New Ruger Lightweight 5” 1911

[HeavyDuty]

https://ruger.com/products/sr1911Standard/specSheets/6792.html

This I won’t be able to resist. A lightweight 5” is something I’ve wanted for years and years, and I trust Ruger - my 9mm Officers has been a great gun.

[Trooper224]

Do they make that in a Commander?

[JAH 3rd]

HeavyDuty, I saw that and almost bought one. It was either on Buds or GAG. What caught my attention is that it was reasonably priced when compared to other Ruger 1911 models. Under $700 if memory serves me correct.

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty, I saw that and almost bought one. It was either on Buds or GAG. What caught my attention is that it was reasonably priced when compared to other Ruger 1911 models. Under $700 if memory serves me correct.

$575 at Dack Outdoors, $600 to my FFL’s door. Best price I found. The price is surprising to me, too.

[HeavyDuty]

Do they make that in a Commander?

They have for quite some time, but the pricing is substantially higher:

https://ruger.com/products/sr1911CommanderStyle/specSheets/6711.html

[JAH 3rd]

$575 at Dack Outdoors, $600 to my FFL’s door. Best price I found. The price is surprising to me, too.

I will be an enabler. Buy it and report back once you shoot it.

[HeavyDuty]

I will be an enabler. Buy it and report back once you shoot it.

*drags toe through dirt…*

Maybe I did.

[Amp]

Very interested in this, wonder why there's such a big difference in price between it and the Commander?

[JAH 3rd]

Very interested in this, wonder why there's such a big difference in price between it and the Commander?

Yeah, I had that same thought on price difference. Maybe the Commander is more in demand, but that's just a guess.

[HeavyDuty]

Very interested in this, wonder why there's such a big difference in price between it and the Commander?

I don’t get that, either. There was some discussion on one of the Ruger forums wondering the same. The specs are very similar; I only have a Ruger LW 9mm Officers to compare it against.

[Totem Polar]

I was wondering about the price difference too. Can’t be just the grips. That said, I am very interested in this new offering, because, reasons.

[Tokarev]

I don’t get that, either. There was some discussion on one of the Ruger forums wondering the same. The specs are very similar; I only have a Ruger LW 9mm Officers to compare it against.Probably some changes to sourcing and machining practices. I assume the LW models will all change to this more attractive price.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[JHC]

The SA LW Operator I bought from Kevin B is my favorite of my .45s and I've also a CQB Elite. I love the weight, balance and handling.

[Trooper224]

They have for quite some time, but the pricing is substantially higher:

https://ruger.com/products/sr1911CommanderStyle/specSheets/6711.html

I've been looking for a 9mm Commander, specifically the DW Vigil Commander. That one is discontinued, unfortunately. I could settle for an SA Ronin 4.25, if I could find one in stock. But, that's Ruger price is in DW territory, too much for the flaming chicken brand.

[HeavyDuty]

I've been looking for a 9mm Commander, specifically the DW Vigil Commander. That one is discontinued, unfortunately. I could settle for an SA Ronin 4.25, if I could find one in stock. But, that's Ruger price is in DW territory, too much for the flaming chicken brand.

I already have two LW Commander class pistols (DW ECPs in .45 and 9mm) so that’s covered - but a lightweight 5” has always been something I wanted.

[JHC]

The SA LW Operator I bought from Kevin B is my favorite of my .45s and I've also a CQB Elite. I love the weight, balance and handling.

Too late to Edit so, to be faaaiiir, he had this gun touched up by SACS years ago with tool steel internals. Then I had Derr Precision do a couple things with EGW parts to make it my own. It's not stock but none of that has to do with weight and balance.

[Elwin]

Cool to see something come in to fill the gap left by the DW Vigil. If I was primarily carrying .45s I’d be very interested in getting a lightweight government. I carry in 5” holsters regardless so a commander isn’t an advantage for me in .45 where the 5” length has a better recoil impulse and is more likely to be reliable. I’m perfectly happy with a steel 9mm 4” gun, but in government length I could use some weight reduction.

[fatdog]

I love my DW 5" Vigil, my old Colt XSE alloy 5", might have to get one of these to have the trifecta of alloy frame 5" 1911's.

