Ruger SR1911 Review
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John Brownings greatest pistol creation is 100 years old this year. What is interesting is this iconic pistol is more popular now than ever. In fact we seem to have a new 1911 coming out every few months.
Some may say the markets flooded with 1911s so why do companies keep turning out new ones? Gun makers create and market what sells and 1911s sell very well no matter what price point they are in.
Of course we have those who say it’s outdated, an antique which is a statement usually made by self proclaimed pistol experts. Well everyone is entitled to an opinion but the huge number of owners and new buyers have a different opinion on this grand design. Lets not forget the military special operations forces who use 1911s when going in harms way. Not to mention police departments who issue or allow the carry of the 1911.
Ruger was bound to get into the 1911 game sooner or later and I’m glad they have finally taken the plunge. I’m sure it is going to be a big seller for them. With the trend towards buying American Ruger couldn’t have picked a better time to produce this all American design. In fact my local shop has a good number on order for customers and they want their Ruger now!
Since I’m a staunch believer in the 1911 and carried one for over three decades any new pistol design that’s released to the market has to standup and be compared with the benchmark 1911!
The Ruger 1911 slide is CNC machined from stainless steel. The frame is investment cast by Rugers Pine Tree Casting facility in New Hampshire. All other parts are made at the Prescott Arizona facility. A unique feature of this frame casting process is the plunger tube. Normally the plunger tubes are staked on but with the investment casting process it is cast as part of the frame. This prevents the tube from ever coming loose as some staked plunger tubes do. Something else Ruger did is a first in mating parts. When Ruger makes the barrel and bushing they use one piece of barstock for both. They feel using the same exact piece of barstock results in a better fit thus increasing accuracy. To be honest I can’t see how this would increase accuracy but then I am no metallurgist. We’ll see if this indeed works as advertised.
Most of the small parts visible on the frame are finished in flat black giving a contrast many shooters will like. The magazine is an oversized model and protrudes a bit more than a standard release. It has a flat checkered mainspring housing as most 1911s do. The hammer and trigger are skeletonized. The grips are wood in the traditional double diamond design. They also display the Ruger logo in a dime size insert. The beavertail is an oversized design with a bump built into the base assuring positive disconnect of this safety device. The sights are three dot Novaks dovetailed into the slide.
The Ruger SR1911 is supplied with two magazines. One fits flush with the frame and holds seven rounds while the second magazine holds eight rounds and fitted with an extension on the bottom of this higher capacity magazine. Both are made of stainless steel. Something else Ruger has done I highly approve of is the use of a standard GI recoil spring guiderod rather than the trendy full length type. Another “thank heavens” feature is the lack of the series 80 safety system if you want to call it that. The Ruger uses the series 70 system which gives the shooter a much better trigger pull and does nothing to make this or any other series 70 unsafe. The solution Ruger decided on was to use a lightweight Titanium firing pin with a heavy firing pin spring preventing inertial movement if the pistol should be dropped on the muzzle. This is the first and only Ruger without a key lock and I hope it remains this way.
The much maligned billboard warning label is still there but they payed attention to owners who hated that large billboard warning stamped on the side of the slide. It’s located under the frame just forward of the trigger guard. It also seems a bit smaller to me. This change gives both sides of the slide a clean attractive appearance. The thumb safety is also a singe right hand design. I like this because I have never really been a big fan of the ambidextrous safety. It adds a lot of width to the slide as well as making the pistol fit snuggly in the holster of choice allowing the thumb safety to accidently move into the firing position. I certainly have no problem with those who prefer ambi safeties or left handed shooters who need them.
