1911 Project

[snubking]

I recently puchased a remington 1911 R1. I wanted to know what parts should be replaced if any for maximum performance. I like it fine now but I like to change things and make them my own. So my goal is to make the most reliable/durable 1911 I can. Im new to 1911s so I dont know the weak points of the gun. Any advice on what usually wears out fastest, whats prone to breakage, or cause of problems?

 

[Supermoto]

If you got the stock model, I would replace the sights and the beavertail, then go out an shoot it, you will be holding the gun back, not the other way around

 

[snubking]

I would like to switch out all MIM part to bar stock, if only to make me feel better. I have no idea what those parts might be. I know there is nothing wrong with MIM, just piece of mind I guess.

 

[ivarr]

I would like to switch out all MIM part to bar stock, if only to make me feel better. I have no idea what those parts might be. I know there is nothing wrong with MIM, just piece of mind I guess.

then you are replacing basically EVERYTHING.
mag release
sear
disconnector
hammer
safety
slide stop
possibly even frame ( not sure about remington )

 

[Greg Derr]

Quality parts can last hundreds of thousands of rounds. The R1 has lots of good things going for it. I would shoot it for a while as is. Then make a list of the things that you would change based on shooting it. Think about the trigger length in relationship to your finger, the sight picture. Etc.

 

[Golddiggie]

Quality parts can last hundreds of thousands of rounds. The R1 has lots of good things going for it. I would shoot it for a while as is. Then make a list of the things that you would change based on shooting it. Think about the trigger length in relationship to your finger, the sight picture. Etc.

This....

Send a few hundred rounds through it and then decide.

If it was me, I'd look to change out the beaver tail and hammer first. Focus on parts that will help you shoot better, or make shooting more enjoyable. Then follow up with things like a full length recoil spring guide and maybe change the recoil spring. If needed, get the trigger worked on too.

Go with the quality parts manufacturers for anything you change. Wilson Combat is one of them, with a few more on that list too. Do NOT base the item you get as the replacement based on price alone.

Is this just going to be a target gun, competition pistol, or something you carry? Depending on it's main function, I would change items accordingly.

 

[snubking]

Its my carry gun. I have put around 350 rounds threw it, the trigger could use to be crisper, and an adjustable rear sight wold be a plus.

 

[Golddiggie]

Its my carry gun. I have put around 350 rounds threw it, the trigger could use to be crisper, and an adjustable rear sight wold be a plus.

I would get the trigger worked on first. Also look to get the beaver tail changed out (if not already the extended type) and a quality set of sights installed. A quality gunsmith will be able to do all of that without issue. I would also look at either an ambi or at least extended thumb safety on it.
Good sights often involve machining the slide as well (Novak sights for instance) when being installed. Any gunsmith worth a damn will have the tools to do this properly, without issue. The gunsmith will also be able to make the trigger clean, and smooth, with enough pull to be safe as a carry gun.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

You want the sights adjusted to the ammo you carry, but you don't want a sight that will snag on your holster. A decent set of basic sights that are fairly low profile will be best for a carry gun.

Keep it clean and oiled, and it should last a very very long time.