So Ruger after rumors and whisper campaigns and press leaks, the SR1911 is officially on Ruger’s webpage. Looks like their first offering (you KNOW there will be loads more optioned out guns) is an all-stainless series 70 (no firing pin block…likely a titanium firing pin for drop safe) with all the “Custom” options that have really become “Standard” in the 1911 world. Really, if you offer a 1911 with a spur hammer and an arched Mainspring housing, and a short bevertail that’s really an “Option” or a “GI Spec” gun, not a standard model these days. Also it appears to have shirked the full-length guide rod that I hate, so good on them.
If it runs well I’d essentially run this gun just how it comes out of the box.
Now the price point is listed at $800, that means in the wild it’ll probably run NIB for around $650-$750 depending on demand. That’s a very fair price, but the price is low because it is not made how the original 1911s were made, no 1911 under $1000 NIB is. That being said, its not 1908, so its very possible that these modern companies have perfected the way to make an inexpensive 1911 that’s as good as the forged and machined, and hand-fitted guns of the past.
I’ll be keeping my eyes out for reviews, and sacrificially endurance tests. Its my opinion that the cheaper you can make the 1911 (without making a lemon) the better, as it exposes more people to the joy that this platform brings.
Oh and for you Massholes, Ruger plays ball with our corrupt attorney general, so there’s a VERY good chance this gun will be appearing in Mass Gun dealers shortly after America has had a chance to run rounds through theirs.
“That being said, its not 1908, so its very possible that these modern companies have perfected the way to make an inexpensive 1911 that’s as good as the forged and machined, and hand-fitted guns of the past.”
I doubt it. Forged and machined is tough to beat. They may be able to best the spot-hardened originals of the pre-war period though. The 1911 is a beefy gun by modern standards.
That being said Ruger’s Cast-Frame Revolvers (and I have no idea how the No1 Rifles are made) are the gold standard for beefy guns. So much that handloading books have “Ruger Only” Recipes.
I’m no metallurgist, and I certainly a skeptic of anything new in this ancient industry of firearms, but if anybody can do it, I don’t see why it couldn’t be Ruger.
I hope somebody will be able to do an endurance test on this gun.
Yes but the reason this is true is that Ruger designed it’s guns to be cast. They also deliberately relocated certain features (like the bolt cuts on the revolver cylinder) to improve strength. You can’t retroactively design a 1911 for casting although the standard 1911 frame shouldn’t really have a problem.
We shall see.
Go over to micheal bane’s blog, there’s a link to a video that’s pretty informative. Looks like a cast frame and a forged/machined slide.
I think what I like best about it is the relatively simple markings on it–the ruger logo on one side and “ruger made in america” on the other.
I can see that as a HUGE selling point. For whatever reason I own two “Billboard Slide” S&W1911s, and frankly I kinda like how they look.
They call me “Weer’d” for a number of reasons it would seem.
I just like how if the parts are all well-fitted, and the trigger breaks clean and under 6lbs, That’s EXACTLY how I’d run that gun, and with the exception of the rubber Hogue grips, that’s how my Stainless 1911 is set up. (I had to remove the factory FLGR….I also fixed an aftermarket trigger-job by Don Dremel himself, but that’s not Smith’s fault)
That 1911 would look mighty fine sitting next to my SR 5.56…
Think I’m gonna call my local Ruger dealer today.
That’s some brand loyalty right there.
Of course I have a safe filled with S&W guns m’self. Tho I do not have an M&P15, and really don’t have much interest…unless its the .22 trainer.
One Ruger 1911 is on it’s way to Fortress Alcade!
And for the low low price of $625!
Very cool! Make sure to let me know when you get it!