As far as new models of the SR1911 I expect to see at least one compact version as well as an assortment of calibers. With the investment casting process used on the frame I see a railed version coming along. Time will tell but I doubt we’ll have to wait very long. I’m very fond of the Commander size 1911s. When and if they make one I’ll be in line for one! I’d also like to see 30 LPI checkering on the front strap.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Auto |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Sights | Fixed Novak 3-Dot |
| Length | 8.67" |
| Height | 5.45" |
| Width | 1.34" |
| Grooves | 6 |
| Barrel Length | 5" |
| Twist | 1:16" RH |
Range Time
I recently got a new field/range holster from my friend Erik Little of “Rafter L Comb at Leather” This new model #5 fit the Ruger very well. It rides low enough to be a great range holster. Other models are available on Erik’s website.
My friend met me at the range and in spite of my saying I’d supply all the ammo he brought some as well so we were able to put a good number of rounds down range.
We started at ten yards and worked our way back to twenty yards. He got to shoot first, well it is his gun☺ We had an assortment of Remington, Blazer, MagTech all in 230 grain ball. The hollowpoints were from Hornady and some old Black Talons I tried to talk him out of shooting since they are so rare these days. We shot them anyway and they turned out to be the most accurate, go figure!
Out of five hundred rounds we shot there was only one malfunction. One Blazer round had a dent on the top edge of the case which kept it from feeding. That is not terribly unusual for Blazer ammo. You don’t see it a lot but one round out of five hundred and you’ll find this same defect.
Starting at ten yards we both had groups averaging right at 1 ¾ inches with MagTech ball ammo. Moving back to twenty yards the average groups were 2 ½ inches again with Mag Tech ball. Now I usually don’t buy Mag Tech but I may have to reconsider it burned clean and obviously was the most accurate ball ammo in this pistol.
Moving on to the hollowpoints the old Winchester Black Talons turned in the best groups. The average at the ten yard line ran 1 1/4 inches. The twenty yard groups averaged right at 2 inches. These groups were fired standing unsupported.
The trigger was a bit on the heavy side. Of course it is a new 1911 and unfired before we hit the range. As our round count got closer to 400 rounds the trigger was a bit lighter. Still for my preference I would likely have an action job done to bring the trigger pull down from just under six pounds to four pounds maximum. Still it had no creep and broke crisp. The trigger is also adjustable with the provided wrench.
Conclusion
I do believe Ruger has a winner on their hands. Those who want a quality 1911 made entirely in the USA will want this Ruger. It is one of the more attractive 1911s I’ve seen in some time. Not fancy by any means but a good number of shooters prefer 1911s this way. With the understated Ruger logo on the right side and the Ruger name on the left side it just looks classy. Finally, for my taste I love the fact it has no forward slide serrations! I hated them when they came out and now I just learn to live with them. For me this is a real plus! I suspect from others I’ve spoken with it will be a selling point for them as well.
My friend paid $612 out the door for the SR1911. The MSRP is in the mid $700’s. Buying a made in the USA Ruger with nice features this price is lower than any other 1911 I know of in this class!
Just bought my SR1911 – the guy who ordered it didn’t show, second on wait list flaked, now it’s mine. $700, price premium for hard to find, can’t wait to shoot it!
It could be the best 1911 gun made but it doesn’t matter if you can’t get one. I have been on 2 waiting lists for almost a year now with no results. The dealers can’t get them. I am giving up on the Ruger SR1911 for another brand. Too bad. I really liked the reviews and specifications.
Thanks for the detailed review on the SR1911. I know I depend on first hand range reviews as a tool for deciding on a purchase, so that info was very useful.
I love this. It is Ford vs Chevy!! Small block vs Big Block! Flathead vs OHV. Push rod vs OHC. I have been a car guy and a gun guy for many years. TOO many years. I love the 1911. I also love big block Fords. What the heck am I going to do about myself?? I don’t hate Glocks, I just do not prefer them. I shoot for FUN. I do not use a gun in my profession. I have friends who are police officers. They carry Glocks. I do not hate them! It is their preference. It matters NOT to me what some European army uses. I do not care. Why should I care? I will buy a Ruger if I can ever find one. I also love my Springfield Loaded model. It is Parkerized, God forbid someone will have something to say about that!! I like to “tinker”. I am not a gunsmith. I just “tinker” with my Springfield. I do real work on my Ruger MKIII and others MKII and III’s. I like them TOO. I also have a Smith and Wesson Walther PPK/S. (OH NO, NOT THAT)I love that too. Please forgive me. Good thing we are American’s and have the freedom of choice to like what we like! Have fun. Long live John Browning!! Long live Mr. Glock !??
