Remington vs. Springfield 1911's

[Texas Star]

I've handled Springfield .45 autos and thought they were well made. I haven't seen the Remington R-1. It looks good in photos, especially in stainless.

Would members who own both please compare them in overall quality and value? Across the board, does one tend to function better or be more accurate?

I mean the basic guns, not Springfield's tricked out match grade stuff.

And, obviously, I mean current Springfields, not the pre-WWI ones made in the govt. arsenal.

Are the Remingtons still made? That firm has had some recent problems, and I'm not sure what they still make, or about their basic QC.

Does anyone know where the Remingtons are actually made?

Do most parts of either brand interchange with US GI parts or commercial Colt parts?

All six .45 autos I've owned have been Colts, and I'm not that familiar with other brands.

I want the gun to be a real world deal, reliable for defense, not just a nostalgia sort of range toy.

Is there any real advantage to buying a Colt Government Model now over the other two brands?

 

[GKC]

I've owned several SA 1911s, from the loaded variety to the GI models. I bought one of the Remington 1911s when they first came out. I didn't care for it...now, it's been years ago, so this is from memory, but if I remember correctly, it had a Series 80 style FPS, which I didn't like. Remington itself had a limited warranty (like one year) and (reportedly) poor CS (I didn't have to deal with them so I don't know from personal experience.) The gun itself didn't have anything really distinctive, pro or con. For my money, if I was limited to only those two choices, I'd go with Springfield. I don't know if they still have them or not, but the ones I owned had the ILS on the MSH...but that is easily replaced (if I can do it, anyone can.)

 

[DWalt]

I have no idea what a FPS, ILS, and MSH are, but whatever...

I don't have an R1 but I do have a good friend who owns one and he is very happy with it. I have fired it a little, and saw no problems with it either. I think the choice comes down to price more than anything else. I do not know anything about parts interchangeability issues.

 

[GKC]

I have no idea what a FPS, ILS, and MSH are, but whatever...

FPS = Firing Pin Safety. On 1911s so equipped (called a Series 80 style, after Colt's series 80 1911s) they can make disassembly/reassembly more difficult, and some say makes the trigger less crisp. They were intended to make the pistol drop safe, but other brands use a lighter firing pin to avoid the issue.

The ILS is a lock system on Springfield 1911s...or at least they had them when I owned them, they may not now. It is or was on the Mainspring Housing (MSH) which is on the rear of the frame, right below the grip safety. They are easy to replace, but you have to have a new MSH and some internal parts.

Most parts are interchangeable on a 1911...except Taurus 1911s had some parts that didn't, if I remember correctly. That isn't to say that some parts don't require fitting to the individual pistol, though. For example, if you want to put a beaver tail grip safety on a 1911 that doesn't already have one, or even just change out an existing one, you can pretty much buy any grip safety but the part may or may not "drop in." It might require some fitting for an exact fit, and/or correct functioning.

 

[Trooperdan]

The ILS is a lock system on Springfield 1911s...or at least they had them when I owned them, they may not now. It is or was on the Mainspring Housing (MSH) which is on the rear of the frame, right below the grip safety. They are easy to replace, but you have to have a new MSH and some internal parts.

.

Don't have to replace the MSH, do have to change the hammer strut and mainspring cap. That is if you can live with the little key hole in the MSH, I do not know if the lock is functional with the replace parts, I do not think it would be.

 

[shottist]

Biggest deal to me is the Remington frame and maybe the slide too are cast. The Springfield slide and frame are both forged in Brazil and most of Springfields guns are assembled here. both makers use mims parts as does every one else unless you spring for one of the high end custom makers. I buy only Colts and have the slide stop, sear, disconnector, safety and hammer replaced with forged parts by a 1911 competent smith. (usually Cylinder and Slide). Admittedly expensive but I feel better in the knowledge that I have what Mr. Browning intended, and, it is my money.

 

[GKC]

Don't have to replace the MSH, do have to change the hammer strut and mainspring cap. That is if you can live with the little key hole in the MSH, I do not know if the lock is functional with the replace parts, I do not think it would be.

I always replaced the MSH, because I didn't like leaving an open hole (possible entry point for dirt, etc.) It's more to do with my OCD than any real risk, I suppose...plus I liked the Ed Brown Chain Link housings.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am very pleased with both my Remington R-1 and Springfield Mil Spec 1911. As a casual shooter, I think they are about the same in operational aspects. I like the appearance of the Remington because it is stainless, but both are excellent functional guns and enjoyable to shoot. I have become attached to both.

