The Remington 1911 R1 5 inch is a traditional Government-length, single-action .45 ACP 1911 built to modern production tolerances. It pairs a 5.00" match-grade stainless barrel and forged/ investment-cast carbon steel slide/frame with Series-80 safety architecture, full-size ergonomics, and selectable Enhanced trim options (adjustable sights, extended safeties, integral rail on select models).
The R1 5" is aimed at shooters who want classic 1911 handling, match-capable accuracy and robust construction in a purpose-built modern package.
What is the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch and why does it matter?
The Remington 1911 R1 5 inch is Remington’s modern take on the Government-scale M1911 platform — a full-size .45 ACP meant to deliver the classic trigger and manual-safety ergonomics fans expect, married to contemporary manufacturing standards.
Introduced after Remington contracted production (notably with Para Ordnance tooling and processes in the brand’s revival era), the R1 series re-entered the market with variants ranging from faithful Government models to enhanced and threaded editions aimed at tactical users.
Manufacturer background and lineage
Remington Arms, a long-running name in American firearms, reintroduced the R1 after acquiring rights and tooling from legacy 1911 producers.
The R1 lineage intentionally echoes the original wartime 1911 design while offering modern manufacturing refinements — improved finishes, match-grade barrels, and enhanced safety features.
Although Remington’s handgun production has been intermittent and the model’s long-term production status is uncertain as of 2025, the R1 5" remains influential as a widely available, well-built Government 1911 from the modern era.
Intended market and purpose
The R1 5" targets shooters who want a true Government 1911 for duty, competition or precision target work — not a minimalist carry gun.
It appeals to traditionalists who prize a clean single-action trigger, manual safety discipline, and the .45 ACP’s terminal performance. With Enhanced models carrying upgraded sights, rails and stronger controls, the R1 also suits users who want modern accessories without abandoning the classic 1911 manual of arms.
What are the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch specifications?
Core specifications
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Type / Action: Single-action, semi-automatic 1911 (short recoil operated).
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Caliber: .45 ACP.
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Barrel length: 5.00" match-grade stainless barrel (1:16" left-hand twist).
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Magazine capacity: 7+1 rounds (standard single-stack magazines).
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Overall dimensions: ~8.5" overall length; ~5.5" height; ~1.2" width (grips).
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Weight: ~38.5 oz (unloaded).
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Materials & finishes: Investment-cast carbon steel frame, forged carbon steel slide; satin black oxide or stainless finish depending on model; some Enhanced/limited models with PVD or upgraded coatings.
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Sights & controls: 3-dot combat sights or adjustable rear on Enhanced models; fiber-optic front sight option on some Enhanced versions; ambidextrous beavertail grip safety with memory bump; manual thumb safety; Series-80 firing-pin (firing-pin block) safety on many variants.
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Other features: Full-length guide rod on some versions, lowered ejection port and heavy extractor on improved runs, optional integral accessory rail on Enhanced or Tactical models.
These specs place the R1 5" in the classic Government 1911 class — stable, accurate and tuned for deliberate control rather than compact carry.
How is the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch designed and how well is it built?
Frame, slide and materials
Remington combined investment-cast frames with forged slides in many R1 variants to balance cost and strength. The result is a solid, mass-stable platform: the steel construction gives the pistol a predictable, low-felt recoil impulse compared with lighter alloy or polymer designs. Finishes are serviceable — satin black oxide and stainless both resist corrosion when maintained, though harsh environments benefit from upgraded coatings.
Ergonomics, grips and controls
The R1 5" preserves the time-tested 1911 grip angle, making the pistol point naturally for most shooters. Grip choices (classic checkered American walnut or modern textured options on Enhanced models) provide tactile purchase.
The beavertail grip safety with a memory bump helps drive the hand high on the frame for consistent sight alignment and recoil management. Controls — extended thumb safeties and an enhanced mainspring housing on some trims — are well positioned and tactile.
Trigger and internal fit
Out of the box, the R1’s trigger is crisp compared to many basic production 1911s. That match-grade component, combined with proper slide-to-frame fit, yields accurate shot placement.
Series-80 configurations add a firing-pin block safety, which can introduce a small perceptible pre-travel for some shooters, but the overall break and reset remain positive once tuned.
Accessory compatibility
Enhanced R1 models with a dust-cover rail accept lights and lasers, and dovetailed adjustable sights make sight swaps straightforward.
While the R1 isn’t optics-forward like newer striker platforms, aftermarket optics and suppressor-height sights can be fitted on threaded and enhanced editions.
What variants and model differences exist for the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch?
Variant overview
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R1 Government (standard 5" barrel): Classic profile with three-dot sights and walnut or synthetic grips.
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R1 Enhanced: Upgraded sights (adjustable rear or fiber optic front), extended safety, better mainspring housing, and often an accessory rail.
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R1 Ultralight Commander: Shorter 4.25" barrel with aluminum frame for reduced carry weight (not the 5" model but part of the family).
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R1 Threaded / Tactical: Threaded barrel for suppressor use, often packaged with suppressor-height sights.
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R1 Limited / Centennial editions: Cosmetic and finish upgrades, special serial ranges or commemorative features.
How it compares to similar guns
In the Government 1911 market, the Remington R1 5" competes with Springfield Armory R1/Range Officer, Colt Government models and higher-end Kimber or Wilson offerings.