I too am baffled by why the price is lower than the Commander version.

[45dotACP]

I think the Kimber light weight government models are cheaper than their steel counterparts.

Wonder if they use the same frame?

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Totem Polar]

So, my favorite friendly local gun shop gets new guns in on Tuesdays, after being closed Sun and Mon. Today being Tuesday… well, hell, y’all already know how this post is going to go. I’ll let you know how it shoots when I get through my state’s unpredictable background check wait time.

:)


I can say the fit and finish was much better than the price would suggest; the safety snicks on and off in pleasing fashion, etc. And, yes, great weight and balance in the hand. Sometimes you just have to sit down, shut up, and take “yes” for an answer.

[Robinson]

I think the Kimber light weight government models are cheaper than their steel counterparts.

Indeed they are. And they don't have the dratted firing pin safety.

[Joe in PNG]

Will we see this in a 9mm, I wonder?

[TheNewbie]

I do wish that I felt comfortable carrying a “Series 70” style 1911. This looks like a neat option. The forthcoming range reports from those of you who buy it will be a lot of fun to follow.

[HeavyDuty]

So, my favorite friendly local gun shop gets new guns in on Tuesdays, after being closed Sun and Mon. Today being Tuesday… well, hell, y’all already know how this post is going to go. I’ll let you know how it shoots when I get through my state’s unpredictable background check wait time.

:)


I can say the fit and finish was much better than the price would suggest; the safety snicks on and off in pleasing fashion, etc. And, yes, great weight and balance in the hand. Sometimes you just have to sit down, shut up, and take “yes” for an answer.

Ooooh, jelly. Mine will be a few weeks, I think - Dack is cheap but is a slow shipper.

I’m trying to decide what are must-dos. I think sights for sure, and grips (I love VZ double diamonds) but beyond that…?

[HeavyDuty]

I do wish that I felt comfortable carrying a “Series 70” style 1911. This looks like a neat option. The forthcoming range reports from those of you who buy it will be a lot of fun to follow.

Even with a lightweight firing pin?

[Totem Polar]

Ooooh, jelly. Mine will be a few weeks, I think - Dack is cheap but is a slow shipper.

I’m trying to decide what are must-dos. I think sights for sure, and grips (I love VZ double diamonds) but beyond that…?

I’m going to shoot it as-is, and see what issues come up from there. I’m skeptical of the price point, but I definitely trust both Ruger and Davidsons to back up their products. We shall see. :D

[BillSWPA]

I do wish that I felt comfortable carrying a “Series 70” style 1911. This looks like a neat option. The forthcoming range reports from those of you who buy it will be a lot of fun to follow.

I am comfortable carrying one as long as the thumb safety is well protected from being unintentionally deactivated. With a left side only safety and a gun carried IWB or strong side hip on the right side, a sweat shield can often accomplish this well. With an ambi safety, I prefer a holster which is specifically designed to hold the thumb safety in the on safe position.

If I recall correctly, JM Custom Kydex may be able to make such a holster.

It also appears that a beavertail grip safety can protect a cocked hammer from direct impact from almost all directions. While grip safeties are not popular with everyone, they do add to my comfort in carrying a 1911. Not only can it potentially protect the hammer, but it also ensures that the trigger cannot be depressed if the grip safety is not activated.

I have unintentionally deactivated a thumb safety twice while carrying a 1911. Once was while in a fanny pack, with an internal holster and a thumb break strap passing between the hammer and firing pin. The other was IWB with an ambi safety and a holster without a specific feature to hold the safety on safe.

[TheNewbie]

Even with a lightweight firing pin?


I don’t want to hijack what’s likely to be a great thread. I’m just emoting what are probably over the top requirements.


There was testing done, and if I remember right, lightweight firing pins helped, but did not eliminate the drop safety issue. My concern is not so much for my safety, but the safety of others. However, it is very reasonable to not worry about it and carry on.


If Ruger used a Colt style “80 series”, then this would be a must have.


Can’t wait for the range reports.

[BillSWPA]

I don’t want to hijack what’s likely to be a great thread. I’m just emoting what are probably over the top requirements.


