With all the new offerings for defensive pistols on the market, one thing remains crystal clear: The 1911 is far from dead. Armchair firearms experts continue to boast the superiority of their choice thus deifying all others. OPtions are good and the 1911 has been a viable option for numerous decades. The reason why is obvious for those who have owned them. They are reliable, highly accurate, and shoot a cartridge that many feel is a superior manstopper.
The most significant criticism that is fairly accurate for many is that 1911’s are heavy compared to polymer-framed pistols. Consider the Glock 17 9mm fully loaded at 32 ounces compared to a fully loaded full-sized 1911 coming in close to 44 ounces. When carrying as a duty weapon this weight may not be particularly significant. When carrying concealed and living everyday the extra weight may not be welcome.
Enter the Ruger SR1911 Lightweight Commander.
Ruger, known for extreme reliability in their firearms, is producing the Lightweight Commander version of the 1911 with a slighter shorter barrel(4.25″) and an aluminum frame. This combination affords a significant weight reduction of close to 10 ounces. This is significant.
Impressions
Trigger: The aluminum trigger is skeletonized and adjustable. No adjustment was needed and it broke very light and crisp, which aids tremendously in the accuracy department
Mainspring Housing: The mainspring housing is heavily checkered aiding in retention and control of the weapon.
Magazine Well: The magazine well is beveled providing extra space to facilitate magazine insertion. It works well.
Thumb Safety/Hammer: The thumb safety is sized perfectly to provide easy manipulation and clicks on and off very positively. No issues. The hammer is skeletonized with excellent cocking serrations.
Beavertail Safety: The oversized beavertail safety makes for a very comfortable grip and positive function.
Sights: The sights are excellent and are the 3-dot variety with smooth edges to reduce snagging.
Misc: The stainless slide contains deep serrations rearward to assist in cocking. The ejection port is enlarged and flared for positive ejection. The grip feels very nice however I may try some Magpul TSP grip panels or maybe a set of wrap-around Pachmayr’s. The feed ramp is titanium ensuring positive feeding for years to come.
At the Range
Let me cut to the chase and just state for the record this thing shoots awesome. It has been 100% reliable, super accurate, and a joy to shoot. I do not proclaim to be the best pistolsmith however its inherent accuracy utilizing tight tolerances and fit combined with a great trigger makes me look better. I have no doubt in a better shooters hands it will perform much better.
Above: 7 shot group from 7 yards. Yes – I know 7 shot groups are a bit unusual.
Above: My best 7 shot group from 7 yards. My 7th shot was the flyer.
Above: My brother’s range. At around 30 feet I was easily able to hit the orange metal plates round after round with fairly rapid shooting.
What ammunition did I shoot? Monarch brass 230-grain ball and an assortment of Federal and Winchester White Box ball. No hollowpoints as of yet.
Summary: This is an excellent carry pistol and very capable of putting rounds on target accurately and repeatedly. It’s lightweight makes carrying a bit more comfortable than a regular full-sized 1911. Excellent fit and finish make this an attractive self-defense solutions running a street price of around $800.
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Hi John, I like a good 1911 as much as any one but as you said the weight is what kills it for me. I have a Springfield XD mod2 in 9mm and I highly recommend it.
That’s what I like about the aluminum frame – much lighter.
Rourke- approx. cost of this Ruger? Thanks.Lightning
Runs around $800.
Hi all this was actually my first hand gun purchase 2 years ago and I can confirm everything in this article is spot on.
Soon as I go to the range the accuracy blew me away I was shooting 20 yards. It feels great in your hand it’s very easy to carry concealed. I would highly recommend this handgun.
JR, it’s hard to beat a 1911, even if it’s all steel.
One really nice looking piece. John, how’s the recoil compare to a .40 standard frame S&W? I’ve been looking for a possible replacement for my .40.
I’ve never shot a .40 1911, however, I would suspect the recoil is similar or possibly even less.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have a 1911 in 45 cal.The first pistol I ever shot was my Dad’s Army 1911. I was only 10 at the time so it almost put me on my ass. 😉
My Ruger LW Commander in 45 ACP shoots very well. I have had no problems with it.
My best group ( 5 rds) has been between 4-5 in. My best group (3 rds) has been 3/8th’s to 3/4’s in.