Upgrading a Remington 1911 RIS?? Who? What?

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a couple of .45s -- 4566TSW, PX4, and a Smith 745 & 4513TSW. They are pretty good guns and some have been slicked up.

But I "only" own one, a bone-stock 1911 and that's the Remington.

I'm wondering if, should I send it off for some work, who I should send it to (I don't want to break the bank) and what I could have done to it to make a pretty good gun better. I don't shoot competion and it's not a self-defense weapon; so it would be just for personal satisfaction and to be a bit (how much) better at the range.

Any suggestions on who should/could do what?

 

[ken158]

What kind of work do you want done? Sights? Trigger? Barrel? What does it need to reach your expectations and meet your marksmanship ability?

 

[DWalt]

I agree. It depends on your use. For fun shooting and personal/home defense, you probably don't need to do anything. If you want to use it for formal competitive shooting, that could be a different story. It doesn't make a lot of sense to throw wads of money into making modifications if they serve no practical need. If money is no object, then do whatever work you feel like doing. You will make some gunsmith very happy.

 

[Redcoat3340]

A seeing eye dog? Just had cataracts fixed and I expect to hit more in the x ring.

I added two things when I first got it: Wilson G10 stocks and a Wilson solid guide rod. Nothing more.

I'd like new sights instead of the stock 3 dot...something in fiber optic or tritium (but a local gunsmith could do those.)

Trigger is a bit over 3lbs with a tad of creep and a tad of overtravel, but not so I'd notice, very crisp, positive, as good any of my other pistols.

I have no doubt the gun will outshoot me, so no need for a new (better?) barrel. Guess I'm just looking for something to futz with.

Maybe a Sig 2340 I got at least 2nd hand will go back to Sig for their $149 special.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Which Remington R1 model do you have?

Cheers!

P.S. I have a couple, my 1st 1911s...

 

[Retired W4]

If it's a Remington UMC 1911, leave it stock. The Black Army from 1918 is a piece of history. If it's a Remington 1911a1, have at it.

 

[AJ]

Why not do the work yourself? You get more satisfaction out of it. Have built over 50 M1911's from pieces/parts over the years. Trigger jobs are pretty easy. Polishing a feed ramp is not hard and neither is throating a barrel.

 

[Brian Parrish]

Holsters!

There is little as beautiful as a bone stock 1911 with years of expert use showing in the finish.

Upgrade your carry system.
Different styles and materials.
It is very satisfying finding the "perfect" holster for it and finding the perfect load for it. Wear a matching rig with belt, holster, mag pouch and boots/shoes all the exact same color. Even a hat band for your Stetson, KnowhatIMean?

You will never get the money back for your gun upgrades. You got to be okay with that. I did all that to my Model 457 and I am very proud of it. Your gun upgrades will not increase the value except that when the time comes, if you price it right, it will sell easier and sooner.

Upgrade your skill level. I cannot stress this enough. The appearance of a concealed handgun is obviously for your own satisfaction and your intimates alone. It will be seen by your peers at the gun range maybe. When it comes to taking pride in your Remington 1911, what will really enhance it is what you can do with it! Practice your draw and your drills until you are so good with it, that it is obvious to everybody even yourself! Resist the temptation to blame the gun or holster for your slow draw and your misses. Put the work in until you love that gun like no other because of what you can do with it. It does not matter if nobody else knows or cares, YOU will know.

An analogy would be admiring a saddle alone, (or even a horse). What is really beautiful is the way a horse and rider move together when they are working. They have put the time in together. You can admire the way the rider "sits the horse" but more there is a sense you get watching the self-respect and self-confidence from both the man and the animal that they have earned together. Is that making any sense?

Let us know what you do and show us pictures OK?

Kind Regards!
BrianD

 

[AJ]

I have always said that a man with one gun usually shoots it better than the man with a safe full of guns. The man with one gun knows his gun inside and out. Where to aim and has adjusted the way he squeezes the trigger. The guy with a bunch of different guns has to remember how each one shoots, it idiosyncrasies (ooh big word �&#56833 in function and the like.

All that said only practice, practice and more practice will get you where you need to be, both in your draw and shooting ability. At one time I shot 1000 rounds a week (my hands are paying for that now). Nowadays I fire about 50 rounds a week of handgun and the same of rifle. Just to stay in practice. Getting old sucks!

 

[cololab]

Far be it from me to tell you what is best for you. I have a friend who has a Remington stainless 1911, totally stock, and I am quite impressed with the fit, finish and accuracy. If that particular pistol was mine, I'm not sure I would feel the need to modify anythimg.

 

[Grayfox]

The 1911 is an easy gun to customize. There are lots of things that can be modified and a whole industry built around aftermarket parts.
Lots of folks just love "customizing" their guns. They add all manner of gizmos and do-hickies to them just because they can. Nothing really wrong with that. Its your gun, do as you please.
But most never ask the question "What does this gun NEED?" What will make it feel, handle, point and shoot better for ME?
Much of that depends on the gun use. The needs of a gun used for self defense, competition or just plain old casual range use vary greatly. The trick is figuring out what the gun needs to make it better for your use.
Sure, extended controls, slick triggers and super visible sights are nice. But do you NEED them? If not, why spend the time and money on them?
The truth is that for most of us "average" shooters a box stock gun will do just fine.

I own a Remington 1911R1 and have found it to be an excellent pistol. IIRC the only change I made to it was to replace the factory flat mainspring housing with an arched one. Just personal preference as I like the feel of the arched housing better and it makes the gun point more naturally for me. A simple item that the gun needed for me. See what I mean?

 

[sshakrr]

I say keep it as is and buy the gun you really want.