued commercial success of the 1911 series means that nearly every major handgun manufacturer either produces a 1911, or a gun that uses a number of its design features.

Remington 1911 R1 Features

1 Suppressor ready

• Threaded barrel is ready for your can.  I’ve attached an AAC TiRant-45 for the review.

2 Tall sights

• See over the suppressor

3 8 round mags

• Halfway to modern!

Remington 1911 R1 Variations

Available in a number of configurations, including Model 1911 and Enhanced.

Remington 1911 R1 – Our Take

The 1911 is rarely found in small configurations.  By any modern standard, it’s heavy, bulky, and challenging to carry concealed.  When a suppressor is added to the R1, it’s doubly so on all three fronts.  It is, however, a really nice shooter.  The .45 ACP’s lower velocity means it tends to suppress really well, eliminating the supersonic crack associated with faster calibers.  Significantly reduced noise, reduced muzzle flip (due to the forward weight of the suppressor), a match grade stainless barrel, and an excellent ~4lbs trigger pull means the R1 scores high regarding shootability.  Expect a challenge finding a holster for the R1 with suppressor attached though, there aren’t many out there.

If you’ve held one, you’ve held ’em all.  This is as true for Glocks as it is for 1911’s.  The ergonomics of a 1911 don’t change much when you jump from model to model, so picking up the R1 meant all that muscle memory and familiarity bred into me by years of shooting a Springfield Armory 1911, a Kimber or two, and even a few Rock Island 1911’s was instantly brought to the forefront of my mind.  The safety, mag release, manual of arms, and balance are all instantly familiar.  The controls are all as well placed as they’ve ever been, making the R1 the “my old daily driver” of handguns.  It’s not the fastest, hottest gun out there, but you know just what you’re getting.

While the R1 (and quality 1911’s in general) certainly doesn’t lack for accuracy potential, shooting it in its intended state (suppressed) takes some getting used to if you’re not experienced with it.  A further forward weight balance and a different recoil pulse can throw off a new shooter, but the R1 itself has proven capable of excellent accuracy.  

One meme-worth hallmark of 1911’s is their perceived lack of reliability.  In my experience, that poor reputation has been garnered by a few suspects, then applied to all.  One manufacturer of expensive 1911’s has a reputation for overly tight tolerances, meaning they’re jam-o-matics until the shooter has endured 500 rounds or so.  Given the wide variety of 1911 manufacturers worldwide, there’s more than a few overseas manufacturers with suspect quality control issues.  This particular 1911 R1 however, has been a fine runner in the ~8 years I’ve had it.  It feeds ball ammo and JHP’s all the same.  The only trouble I’ve ever had with it was with an aftermarket mag.  Switching back to the OEM 8-round mags immediately alleviated the issue.  I’m close to 3,000 rounds on this gun, and she’s still running strong.

This R1 was actually the first gun I sold after opening my own gun shop.  Sold to my father, I inherited it after his passing.  At the time (2012) the going rate was around $650.  The price on these dropped in subsequent years, eventually being found regularly for under $500.  Now, the price on these is routinely back in the $650-$700 range.  It is nice to pick up a gun for suppressed use that’s already set up for the task, unlike the countless aftermarket threaded Glock barrels and sights I’ve bought over the years.  If .45 ACP is what you’re set on, and the 1911 platform makes the most sense to you, the R1 is a great example of a 1911 done right.  The truth is, there’s plenty of more modern options out there that are also suppressor ready, some for a reduced price and from companies that aren’t toiling through bankruptcy and ownership changes.

Remington R1 Pros and Cons

Remington 1911 R1 Ammo

Remington 1911 R1 Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get the Remington 1911 R1, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
• Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
• Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full length review.
• Storage: Check our our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
• Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.

With the basics outta the way, let’s jump into some cool accessories you might want to consider when purchasing your RRemington 1911 R1.

Remington 1911 R1 Upgrades and Accessories

There’s a bunch of different options available to accessorize the Remington 1911 R1. However, if we had to choose only a few options… Here’s our picks.

Remington 1911 R1 Accessories

1. KT Mech suppressed pistol holster		While it can be made for guns with a light, this is one of the few options that doesn’t require the holster affix to your light	Check Price
2. Dead Air Ghost-M		There’s lots of good suppressors out there, here’s one of the more popular ones.	Check Price
3. Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs		Great In-Ear option Custom molded – super easy and comfortable NRR: 31	Check Amazon
4. Meprolight R1 night sights		No Batteries – No Switches – Always Ready When You Need Them. Daytime Confidence Under Low Light Conditions. The Brightest Night Sights Available Today.	Check Price

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR Remington 1911 R1

Not only do you need to keep your firearms safe and secure, you’re also going to need to know how to take care of it. While scouring the internet, we came across this excellent video;

Important Links And Manuals For Your Remington 1911 R1

For more info regarding the Remington 1911 R1, check out the following resources:

• Remington 1911 R1 Manual
• Remington 1911 Website