Bought it. Love it. Just knew I would. The finish is unreal. So smooth. Easy to clean. Great 1911.
So far so good. Very good accuracy. Nice 2.5 inch groups at 15 yards. Not great, but pretty good. After 400 rounds had one problem. The mag release stuck once after ejecting a magazine. Put the loaded mag in and realized that it would not lock in. Pushed on the release a few times and it un-stuck. After that, no further incidents. No FTF’s, no jams, no stovepipes etc. Very good. What don’t I like? The trigger. My Springfield Loaded breaks at 3.5 pounds. Great. The Ruger breaks just over 5 pounds. Way to much for me. I will wait until I hit about 1000 rounds and see what it measures. May have to correct this. Just too hard, although the break is very crisp. What else? The slide return spring is so stout, I had trouble racking it. Finally, it is so damn nice to clean! That finsih is amazing. Powder residue almost falls off by itself. Hope this is helpful.
I have seen, held and fondled an SR1911, have not been able to find one to buy. As a matter of fact I bought a Colt SS 1991 series. The one with the 100 years of service on the slide. Love it, probably a much nicer and better pistol than the Ruger. That said, I still want a SR1911. But like many people if I don’t get it before the end of 2011, I probably won’t get one. It is that 100 year thing.
To Ray…hope by now you have bought your sr1911 if not be patient. I ordered mine through a dealer way back in May and I just got it first week of October. Very exciting toy. More than 500 rounds and no hic cup so far. It has become my favorite among my 1911 collections.
And after I made my comment, I went back through and read the others. As I’ve told my son, who likes the XD, if you want “Combat Tupperware”, more power to you. Shoots good, holds up well in testing, you like it, party on. MY choice, above anything else, is the 1911. The one I carry for people is either .45 ACP, or .38 Super. For pig hunting, I carry my Super stoked with 9×23 Silvertips. Or my Witness (second favorite gun) with 18 rds on board in the same 9×23 load. That’s just me, YMMV.
cmblake6,
Have you tried the Cor-Bon 125 grain +P in 38 super? That is one fast round!
By and large, Ruger makes very good guns. The price on this is very very good for a gun as good as Ruger makes. The 1911 is God’s gift to man through his prophet, John MOSES Browning. Win/Win/Win!
cmblake6,
Very true:-)
Every year the gun manufacturers try to sell us a “new” 1911…
…and every year I will say, no thanks.
Nicks87,
Ah Nick try it just once:-)
Samopal, there is a custom shop that manufactures HiPower frames and slides but I’m blanking on their name.
Phil White,
The review would be perfect if you would just remove the 3rd paragraph. I’m not by any mean an expert…and even if i was i wouldn’t say so…….but i have shot Glocks,1911′s,Walther’s,Sig’s,Tok’s,Beretta’s,Springfield’s and a few revolvers
The 1911′s iv shot …all but one had issues in FTF..(cant remember any problems with any but the 1911, Beretta mouse gun and XDM..which was my thumb on slide rel,) .and being a designer i can see why….that feed ramp is STEEP….now the funny thing is the last time i shot a 1911 it was a basket case china “piece O crap” and it ran well for 2 mags( thats all i shot)…but i can see why so many love them…the ergos are perfect….everything falls just were it should…1911′s are the best “feeling in the hand” pistol…but 8rds even if they are .45 in such a heavy package is teetering on just plain silly.
