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Ruger SR1911

Editor’s Rating

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Editor’s Review

Without question, the 1911 pistol is the most copied and imitated pistol of all time. It has served as springboard for other designs, grown and shrunk, and been rendered from various types of weight-saving materials. Various manufacturers have tinkered with its innards, hoping to create a better mousetrap.

Some of these variants have filled a useful niche, but most have proven inferior to the original. Like most pistoleros, I own and shoot many different types of handguns, but I always come back to the 1911, and the ones I favor don’t deviate a great deal from the original Browning design.

Ruger’s new SR1911 meets this description. Although the SR1911 isn’t really “new,” Ruger does this pistol right, which is far more important.

Ruger has actually been at the 1911 game for some time. Ruger turns out major components for other firearms companies and has been building the frames for one highly regarded manufacturer of 1911s for several years. Would a totally Ruger-built 1911 have some appeal? The powers-to-be at Ruger thought so.

Pistol Particulars
The SR1911 is a full-size .45 ACP crafted of stainless steel that embodies many classic features. The slide is crafted from bar stock, as is the barrel, while the frame is cast. There was once a notion that a cast frame is somehow inferior to a milled one, but it really hasn’t played out that way.

Casting makes for very precise tolerances and low manufacturing costs. It also allows a manufacturer to do things that would prove impossible or too costly using other methods. Example: The plunger tube on the SR1911 is integral to the frame instead of staked on. On occasion, staked tubes have been known to come loose, causing all sorts of problems.

The SR1911’s external dimensions are pretty much on par with other service-size 1911s. Total length measures 8.67″ with a barrel length of 5″. The SR1911 stands 5.45″ tall and weighs 39 oz. It’s external geometry is identical to other 1911s, so holster availability and fit will not be a problem.

Traditional features include an internal extractor and rear slide serrations. The SR1911 utilizes a standard plug-style guide rod, just as John Browning intended. Dinosaur that I am, I’ve never warmed up to full-length guide rods on a 1911 that just make takedown and reassembly more difficult and offer no tangible advantage on a defensive pistol.

Likewise, a standard barrel bushing is also part of the package. The bushing’s fit was snug, but I had no problem removing it without using the provided bushing wrench.

The frame-mounted safety and slide stop are both slightly extended. A beavertail grip safety with a palm swell is also part of the mix. The beavertail prevents hammer bite, while the palm swell ensures safety deactivation should you take a hasty grip.

I, for one, was happy to see that the SR1911 does not utilize the superfluous Series 80-style firing pin safety. Instead, Ruger employed a low-mass titanium firing pin, which should eliminate an inertia discharge due to a dropped gun.

Sights include a low-profile Novak rear sight and front post in the popular three-dot pattern. Standard Colt dovetails are cut into the slide, and this makes fitting of aftermarket sights a snap.

Factory specs call for a trigger weight between 4–5.5 lbs. I didn’t have a trigger scale during my informal test, but I would guesstimate trigger pull on my sample ran just a little south of 5 lbs. The skeletonized aluminum trigger features an adjustable over travel stop, and my sample had very little slack before it dropped the hammer. The hammer, too, is a skeletonized affair with an oval slot.

The flat mainspring housing is nicely checkered for a positive hold. The hard rubber stocks on my sample contributed to a non-slip grip. The black grips, along with the bead blasted grey/silver finish, help give the SR1911 a handsome, yet serious business-like appearance. (Note: The pistol will apparently ship with wood grips but also include the black Hogue rubber grips.)

Two magazines, one holding seven rounds and the other taking eight rounds, come with the SR1911. I’ll confess that the logic of different capacities is lost on me, but I’m a happy camper any time I get more than one magazine with a 1911.

Trigger Time
Back in December, I traveled to Gunsite Academy to get some hands-on experience on the SR1911. I had the opportunity to run more than 400 rounds through the SR1911 and was able to form some opinions on the latest spin of this classic pistol.

The SR1911 did not disappoint. I experienced a single stoppage that I quickly cleared, and other than that, reliability was absolutely perfect. I fired mostly 230-grain ball loads, but my test pistol also digested a small quantity of Hornady JHPs without missing a beat.

