Remington's 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel

So I had a 1911, a silencer, and some ammunition....

06/21/2020

Manufacturer Remington
Model 1911 R1 Enhanced TB
Origin Huntsville, AL
Type Action Single Action Autoloader
Frame & Slide Carbon Steel
Finish Black Oxide
Grips Dark Laminate
Caliber 45 ACP
Magazine Capacity 8
Barrel Length 5.50“ (0.578-28 Threads)
Twist 1:16″ LH
Weight – Empty 40.0 oz
Overall Length 9.75″
Overall Height 5.75″
Front Sights Tall Single White Dot
Rear Sights Fixed Tall Single White Dot
Sight Radius 6.6“
Trigger Pull 4 lbs 7 oz
Safety Right Hand Wide Thumb
MSRP $959

The Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel… a name that is a piece of descriptive literature as much as a model designation, extends the pistol’s capabilities beyond a standard 1911, and it does so with few compromises.

The threaded barrel protrudes 1/2″ from the slide to accommodate a silencer, which makes the barrel  is 1/2″ longer than a standard full size 1911. The two dot sight system mounts a bit higher than standard, allowing line of sight to a target over the top of a silencer.

In addition to the subject model’s unique silencer associated characteristics, there many features that come with all Remington R1 1911 “Enhanced” versions.

The Enhanced model R1s include:

Both front and rear slide cocking serrations. I will avoid the social media politics and just say that it gives the individual shooter the flexibility to use either based on training, preferences and circumstance.

The grip safety memory bump is checkered; assurance the grip safety will be released without applying a death grip.

The lightweight Commander type hammer reduces lock time, it is easier on the hammer hooks and sear for longer lasting trigger jobs and it reduces the chance of snagging on clothing.

A 3 hole match trigger is lightweight to reduce the chance of trigger bounce and experiencing the joys of firing two rounds with one trigger squeeze. The trigger also has an adjustable overtravel stop to reduce… overtravel that might shift point of aim.

The 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel has a wide, left side thumb safety, for those who like ease of intentional actuation. The magazine release is slightly higher and at the end of a grip thumb groove for the same reason.

The 1911 R1 Enhanced has a flat mainspring housing, checkered 20 LPI for a nonslip finish. Above the mainspring housing is the checkered grip safety speed bump. Even the pistol’s front strap is vertical line serrated. The 1911 R1 that will not slip around in the hand.

Disassembled, with the exception of a trigger plunger safety system, we find a collection of high quality, Made in U.S.A. 1911 type pieces. Stub guide rod, radiused, but not ramped stainless steel match barrel. Slide fit to frame was tight, but not overly so, trigger pull was clean. Mags are 8 round type with drop bumpers.

A better shot of the high, serrated face front sight and 0.578-28 (5/8-28) threaded muzzle next to the supplied thread protector. The 1:16″ rifling, as can be seen in this photo is… groovy. Yes, that was a terrible joke. The little white specks are not flaws in the Remington’s finish, just irrefutable evidence that I did not run the photo area dust filtration system. I was late, forgot my lunch, there was a Shriner’s Parade blocking traffic…

And with the Advanced Armament Ti-Rant

I use silencers whenever a firearm will accommodate suppression. I realize some folks think it is manly have diminished hearing, forcing others to yell at you as normal conversation and missing most of what goes on in the world around them, but it is not as much fun as it sounds.

The AAC Ti-Rant is an effective, flexible, modular silencer. Constructed of Titanium, stainless steel and aluminum, it is optimized for the 45 Automatic, but it can also be used with: 300 AAC Blk, 357 Mag, 40 AUTO, 44 Remington Mag, 9mm Luger, 22 Long Rifle. While routinely shot dry, the Ti-Rant can also be shot wet for further reduction of sound and muzzle flash.

The Ti-Rant can be full disassembled without tools for cleaning, maintenance and changing mounts to suit various firearms. I cleaned my Ti-Rant about a week after first use. Cleaning wasn’t necessary then, and it really hasn’t been since, but I do periodically inspect.

Hardly noticeable, T-Rant mounted on the Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced TB with both front and rear modules installed. Weight is 12.3 ounces complete and 10.6 ounces in compact configuration. Diameter is 1.4″.

By actual measurement, the unsuppressed R1 has an overall length of 9.75″. The single silencer module adds 6.75″ for an overall length of 16.50″. The addition of both silencer modules brings overall length to 18.50″. Sound reduction is 31dB full and 21dB compact.

Definitely not a picky eater

Ammunition was selected with a wide degree of performance and application separation. ARX 114 grain, my own 185 grain bullseye handloads, Remington 230 grain Golden Saber, and Federal American Eagle 230 grain FMJ. Performance went something like this…

 

Cartridge Type Bullet
Weight
Grains
Rated
MV
FPS
Actual
MV
FPS
Suppressed
MV
FPS
ARX Composite 114 1350 1437 1476
Match SWCJ 185 850 869 897
Rem Golden Saber BJHP 230 875 853 858
Fed American Eagle FMJ 230 890 865 882

 

Official ten yard targets…

OK, so what is up with the 10 yard target placement… 30 feet, and why three shot groups and not the social media mandated 50 yard, 27 shot groups for statistical perfection? Well the playing cards are pretty small, 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, my eyes are old, the pistol has fixed sights, 30 feet is already significantly farther then most self defense situations.

Other than a shift in point of impact, the product of changes in velocity and bullet weight, I though accuracy was very good. Performance was consistent within each cartridge type and shot, for all intent and purposes, the same. These were shot from a two hand hold, with my hands resting on a shot filled leather shooting bag.

Oh, yes, some more stuff to mention…

Despite the differences in bullet weigh and power levels, the Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced TB functioned without a hiccup. That includes feeding, cycling and locking open on empty. It did shoot dirty with the silencer in place, but that is the life of shooting with a silencer and my ears forgave the minor inconvenience.

Without the silencer installed, the 1/2″ longer barrel was of no consequence when shooting or carrying in an open bottom holster, high sights took a bit of acclimation, but not much. Balance was about the same as any steel full size 1911. The trigger pull was about right for a carry or defensive firearm.

With the silencer installed there is a 12.6 ounce bird sitting on the front sight. Fortunately, I like muzzle heavy handguns as they steady sight pictures. I have no problem with the use of a silencer at the range for recreational shooting and during handload development. There are, of course, other silencers in wide varieties of configurations and sizes.

I like 1911 type pistols; heft, trigger personality, accuracy, and reliability. The Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced TB is an excellent example of such a pistol. Nice gun.

Comments appearing below are posted by individuals in a free exchange, not associated with Real Guns. Therefore RGI Media takes no responsibility for information appearing in the comments section. Reader judgement is essential.

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