There was testing done, and if I remember right, lightweight firing pins helped, but did not eliminate the drop safety issue. My concern is not so much for my safety, but the safety of others. However, it is very reasonable to not worry about it and carry on.


If Ruger used a Colt style “80 series”, then this would be a must have.

Can’t wait for the range reports.

I am interested in any testing you may have seen.

My understanding is that the standard steel firing pin and standard spring is safe as long as one is careful to change the spring when it should be changed (whenever the recoil spring is changed would likely be more than sufficient). However, not everyone pays attention to those springs. The titanium firing pin and extra power spring not only increases the force required to discharge the gun, but also increases the level of safety in the event of neglect (the spring should still be changed before it can become weakened, and I would also do so when the recoil spring is changed).

Other guns that use a rearward-biasing firing pin spring without a firing pin safety include Kel-Tec P32 and P3AT, as well as the North American Arms Guardians.

I agree that all other things being equal a firing pin block is preferred.

[fatdog]

FWIW, 2nd best price on line I have seen (so far). I have dealt with these guys a number of times. Satisfactory service

https://gunprime.com/products/ruger-sr1911-45-acp-2-tone-lightweight-5-barrel-6792

I only drop this because I have had Dack take 4 and then another time 6 weeks once to fill my order for stuff.

[fatdog]

Okay I went to the storefront of the same company as the GunPrime guys at lunch today. I did not get the chance to live fire it of course, but from handling it and dryfire, this appears to be very well done by Ruger. I did manage to make myself walk out without one. Waiting on the reports of those who bought one.

[Joe in PNG]

All heck, I might have to get one as well!

[HeavyDuty]

It looks like mine is preparing to ship, so hopefully in a week or a little longer I’ll have mine.

[Catshooter]

Wow. A lot of very cool features, and what a price!

[Bucky]

Dear Ruger,

Please make a 1911 based on the Caspian wide body frame.

Thanks.

[HeavyDuty]

Mine is in hand.

I’m impressed so far - fit is tight, trigger is decent. I’ll need to swap out for thin grips and bushings, and the plastic mainspring housing is a little ouchy but overall it looks like a winner. Hopefully I can get to the range in the next week or so.

[swampyank33]

Mine is in hand.

I’m impressed so far - fit is tight, trigger is decent. I’ll need to swap out for thin grips and bushings, and the plastic mainspring housing is a little ouchy but overall it looks like a winner. Hopefully I can get to the range in the next week or so.Keep us posted! I have one on the way...

Sent from my SM-A515U using Tapatalk

[HeavyDuty]

The trigger is bouncing around 4 to 5# - I suspect it will settle down after I get a few hundred rounds through it. That mainspring housing definitely needs to go, though - it has a sharp edge of molded checkering that is annoying, so a replacement is on order. I violated my “shoot it first” rule and put in a Wilson full length rod and 17# flat wire spring, but I’ll keep the original parts with me as I test in case it goes pear shaped.

Grips, bushings and a couple of Ed Brown 7 rounders ordered, and I’m treating myself to my first Sparks Summer Special 2 in a few decades. After I test it, I’ll swap out the rear sight for a Wilson 860 and determine what height front I need. Beyond that I don’t see doing much, no magwell or anything like that. Trying to stay fairly minimalist.

104009

[Totem Polar]

I got the call yesterday: my SR is finally out of state jail, so maybe tomorrow or Friday I can pick it up and swing by the range with the mags I have already loaded up for the occasion.


:cool:

[HeavyDuty]

This is really petty, but I wish that they had used the same dark grey finish on the frame that they did on my LW Officers. That’s a traditional Ruger color.

[Polecat]

Two coolest 1911’s every had was a .40 SA, and LW SA 9mm. Wish I never got rid of ‘em!

[JAH 3rd]

HeavyDuty, looking forward to your adventures with your new Ruger 1911.

[Stephanie B]

FWIW, 2nd best price on line I have seen (so far). I have dealt with these guys a number of times. Satisfactory service

https://gunprime.com/products/ruger-sr1911-45-acp-2-tone-lightweight-5-barrel-6792

I only drop this because I have had Dack take 4 and then another time 6 weeks once to fill my order for stuff.