 

[Valmet]

I can't speak for the Remington R1 but I've had a SA Range Officer for a few years and it has been absolutely flawless. Best 1911 out there for the money IMO. I have some nicer, custom 1911s but my Range Officer gets used more than the others.

I have been off of Remington in recent years just because I don't have the patience for their spotty QC. That said, I don't own an R1.

 

[sigp220.45]

I've had both, and traded off the Springfield.

My R1 has been 100% reliable, shoots to the sights (nice big sights), and is accurate. I replaced the flat mainspring housing with an arched one, but other than that it is stock.

My son bought one for himself when he turned 21, and his experience is similar to mine.

I don't know if the frame is cast and I don't care. I do appreciate it being made in the US, even if it is New York.

I also own a Colt LW Commander and a Sig Tac Ops 1911. They fill different niches, but I can't really say they are better than the Remington.

 

[Autonomous]

A lot of bad info here. SA 1911s are now made in USA. They have quit installing the ILS, The existing ILS is easy to defeat with a new mainspring, cap and keeper pin.
SA has a stellar customer service reputation, Remington, not so much

 

[CLASSIC12]

I have seven Colts or so, and I'm very happy with all of them. Most where bought secondhand and have been well built, accurate and reliable.

Sorry no experience with either the Springfield or the Remington but I can suggest another no-nonsense option, the Auto Ordnance.

It may look like a USGI nostalgia (and it is) but it's been equally accurate and reliable, with a very interesting price.

Auto Ordnance 1911 A1

 

[stansdds]

Auto Ordnance 1911's made by Kahr Arms (Worcester, MA) are usually good and a good value. The older ones made in West Hurley, NY were hit or miss items and usually had cast steel slides. Cast receivers are fine in the 1911, but cast slides tend to have relatively short lifespans.

 

[Grayfox]

I own 4 Springfields and one of the Remingtons.
I bought the R1 when they first came out and its been a great gun. Its very well made and accurate. Its never given me a bit of trouble and it has the absolute best factory trigger pull of any 1911 I've ever seen. I did change the trigger and MSH and they dropped right in. They are excellent pistols and I think one of the best bargains in their price range out there.
However, for some reason they just aren't as popular as I'd expect. Resale value seems a bit low. And I hear that Remington's customer service isn't the best although I've never needed it.

What can I say about Springfield Armory? Top notch pistols. They are the standard in 1911s that other companies strive to equal. Plus they have the absolute best customer service in the industry.

I think you'd be very happy with either brand. However, if buying used, you can likely get the Remington a bit cheaper.

 

[jimbo728]

I bought a new bare bones R1 in 2013. $422. It is a fine 1911. Shoots well and is reliable. Great trigger and the sights are more than adequate.
I`d recommend it without hesitation.
Jim

 

[triaxle]

I have the Remington Carry 911 full size and its been flawless , I would buy another one .

 

[triaxle]

I also had the A/O 1911 for a while , the new Khar one and it shot great , never a jam .

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks for all the nice replies. I appreciate it.

 

[MCorps0311]

I have seven 1911's,none are Remington.

 

[American1776]

I own a Springfield Milspec Parkarized .45 automatic.

It's fit and finish is very good. In some respects, it's better than my Colt 1911 80's series. (But the Colt is better in some respects than the Springfield).

I've handled the Remington 1911's, and in my opinion, I prefer the Springfield.

 

[G-Mac]

I have owned this Springfield 1911 Stainless Mil-Spec for a good few years now and it has been great. I had a Pistolsmith Guild member install the flat, checkered, main-spring housing which also eliminated Springfield's ILS. He also installed the aluminum match trigger. Grips are exhibition grade walnut, supposedly from Culina (I got them in a trade deal). Stainless Allen grip screws and magazine are from Wilson Combat. This gun has been at least as reliable as my other 1911, a Colt Series 80.

 

[Echo40]

As someone who has been searching for a 1911 since last year and has gone over most of the name brand options thoroughly, I personally feel that the Taurus PT1911 and Ruger SR1911 offer the best price to features ratio.

That being said, I'll be getting the Ruger since Taurus doesn't offer a 1911 in 10mm Auto, and besides, I'd prefer my 1911 to be American made since it's an American handgun design.

Oh, and to all those who would poo poo a Taurus yet recommend a Remington, you may want to look up Remington's current CEO Anthony Acitelli and his recent employment history, it may surprise you.