Just days before the 2015 SHOT Show, Ruger will announce yet another new handgun: the SR1911 Lightweight Commander. This new pistol will bring the total number of 1911-type handguns made by Ruger to three.
As the name suggests, this pistol is lighter than the existing Commander-sized gun from Ruger. The new Lightweight Commander uses an anodized aluminum frame instead of a stainless one. Using aluminum results in a reduction of more than 7 ounces in weight: 29.3 oz from the original 36.4 oz.
The new SR1911 is a Series 70 design, which is popular with many enthusiasts.
Among the features of the new gun:
- polished titanium feed ramp
- titanium firing pin
- stainless steel barrel
- extended mag release button
- extended thumb safety
- oversized beavertail grip safety
- enlarged ejection port
- checkered backstrap
- serrated front strap
- hardwood stocks
- skeletonized trigger and hammer
- three-dot sights with Novak LoMount Carry rear
- compatable with standard 1911 parts and magazines
Moving the gun to a sub-30 ounce mark will make the pistol more attractive to anyone who wants to carry a 1911 for self-defense. Assuming the gun is reliable, 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP is likely to get the job done should it ever be called on to save a life.
The MSRP on the gun was $899, which is not bad for a well-appointed 1911. This gun from another manufacturer would possibly sell for $1,000 or more. [Ed. note – Since the gun was introduced, its price increased. The MSRP is now $1,209.]
Ruger SR1911 Lightweight Commander Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.25″ |
| Overall Length | 7.75″ |
| Width | 1.34″ |
| Height | 5.45″ |
| Weight (unloaded) | 29.3 oz |
| Sights | Novak 3-dot |
| MSRP – at Launch | $899 |
| MSRP – Current | $1,209 |
Ruger has been on a roll lately with new product introductions. In the past few months, they have released a new AR-15, a 9mm revolver, the LC9s Pro, new Charger pistols and much more. Hitting the company booth at the SHOT Show might be a little like walking into a new gun store and not knowing what you will find.
5 replies on “Ruger SR1911 Lightweight Commander”
wish ruger would have made this a cco type 1911 (cdr slide with officer frame)
Ruger is pushing out a lot of new guns. I wouldn’t be surprised to see one sometime this year. Maybe at the NRA show?
Is that mat black on the lower? Sorry I’m not good with colors and want to get this as a tattoo I my forearm I want as close to the real thing as possible
I can come up with a dozen reasons why my Glock is a better gun for self/home defense, however, I sure like shooting an SR-1911.
I want a full sized one chambered in 9mm from Ruger.
A dozen reasons Huh like lack of a good safety in which law enforcement have shot themselves holstering their pistol? you can keep your Glock