The R1 typically offers competitive out-of-box ergonomics and finishes for its price point. Compared with high-end custom 1911s, the R1 gives solid performance for less money but can be further tuned by a competent gunsmith to reach custom standards.
How does the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch perform on the range?
Accuracy: real-world expectations
With a 5.00" match barrel and decent sights, the R1 5" commonly produces tight groups at practical distances. Testers regularly report sub-3" five-shot groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition and a rested bench — results that validate the R1 as a capable precision pistol within the production 1911 class.
Recoil management and follow-ups
At roughly 38.5 ounces, the R1’s mass mitigates felt recoil for .45 ACP, making follow-up shots quicker and more controllable than lighter compacts. The combination of grip ergonomics and weight gives a stable platform for strings and timed drills.
Reliability: round counts and malfunctions
Owner reports and range tests show the R1 runs reliably through varied factory loads after a typical brief break-in. Occasional early-run issues (safety fitting or break-in feeding) are uncommon in later production; most shooters report trouble-free operation over hundreds to thousands of rounds with proper magazines and maintenance.
Trigger quality: travel, reset and break feel
The R1’s stock trigger is described as crisp with a predictable break — adjustable in Enhanced trims — and a short, tactile reset. Series-80 configurations contribute a touch of take-up for some shooters, but the actual break remains clean once set by the owner or a gunsmith.
What ammunition works best in the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch?
Ideal grain weights and recommendations
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Range practice: 185–230 gr FMJ (economical and reliable for high-volume training).
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Defensive use: 230 gr premium JHPs (Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, Hornady Critical Defense) balance penetration and expansion for most self-defense scenarios in a 5" barrel.
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+P loads: Mechanical safety margins are good, but routine use of +P should be considered in light of accelerated wear on springs and components; occasional +P for training is acceptable with inspection.
Feeding and extraction notes
The R1’s ramped match barrel and consistent extractor geometry lead to smooth feeding and clean extraction with quality magazines. Users often recommend using well-maintained factory magazines or high-quality aftermarket mags to reduce feeding variables.
Is the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch suitable for my needs?
Is it good for concealed carry and self-defense?
As a full-size Government 1911, the R1 5" is less practical for deep concealment than smaller Commander or Officer models. It is, however, an excellent choice for home defense, vehicle carry, or as a duty backup where concealability is secondary to accuracy and controllability.
Is it fit for home defense or duty roles?
Yes — the R1 Enhanced or Tactical trims with accessory rails and upgraded sights are particularly well suited to home defense and duty use, offering mounting options for lights and better sighting for low-light engagement.
Can it be used in competition?
Absolutely. The R1’s 5" match barrel, adjustable sight options and crisp trigger make it suitable for IDPA/USPSA (classic divisions), Bullseye, and other precision competitions. Shooters who tune the trigger and sights can make a competitive race gun from an R1 platform.
Hunting or outdoors utility
While not a primary hunting sidearm, the R1 is robust enough to serve as a backup in field situations. The .45 ACP is a capable defensive round against medium threats at close range.
Range fun or professional workhorse?
The R1 5" is both: enjoyable on the range for precision work and sturdy enough for professional or serious defensive roles when equipped properly.
Which holsters work best for the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch?
The Remington 1911 R1 5 inch holster question hinges on the pistol’s Government dimensions and weight. Because it’s a full-size 1911, choose holsters engineered for 1911 Government frames and that support the extra mass.
Modern molded holsters commonly use polymer (Boltaron) shells which protect the finish and offer repeatable retention — a good match for the R1.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
A slim IWB holster will conceal a Government 1911 in the right clothing and with a sturdy belt; prioritize a holster with a wide-mouth design to handle the slide length. Polymer shells (Boltaron) provide consistent retention and protect the R1’s finish from holster wear.
OWB Paddle Holster
Paddle holsters offer quick on/off convenience for range operators and instructors; they’re practical when you need rapid don/doff without removing your belt. Look for a rigid polymer body that resists flexing under the R1’s weight.
What are the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch pros and cons?
Pros
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True Government 1911 ergonomics and match-grade barrel for precision.
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Solid steel construction yields predictable recoil and fast follow-ups.
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Enhanced variants offer modern features (rails, fiber optic sights, adjustable rear).
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Competitive price/performance when new; strong secondary market.
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Familiar 1911 manual of arms favored by many professionals and enthusiasts.
Cons
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Full-size weight and length limit everyday concealed carry practicality.
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Magazine capacity (7+1) is low compared with modern double-stack pistols.
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Series-80 safety can create slight pre-travel for trigger purists.
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Production status uncertain; factory support not guaranteed long term.
What’s the final verdict on the Remington 1911 R1 5 inch?
The Remington 1911 R1 5 inch is an excellent Government-scale 1911 for shooters who want classic handling, solid accuracy and a rugged steel platform.
If you want a proven, match-capable .45 for the range, competition or home defense — and you accept the tradeoffs in weight and magazine capacity — the R1 is a practical and satisfying choice.
Value for money and long-term ownership
Historically, the R1 offered strong value versus premium custom 1911s. For buyers today, evaluate individual examples carefully, prioritize models with documented maintenance and consider the secondary-market parts landscape.
With proper care and a competent gunsmith for adjustments, a Remington R1 5" will serve as a reliable and accurate lifelong handgun.