In fast-paced combat shooting, the SR1911 really began to shine. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, I was able to place shots in the middle of the target, and my experience was hardly unique among the other two dozen writers in attendance. After giving it our best throughout the afternoon, we returned to the range in the evening and gave the SR1911 a workout in low light.

The next opportunity at Gunsite, I spent a morning shooting the SR1911 at distances ranging from arms length all the way back to 25 yards. Although I wasn’t able to perform an official accuracy evaluation, I can’t dispute Ruger’s claim the pistol can shoot 1.5″ groups at 25 yards.

My final test drive consisted of multiple runs on the man-on-man shoot-off used in Gunsite’s 250 pistol class. Again, the SR1911 rose to the occasion. I thought the trigger was especially nice for a production gun, helping me in that never ending quest to shoot straight and true.

Final Thoughts
This pistol holds little in the way of surprises but performs every bit as good as pistols retailing for considerably more. At a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799, it’s only slightly more expensive than imported pistols that offer far less.

I don’t think I’m going out on a limb predicting that variants of the SR1911 are not too far down the road. A blackened stainless copy shouldn’t be too hard to pull off. Compact and enhanced versions are probably also in the cards.

Thirty years ago, there was one domestic manufacturer of 1911 pistols. Frankly, I’ve lost track of the number of outfits currently bringing this timeless pistol to the marketplace, but suffice to say, it’s a bunch. To make an impact in such a competitive market, your product better be good. In that regard, the Ruger SR1911 scores well.

Mike Boyle served as a captain with the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife Bureau of Law Enforcement and recently retired after 27 years of service. Mike remains active, teaching recruit, in-service and instructor level classes at the police academy. He’s also on the board of directors of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors.

The Specs

MSRP: $799

	Ruger Sr1911 (Impact Guns)	$689.99
	Ruger Sr1911 (Midwest Hunters Outlet)	$629.99

26 Responses to “Ruger SR1911”

Comment from Yuri
Time April 26, 2011 at 11:31 pm

Make small parts stainless steel.

Comment from Ron Carpenter
Time July 24, 2011 at 1:04 am

I got the first Ruger sr1911 in the state of Michigan.
I think it is one of the finest 1911s i have ever owned.
I shot 1.5″ groups with it at 25 yards with 6grans of universal and a 230 grain lead .
I will put it up against any 1400.00 Kimber.
It is just as nice if not nicer and half the price !!!

Comment from Mark
Time July 27, 2011 at 6:25 pm

One can not argue the quality and performance of the SR1911. However, one must also take into account, Ruger has so miserably failed in their ability to produce and deliver these 1911′s in a timely manner they are no where to be found! If you inquire with Ruger, you get nothing but “lip service” and excuse after excuse. Let’s begin by not buying this product and perhaps teach Mike Fifer a lesson in economics and simple supply and demand.

Comment from Mike
Time July 27, 2011 at 11:46 pm

I agree with Mark. I look every day at several gun websites. Nothing, or back ordered. I also look at springfield 1911s and remington 1911s. Ruger is going to be left out in the cold if they don’t get on the ball. I notice the RO 1911 from springfield is getting cheaper and cheaper to purchase. I would not be surprised if remington follows the same path path. Only so many buyers of 1911s. Someone needs to ask ruger what the problem is. Or is it Davidson’s

Comment from jim edwards
Time July 30, 2011 at 4:08 pm

Why is this gun so hard to find?
Is Ruger asleep at the wheel?

Comment from jim edwards
Time July 30, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Why is this gun so hard to find

Has Ruger dropped the ball on this one?

Comment from Scott Weatherford
Time August 13, 2011 at 12:38 pm

I agree with yuri; the small parts should be stainless also, unless theres some technical advantage to using carbon-steel (i.e., strength; better wear characteristics from using dis-similar metals; vendor supplied parts, like sights, unavailable in SS, etc.).