I’m a Glock guy….but what do i carry XDM 9…why because of the grip safty…i like that one little bit of extra security specially when re holstering. ( i change my grip angle while holstering in Comp-tec IWB thumb on back of slide.)
Over all a great review and of a 1911 with a GREAT PRICE!!! but what i liked best was your follow up remarks….very unlike the 3rd para, = )
tomaso,
Thank you sir. I try to be honest, respectful and up front on my replies. I’m with you on the XDm, that grip safety makes me much more comfortable than the Glock with the trigger only safety. When I put that third paragraph in it was because on a previous review someone claimed to be an expert and was way off on all the points he tried to make. This is why I added that. I certainly didn’t mean to offend anyone or make it sound like I’m an expert. There is no such thing as an expert in my opinion. We all learn something everyday of our lives which kinda knocks down the idea of “expert”.
One could argue the BHP design was inherited by the CZ 75, a variant of which is now fully polymer.
The 1911′s historical mystique has been both a blessing and curse. It has kept it popular but design and material improvements have remained limited or uncommonly expensive. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the company who has advanced the 1911 platform the most is Canadian. (Para-Ordnance)
subase,
Para is now in the USA. They moved everything to North Carolina I believe it is. I don’t know if they sold the company though.
@ Phil
Browning is mainly an importer of JMB-designed weapons and is a subsidiary of FN; they manufacturer very few of the firearms they market. Most of their firearms are made by FN or Miroku.
The Hi-Power sold under the Browning name is FN-made. FN imports very few Hi-Powers under their own name nowadays so the majority are imported and sold under the Browning brand.
Anyway…I’m not aware of anyone manufacturing Hi-Powers nowadays apart from FN, at least not any that are available in the USA (those $300 double action monstrosities don’t count).
@ Marc
Aye…I blame the US military’s stubbornness for the Hi-Power’s relative unpopularity and the 1911′s success (at least in the USA…comparing international BHP to 1911 users is a joke).
If only they adopted the HP like everyone else it may have enjoyed the immense popularity and resulting countless variations the 1911 enjoys
today.
Pistol use in military combat is basically non existent, sure some units (who practically never use them in combat) train extensively with pistols, but noone is going into any house with a pistol if they can carry anything bigger. The real authority regarding pistols should be those who use them, primarily law enforcement and criminals and their choice is clear, Glocks and Glock-like pistols.
The 1911 also doubles well as a silenced sentry removal pistol, so even it’s limited use by the military in actual combat can’t be reliably credited to it’s superiority in shootouts.
@Phil White
I was making fun of the articles mention of “self proclaimed pistol experts”, by self proclaiming myself a expert, I am not.
@Phil White
“It’s not so much national pride as the jobs and profits go to Americans.”
Pretty sure that most 1911s sold in the US aren’t actually made in the US and that the status of being an “American icon” is a factor in a lot of sales. Just read your typical gun rag article about any 1911, they will probably appeal to national pathos at some point, usually in the introduction. Also the fact that you can name the units still using 1911s speaks for itself. The High Power is the standard service pistol of dozens of militaries.
@Samopal:
Because you can’t hype it with an appeal to Americans’ national pride. If you see popularity is an valid indicator of quality take a look at the number of militaries using either.
Marc,
It’s not so much national pride as the jobs and profits go to Americans. Our Military uses them–at least Delta and some other special units. Popularity isn’t quality–there are some bad 1911′s out there.
I am an expert, the 1911 is outdated. What really bothers me though is people hold up a super heavy gun that can only hold 10 rounds max, like it’s the ultimate pistol. 1911 users not only hold up an inferior pistol as somehow being superior but deride 1911 advances, like polymer lighter weight frames and double stack magazines. It’s clear they have little to no interest in actual performance.
subase,
I’m honestly glad we have different opinions. I’ll stay with my 1911′s and there is nothing wrong with that. I have nothing against those who carry and prefer polymer pistols. It’s a matter of choice. We’re all gun owners and should respect each other no matter what our choice in guns. As I’ve said I like the XDm second to the 1911. It’s a heck of a gun.
