Ruger SR1911 Review
Part 1 - Introduction, Specifications and Summary
June 15, 2012
![](Ruger_SR1911/Ruger_SR1911_000a_tn.JPG)
Clearly, 2011 was the year for 1911 pistols.
This 100 year anniversary of the 1911 pistol platform either
motivated manufacturers to jump into the 1911 market or at
least add something new to their current line of 1911 pistol.
Ruger was one of those manufacturers to boldly jump into the
1911 market with the introduction of their new SR1911 .45 Auto Pistol.
This new SR1911 Pistol is part of their new expanding
line of "SR" pistols. With the market busting at the seams
with new 1911 pistols, what makes this 1911 Series 70 design stand
out from the rest? There are several things which come to mind.
The first is that there is no doubt that Ruger has a following of
loyal Ruger fans and this new pistol will be just the thing to make
them decide on getting a 1911 pistol. Next, Ruger has a reputation
for producing quality reliable products and when you couple their
proven manufacturing practices with this popular pistol platform,
the outcome will probably be great pistol. Last,
there are many people out there who fully support the idea of buying
American made products and this all American pistol has real appeal.
Ok, it's now 2012 and I'm just getting around to
doing my first review of one of these new 1911 pistols, so why the
delay? Well, in a years time, I can only review so many
firearms and I wanted to see what else was going to come to the
market. After surveying the landscape I decided to go with the
Ruger first for the reasons stated above which are summarized by
saying I wanted to take a look at a quality American made Ruger 1911
pistol. As with most quality 1911s, they don't give them away.
At least Ruger's SR1911 Pistol has suggested retail price of $799 which
is a good indication that they are trying to deliver value. After doing some
searching on the web, you should be able to find one for between
$650 and $700 as long as your willing to pay shipping and transfer
fees. It will probably cost closer to $700-ish or just over in
your local area unless you are lucky/unlucky enough to live in a large
competitive metro
area and have several places to choose from. Considering a
$700ish price and features like stainless steel, skeletonized
trigger and hammer, adjustable over-travel stop trigger, and Novak
sights, this pistol does seem to pack a lot of bang for the
buck.
During my reviews I like to compare my results
to the manufacturer's claims where possible so the following text in
colored italics was taken directly from the
Ruger website
on 5/10/12 and gives an Overview, Key Features, and Specifications
for the Ruger SR1911 Pistol. The
,
and
are my way to keep up with details that I have covered in this
review with either photos, commentary or both. I may also add
commentary after these marks as necessary to explain some items if
needed.
Overview
-
Introducing the RUGER® SR1911,™ a
classically styled pistol designed with all of the modern
manufacturing advances that you have come to expect from Ruger.
-
Accurate
, rugged and reliable, the SR1911 is 100% American-made
in American factories with American workers
. Enthusiasts enjoy.
Competition beware.
Key Features
- CLASSIC STYLE: Original 1911 Series 70 design
provides for
easy takedown and re-assembly
. Slim traditional design with
hardwood grips and checkered backstrap
.
- MODERN MANUFACTURING: Precision CNC-controlled machining
process results in a superior slide-to-frame fit and smooth
slide travel. The stainless steel barrel and bushing are
produced from the same bar stock, on the same machine, for
improved accuracy.
- PERFORMANCE: Positive barrel lock-up allows for a superior
accuracy out-of-the-box
. Oversized ejection port and extended
magazine release enhance competition performance
.
- TRIGGER AND HAMMER: Lightweight, aluminum, skeletonized
trigger features an adjustable over-travel stop and provides a
very crisp, no creep, light trigger pull with a quick, positive
reset
. Skeletonized hammer is lightweight and provides faster
cycling
.
- SIGHTING SYSTEM: Dovetailed, 3-dot sight system features a
Novak® LoMount Carry rear and standard front sight that combines
optimal target acquisition in an ideal carry configuration
.
- FRAME AND SLIDE: Stainless steel frame and slide feature
blasted, low-glare finish and slide serrations for positive
grip
.