Actually, I suspect all the carbon-steel parts on these first-release guns may be vendor supplied, since theres a zillion sources for such parts and not having to tool-up in-house for every piece may be one of the factors behind the low price.

I have no idea what the production figures are for this model so far, but failure to meet the demand may be more a testament to the demand for the product, than an indication Ruger’s dropped the ball. Personally, I’d rather wait a bit to get a good gun, than have quality issues crop up, like those Smith & Wesson experienced in the ’70s, when trying to meet the demand for M66s, or more recently with PPKs.

Comment from JOHN
Time August 18, 2011 at 8:30 am

I JUST GOT MY 1911 RUGER & IT IS THE BEST PISTOL OUT OF THE BOX THAT U CAN BUY . I CANT SAY THAT ABOUT MY KIMBER SOLO

Comment from Dave
Time September 6, 2011 at 3:54 pm

I got mine today! Called online Cabelas and had one in the local (closest) store in a couple days..

Comment from Matthew
Time September 7, 2011 at 11:22 pm

I put one in layaway at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare MI its a great place to buy a gun. I have a Ruger 1911 there. Put in layaway when the Ruger CEO was there in June, his name is Michael Fifer. It really looks good and all the reviews I have been good. It comes with Two magazines.

Comment from Gary
Time October 2, 2011 at 4:52 pm

I just put a down payment on a Ruger SR1911. I had a chance to shoot one that a friend has and it’s a great pistol. With my handloads and cast bullets, I was getting 25 yard 5 shot groups of under 2″ from the bench, which is about as well as I can do with any pistol with open sights. I like the 1911 and own quite a few, from very basic military models and GI guns made by a typewriter company and one made by a sewing machine company to some expensive custom jobs. The Ruger SR1911 is the best $688 45 ACP that I have ever seen. Accuracy is great, fit and finish is superb, it works great and has the features that I want: Novak sights, SS, good trigger without any silly firing pin safety, stock GI except where needed: feed ramp, sights, ejector port etc. The “issue” of a “cast” frame with a few writers is meaningless; Ruger uses investment casting to save costs without compromising quality..just like they do on other guns. Some “experts” state that cast frames are bad; I hate to tell them that all forgings start out being casst, so do all “billets” etc…..This Ruger is a great gun and the only problem that I see is supply.

Comment from Roger torgerson
Time November 7, 2011 at 1:37 pm

I have not shot this gun, but I am anxious to purchase one. I was going to buy a Kimber, but I just found out about the Ruger which I have always been a fan of.

Comment from jim edwards
Time November 8, 2011 at 11:11 am

@ Roger Torgenson: I have placed an order for one of these guns. I have no idea when I eill get it, maybe around christmas. I think that the popularity of this gun caught Ruger by surprise. Ruger says that they are working around the clock trying to catch up.

Comment from Mark
Time November 14, 2011 at 7:41 pm

Just received my SR1911 two days ago. I am impressed. Quality fit and finish that you would only expect from guns three times the price! The frame to slide fit is snug, yet very smooth, with no binding. After break in, I assume there will be a certain amount of play. That play facilitates reliability. The trigger is probably breaking @ 4-4.5 lbs, with no creep, and it breaks cleanly. Can’t wait to try it out on the range. I can say it was well worth the wait! Great job, Ruger!

Comment from Chris
Time December 2, 2011 at 11:51 am

I was fortunate to get my SR1911 back September. I was one of only a hand full of people to get one in the state of Arkansas. Not sure if Ruger is doing this to cause a buzz about the gun or if they just can produce the guns. Either way I can assure you they are definatley worth the wait. This is a phenominal gun for the money. I own two other 1911′s (Kimber and Colt) and I would say this is just as good if not better. I have put about 3000 rounds thru it and only had one jam because the mag was not seated or pushed in all the way (my fault not the gun). If you are looking to buy one of these guns I highly recommend them. Plus if you can get one it makes people jealous

Comment from Randy
Time December 4, 2011 at 6:03 pm

I work in one of the largest gun shops in the midwest. I have been fortunate to have been able to shoot most all of the 1911′s manufactured. I have shot and own an SR 1911 and love it. The reason the guns are hard to find is because Ruger has placed quality over quanity. They are 30,000 guns behind but they do not plan to speed up prduction.