I’m curious if your a trainer? I have a couple of questions for you—-just friendly questions:-)
This is my second favorite pistol http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/PWhite777/Guns/IMG_1423-1.jpg
“John Browning’s 2nd greatest pistol creation”
So why aren’t more gun makers producing Hi-Powers?
Samopal,
Well Browning still does as well as FN.Novak still customizes them and does custom builds. Charles Daly did before they went out of business. Of course I don’t count the ones overseas except for FN who has plants here and Belgium. They aren’t as popular as they were up until the 70′s. 1935 until say 1979 is a pretty good run in popularity.
One problem is the price. They are pushing $1000 from Browning.
Seems to me when Colt had Series 80 guns in brushed nickel with the small parts blued, they were roundly derided for a “pinto look”.
Tastes change….
Comrade,
That they do. I honestly would still prefer all one color. It wouldn’t keep me from buying one though:-)
That’s one hell of a price. I just paid half that much for a LCP and that was a steal.
Man I really like the 1911 since I carried one for some years as well. But this one looks as if it were worth at least twice as much. I like it and will definitely consider buying one because at this price, it’s a steal. Thanks for the review.
Rafael,
My pleasure sir!
First thing I think everytime I see an add for the Ruger is why the extended safety but not an extended slide release?
My personal order of preference puts adding an extended slide release way above a extended safety.
And did I read correctly? Ruger says this gun cannot be fitted with an ambi safety? Why not??
Zermoid,
It can be fitted with an ambi safety. I think what they meant is you can’t swap from one side to the other. Personally I don’t use the slide release. I was taught the Israeli method which is turn the pistol 90 degrees left and pull the slide back then release. It’s faster and uses gross body function rather than fine motor skills.
I’ll never understand why so many people are obsessed with the 1911. It was a brilliant design in 1911, but gun technology has moved on since then. Give me a Glock, any Glock. They’re better in every way. They weigh half as much, they hold twice as many rounds, they cost half the price, they’re easier to use and clean and they’re more rugged and reliable. It’s a no brainer.
Marsh626,
I don’t know if obsessed would be the right word. I just like them and trust them. That and I’ve carried one so long it’s like an extension of my arm:-)
Really the Colt Series 70 had as it main feature distinguishing it from the earlier M1911 the spring fingered barrel bushing. I’m assuming that Ruger didn’t put that piece of s*** on this pistol, so I don’t think it is technically correct to compare it to a Series 70. Thankfully.
No guady safety warning on the slide? Hmm might get one.
“John Brownings greatest pistol creation is 100 years old this year.”
But it’s only 76 years old.
Really interested in this gun, but I suffer from the “Southpaw Syndrome.” I got in touch with Ruger and asked about plans for a left-hand safety as an accessory or a stock model, or even an ambi safety, and this was their response:
“I am sorry the new SR1911 has the safety on the left side of pistol only; this safety cannot be moved to the right hand side. I am not aware of any plans at this time for any new products / ambidextrous safety for the SR1911. I will pass on your request though for consideration. We do appreciate your interest and your input.”
Kevan,
Hum–I’ve never heard of any 1911 that has a thumb safety that can’t be changed. What you would need is an ambidextrous safety to replace the factory model. Wilson Combat would be a good one to look at.
“Pretty sure it’s not just the “self-proclaimed pistol experts” that say the 1911 is a PITA.”
