Ruger SR1911 Commander

The much rumored Ruger SR1911 commander is now a reality after the company announced its introduction on its website.  Ever since the introduction of the original SR1911, Ruger and 1911 fans have been asking for a commander-sized gun.

The new SR1911 commander is a traditional 1911-style pistol that is slightly shortened in general parameters of the original Colt commander 1911 pistols.  The gun has a shorter barrel length (4.25″ instead of the full length 5″ barrel) and only holds seven, not eight, rounds in each magazine.

The sights on the new Ruger SR1911 are typical Novak three-dot sights.  The rear sight is ramped on the front to reduce its ability to snag on clothing when the gun is drawn.

Like the full size SR1911, Ruger used a skeletonized trigger and an extended beavertail grip safety.  Finish on the gun is a matte stainless.  No work on if they will introduce a black version.

Ruger SR1911 Commander Specs

• caliber:  .45 ACP (of course!)
• magazine capacity:  seven rounds
• sights:  Novak three-dot
• barrel length:  4.25″
• overall length:  7.75″
• height: 5.45″
• width:  1.34″
• weight (unloaded):  34.6 ounces
• MSRP:  $829

The $829 suggested retail price is probably fair for the gun.  However, Ruger is expecting to see the guns going for about $200 less than that.  Of course, market conditions may drive the price up (tried to buy an AK lately?), but less than $650 for a quality commander sized 1911 is very nice indeed.

My only complaint about the gun is the stupid “read the manual” warning carved into an otherwise beautiful gun.  Ruger had the good sense to run it along the bottom of the gun, so it is less visible.

We’ll have more on this gun after we see and shoot it at the SHOT Show.