Comment from Rick
Time December 23, 2011 at 10:22 pm

This gun shoots better than it looks. I’ve only fired 30 rds but it is fun too shoot.

Comment from jim edwards
Time December 24, 2011 at 10:16 am

no comment on this gun .still waiting on delivery.

i still think that Ruger dropped the ball on this
one. Oh, well,all things come to he who waits.

Comment from bien pammit
Time January 30, 2012 at 11:51 pm

I ordered my SR1911 sometime in May last year thru B&S Guns in the Dallas area, finally got it first week last October. Fun of my life the following day at the range. I know my new SR 1911 will be my favorite for a long time among my few collections. More than 1000 rounds and no hiccup so far. Very reliable and accurate.

Comment from Jay
Time February 17, 2012 at 1:10 pm

Ive been a Ruger fan for many years and do own a few to say the least! I however do have a bad taste in my mouth after purchasing the Ruger 1911. I had a problem right out of the box in which the gun was denting the mouth of the shells Bad! Repeated shooting did not improve the situation. I called and e-mailed ruger with all contact information, photo’s etc… and a month later still can’t seem to get a real person on the phone, (stay on hold for 30 plus minutes and I finally give up, leave message), or to even resopond to the e-mail and photos sent to the e-mail address they supplied me in the inital contact! My thought’s are this! If your going to sell gun’s then at least show some customer respect! If your going to make a 1911 it sure shouldn’t have a problem that was associated with the original design! I guess I’ll have to take it to a gun smith to repair as Ruger won’t even respond! Thanks for nothing, RUGER!!

Comment from anthony
Time February 24, 2012 at 1:50 pm

need some help. first of all I love the gun its really nice smooth trigger, great grip and superb accuracy. I have only one problem with this gun. I purchased this gun new and right out of the box when I went to shoot it the first time the trigger fails to reset each time I am firing it with ammunition. At home when dry firing it resets. I am thinking that it has to deal with the trigger arms to the back grip safety and that these arms are sticky to the magazine any help is great

Comment from Bien Pammit
Time February 24, 2012 at 2:36 pm

Hi Anthony . . When you are firing with ammunition, try to cock it to the full and see what happens. I’m sure a lot of SR 1911 fans would like to hear from Ruger about your problem.

Comment from Joy
Time February 25, 2012 at 5:22 pm

Anthony, without asking alot of questions just try this! With an empty gun, pull the slide back and lock it back with the slide stop. Put a full magizine in and use the slide lock to release the first round into the chamber, do not try and help it or anything just let the slide ram the bullet into the chamber! If that doesnt work, try this, AGAIN with an empty gun! Look at the bottom of the trigger there is a small allen head screw near the bottom of the trigger, take the proper size allen wrench and back it out at least 1/4 of a turn 1/2 is even better to see if that fixes it. The screw turns counter clockwise when looking down the barrel of the gun, clockwise if looking at the rear of the gun! If not you might have some internal problems and need to talk to Ruger, but good luck with that as I never could! Hope this helps!!
Jay

Comment from tomas
Time April 19, 2012 at 11:57 am

I had this gun since last Feb. 2012 when I first shoot of 200 rounds the handle was loosen. When I go its crat home I tried to tighten it the grip panel screw, you know what? The screw was broken and stock inside the grip panel bushing. I decided to remove all the bushing but one left wont be able to remove it because its so tight and the screw bushing is so soft aluminum crapped. So I have to find a Lock smith gun shop to help me to remove this bushing screw. I dont recommend this gun, Im thinking to trade in and find the best 1911.

Comment from Dave
Time May 7, 2012 at 2:52 pm

I bought at local gun store. Paid full msrp but glad to get. What a great gun! Shoots very well and easy to break down. I looked for 4 months. Glad I found one. Has become my favorite pistol. I looked at the Springfield version but a friend has one and did not recommend it. I love this gun!

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