I like 1911′s because I like to tinker (any reasonably handy person can get a 1911 running pretty well in a few hours in a home shop) and I like the ergonomics, but it would be far from my first choice as a duty weapon. For guys like L.A.V. a handgun really is no different than a hammer or a cordless drill, guys that use their tools eight hours a day five days a week often base their preferences on what would be pretty small differences in ergos and ease of use to an average user. Anyway, it wasn’t long ago that he was touting the HK as the greatest battle pistol ever designed, now it’s the Glock. Ever notice how many master mechanics drive stuff like Civics and Camrys? Because you just feed them and they run.
drewogatory,
Good analogy because they are tools. Some of us like Craftsman others prefer other brands. As long as it gets the job done that’s all that matters. Oh yea my second choice in a handgun is a Springfield Armory XDm with the long slide. When the 5.25 comes out I may go for one of those.
One thing I know about Larry is he is the best working on and building 1911′s. Heck even Novak bought one of his 1911′s!
http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/06/08/read-this-before-you-buy-your-first-1911/
“Now, I shoot a Glock,” Vickers tells me. “Make sure you tell guys that the 1911 is a pain in the ass. If they don’t like messing around with the pistol and spending a grand to really get it tuned, then they should forget it.”
Pretty sure it’s not just the “self-proclaimed pistol experts” that say the 1911 is a PITA.
JMD,
You would have to know Larry to get the full meaning behind that statement. He was talking more about a first time gun owner selecting the 1911. Another point he was trying to make is all the sub par parts being used these days and by that he meant MIM. A first time gun owner shouldn’t really go for a 1911. Honestly I’ve never had any major problems with any 1911 I’ve owned. There was one Kimber I had to work on but that’s the only one.
More technical question; why does the 8 round magazine need an extended baseplate? My 8 round Kimber mags are the same length as any 7 rounder.
Hryan,
I’m really not sure why they did that. Everyone knows,including yourself, that a baseplate isn’t needed to hold 8 rounds. I can only guess it’s the springs they are using.
“This is the first and only Ruger without a key lock and I hope it remains this way.”
Huh? I have and have had more than a few Rugers w/o a key lock. Do you mean of recent manufacture?
RecoveringAtheist,
Yes that is indeed what I meant. New release and the first 1911 from Ruger. I’m just glad there’s no key lock safety and they went with the series 70 system.
Why you would use Blazer ammo in a brand new firearm is beyond me.
JM,
Gotta make sure it works with anything. The owner wanted to try it so—-
I’ve actually been eyeing this, but would much rather have a non stainless version =/
Jeff,
The only model I haven’t heard a rumor on is a blued one. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Good work, Ruger. It looks like they’re trying to recreate the Gunsite Service Pistol (or at least a base gun that could easily become a GSP) at a reasonable price. And to my eyes, they’ve succeeded. That’d look really sharp with a black solid trigger too!
I’ve been looking for a 1911. This looks like it might be a good entry level solution.
will be interested to hear more reviews
gunslinger,
I’m sure there will be more reviews coming. The few prototypes are what most publications are using for reviews now but I look forward to more when Ruger catches up on orders.
Man, where do folks get these deals? Here in SoCal it seems you’re paying list if not a little more and there will be no haggling. The last salesman I talked to looked like he was going to have apoplexy at the thought. Anyway, you couldn’t build this for $612 so good deal there, even if silver guns are ugly. And as to the ambi safeties on 1911′s causing a possibly unsafe condition; I can’t be the only lefty that grinds the left side safety lever down flush to reduce the width.
drewogatory,
That is a good idea for a lefty to grind down the safety a bit. Excellent idea on your part! I know friends in California are always griping about prices out there. It’s so hard to get any kind of gun there they can get away with it. It’s not right but that’s the way it is. Hang on ammo prices are going up an additional 10% this month!
Just like every other 1911 review, the first three paragraphs had to explain why you should have one. Don’t get me wrong, the Ruger is a handsome pistol and I’m sure it shoots great, but the constant mentions of ‘Made in the USA’ were a little patronizing.
$612 is a bargain for a 1911 these days, so the Ruger is well worth considering.
SpudGun,
SpudGun you give me a hard time on every review–LOL! Anyway, I added those paragraphs after comments from the last 1911 review. More or less an explanation of their desirability in several categories.