$600 for a decent knock-off of a lightweight 1911?

[Trooper224]

This is really petty, but I wish that they had used the same dark grey finish on the frame that they did on my LW Officers. That’s a traditional Ruger color.

I like a two-tone, but it has to be dark on top for me. I find the opposite garish for some reason.

[fatdog]

for a decent knock-off ...

fingers crossed our tester's find that to be the case, if so I am headed back to that shop to fill another slot in my safe....

[HeavyDuty]

I like a two-tone, but it has to be dark on top for me. I find the opposite garish for some reason.

I generally agree, but I really like the stainless over dark grey on the Officers:

104018

[HeavyDuty]

FWIW, 2nd best price on line I have seen (so far). I have dealt with these guys a number of times. Satisfactory service

https://gunprime.com/products/ruger-sr1911-45-acp-2-tone-lightweight-5-barrel-6792

I only drop this because I have had Dack take 4 and then another time 6 weeks once to fill my order for stuff.

Dack was quick this time - 9 days to my FFL. It took me a week to get there after it arrived.

[OlongJohnson]

Get the price on the 9mm Commander down and it would be very tempting.

[HeavyDuty]

Get the price on the 9mm Commander down and it would be very tempting.

Yeah - I still don’t get the difference in pricing.

[OlongJohnson]

On the other hand, if I wanted a poly 9mm with a great SAO trigger, I have a spare match trigger kit I could put in a USPc9. And a bunch of mags, enough of which are 10-rounders.

[yamahawarrior89]

Picked one up from Dack as well, $612 after transfer fee. Shot it at 30 yards, sights were dead on for windage, shot about 2.5-3" high at 30 yards. Was shooting 200gr gold dots +p. Happy with that.

[JAH 3rd]

This is really petty, but I wish that they had used the same dark grey finish on the frame that they did on my LW Officers. That’s a traditional Ruger color.

HeavyDuty, have you had a chance to tinker with your new Ruger 1911 full-size LW? I didn't know if I missed a posting somewhere.

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty, have you had a chance to tinker with your new Ruger 1911 full-size LW? I didn't know if I missed a posting somewhere.

Sadly, no - I did get to the range with it but had to abandon ship before doing any shooting, my arms couldn’t take aiming. It’ll probably have to wait until after I recover from surgery.

[JAH 3rd]

I hope you get to feeling better soon. And that Ruger 1911 will be waiting for you!

[HeavyDuty]

I finally got back to the range a few times with this now that my arms are back in action, and am still happy. But I’m wondering about cutting the frame for a bobtail and sending it off to be coated in something approaching Ruger grey.

[Elwin]

I finally got back to the range a few times with this now that my arms are back in action, and am still happy. But I’m wondering about cutting the frame for a bobtail and sending it off to be coated in something approaching Ruger grey.

If you’re going to do that, may as well get some front strap texture of some kind, right? Extra cost, sure, but I’d hate to go to the trouble of filing on and refinishing a frame and still have a smooth front strap at the end.

[spiro]

I'm looking to get a goverement in .45
How do these compare to Springfields?

[Tokarev]

I'm looking to get a goverement in .45
How do these compare to Springfields?I'd say pretty darned similar. Both will be decent but not exceptional in general fit and finish. Triggers may be a roll of the dice and both will be full of MIM parts. I'd buy whichever aesthetic appeals to you or whichever one you can get a better deal on. Springfield has more various options too. Ruger has trimmed the offerings down recently.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Totem Polar]

If you’re going to do that, may as well get some front strap texture of some kind, right? Extra cost, sure, but I’d hate to go to the trouble of filing on and refinishing a frame and still have a smooth front strap at the end.

The frame is aluminum, if that makes a difference.

[spiro]

I'd say pretty darned similar. Both will be decent but not exceptional in general fit and finish. Triggers may be a roll of the dice and both will be full of MIM parts. I'd buy whichever aesthetic appeals to you or whichever one you can get a better deal on. Springfield has more various options too. Ruger has trimmed the offerings down recently.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Thank you!

[Totem Polar]

I'm looking to get a goverement in .45
How do these compare to Springfields?