- SAFETY: Oversized beavertail grip safety provides positive
function and reliability
. Extended thumb safety and slide stop
lever provide for improved, positive manipulation
. Visual
inspection port allows for visual confirmation that chamber is
loaded
.
- ALSO INCLUDES: Titanium firing pin
; one 7-round and one
8-round stainless steel magazine
; bushing wrench
; and soft case
.
Specifications
- Catalog Number: SR1911
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Model Number: 6700
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Caliber: .45 Auto
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Slide Material: Stainless Steel
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Slide Finish: Low-Glare Stainless
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Grip Frame: Low-Glare Stainless Steel
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Sights: Fixed Novak® 3-Dot
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Capacity: 8+1
Using the 8-round magazine
- Barrel Length: 5.00"
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Height: 5.45"
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Overall Length: 8.67"
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Weight: 39.00 oz.
The review pistol with the 7 round
magazine weighed in at 39.25 ounces.
- Width: 1.34"
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Twist: 1:16" RH
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- Grooves: 6
![](Misc_Images/Check_Green.jpg)
- MA Approved & Certified: Yes
- CA Approved: No
- Suggested Retail: $799.00
Current street price between $650 and
$700
This review is broken down into multiple
parts with this page providing links to each part along with an
overall summary of the specifications, pros and cons, and my final "bottom
line"
comments. Make sure you take time to checkout the other parts
of the review because they contain many photos and
lots of commentary. Also, there is an extreme amount of detail in those
parts which is not covered on this page.
As you read these Pros and Cons below,
keep in mind that it is hard to keep my particular preferences from creeping in the
equation. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to
look at the other parts of this review so you can decide yourself on
items which may be more of a personal preference.
Pros:
-
You get a quality stainless steel 1911 style pistol for about
$650.
-
My "out of the box" accuracy grouped an averaged of 2.39" at 25
yards based on eight 5-shot groups using inexpensive ammunition
shot from a bench by hand. I feel certain that the pistol
is capable of more accuracy.
-
Throughout my range testing, the SR1911 proved to be 100%
reliable.
-
It comes with Novak 3-dot sights, skeletonized trigger and
hammer.
-
It has attractive rosewood grips.
-
Ruger decided to go with a Series 70-ish design which keeps the
traditional operational features of this pistol simple.
-
The pistol comes with two magazines (one 7-round and one
8-round).
-
100% American Made!
Pro/Con/Comment? You Decide:
-
I would have preferred some checkering on the front of the grip
and an ambidextrous safety, but that is just my preference.
-
The SR1911 comes with a soft pistol case. Originally I was
not a big fan of this style of case, but as my pistol collection
has grown and I'm taking more toys to the range, I find that I
can pack more pistols in my gun bag as long as they are in soft
cases.
-
The front of the aluminum trigger seems to have some roughness
around the hole for the over-travel stop, but I'm sure I can
correct that myself later with a small file.
-
Ruger has used several MIM (Metal
Injection Molding) parts and honestly I'm glad to see this
trend. When you look at a comparison of MIM versus
Machining versus Casting for properly manufactured parts (see
this
link) , MIM parts have a clear advantage and it takes companies
like Ruger who are willing to take the risks and invest in their
process to bring quality as well as value to the consumer (us).
Will there be lessons learned along the way? Sure, but at least
a company like Ruger will make things right when some type of
issue comes up.
Cons:
-
The slide stop pin appears to be slightly undersized and
measured 0.1970" in diameter. I believe the minimum
diameter should have been 0.1985". Although I was pleased
with the pistol's accuracy, a properly sized slide stop pin
would help with producing an even more solid lockup.
Bottom Line:
My first thought that comes to mind is that the
Ruger SR1911 Pistol is a great value firearm. Ruger has
delivered high quality, upgraded features and an accurate pistol at
an extremely competitive price. I don't think you will find a
comparable American made 1911 style pistol from any another big name
manufacturer for the same price. Based on my impression of
local SR1911 sales in the Atlanta area, the SR1911 Pistol is a hit
and I would image that Ruger will be offering other models in the
future.
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