Having owned a half-dozen entry-ish Springers, as well as this particular lightweight Gov’t by Ruger, I’d say that Springfield has the edge in fit, finish, and aftermarket part support.

The awesome thing about this Ruger is the lightweight spec in a full-size Gov’t gun, and the fact that it seems to be stone reliable for an insane price. I’m quite happy with mine.

[Tokarev]

I don't own a lightweight 45 but I do have an aluminum commander and officer. Both have been reliable and are fun to shoot. The officer carries well. I often wonder why I don't carry it regularly.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Elwin]

The frame is aluminum, if that makes a difference.

As far as I'm aware it still allows for checkering, both from the factory on models from other makers and on custom builds (at least with other base guns - plenty of custom Colt Lightweight Commanders out there with checkering or stippling).

I would maybe be extra careful about picking my gunsmith, but any of the established guys could presumably do it.

In fact I'd love to do that with exactly this pistol someday. Its price makes it an excellent base gun for some custom work, especially since there aren't many other lightweight government models out there (only the discontinued DW Vigil and some pretty rare Colts and Springfields come to mind, and they all cost a good deal more if you can find them). I have no interest in a commander length .45 but I would absolutely carry a lightweight government spec'd to match my other guns.

A $500 base gun to me begs for being sent off for checkering, round butt or bobtail treatment, parts replacements to fit user preference, sighting system of choice, anything the gunsmith thinks is a good idea, and then refinish (I vote some variety of two-tone) and throw in a holster.

[HeavyDuty]

Ruger snuck a 9mm version of this into the lineup. I really like my .45…

https://ruger.com/products/sr1911Standard/specSheets/6794.html

[HeavyDuty]

… and silly me forgot that Ruger 1911s are Series 70, so they can be milled for a RDS. Hmmm…

[camel]

… and silly me forgot that Ruger 1911s are Series 70, so they can be milled for a RDS. Hmmm…

I’ve been contemplating that. You should check it out for me and see how it goes.

[Elwin]

… and silly me forgot that Ruger 1911s are Series 70, so they can be milled for a RDS. Hmmm…

To be fair, Series 80 guns can to. They just become Series 70 in the process.

[HeavyDuty]

No self control.

117573

As much as I can appreciate high end 1911s, I’m most comfortable with everyday production quality pistols. I know the arugers don’t have much cache, but they work for me. If I were running them hard, I might start seeing the differences.

I swapped out the MSH and added mag pads, and will be doing no other changes until I shoot it in.

[Norther]

I picked up a .45, as I’ve been wanting a LW 5” for some time. It was a few features I like, but I was immediately disappointed by how loose it is. It’s the loosest 1911 I’ve had yet, at least before firing it a lot. I should have expected it based on the price but there are some well-fitted inexpensive 1911s out there.

I bought it online, so couldn’t handle it first. I still haven’t fired it, as I’m thinking of sending it on.

[Tokarev]

I’m thinking of sending it on.

Contact Ruger. See if they will do anything for you.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[HeavyDuty]

I picked up a .45, as I’ve been wanting a LW 5” for some time. It was a few features I like, but I was immediately disappointed by how loose it is. It’s the loosest 1911 I’ve had yet, at least before firing it a lot. I should have expected it based on the price but there are some well-fitted inexpensive 1911s out there.

I bought it online, so couldn’t handle it first. I still haven’t fired it, as I’m thinking of sending it on.

Both of mine are acceptably tight. Contact Ruger!

[Robinson]

I picked up a .45, as I’ve been wanting a LW 5” for some time. It was a few features I like, but I was immediately disappointed by how loose it is. It’s the loosest 1911 I’ve had yet, at least before firing it a lot. I should have expected it based on the price but there are some well-fitted inexpensive 1911s out there.

I bought it online, so couldn’t handle it first. I still haven’t fired it, as I’m thinking of sending it on.

I assume you mean the slide to frame fit. This doesn't really affect accuracy, but it does affect the overall feel of quality when shooting and handling the gun.

Ruger might be willing to address the problem if it is ridiculously loose, but more likely they will say it falls within acceptable parameters with regard to function. Contact Ruger and see what they say.

[Trooper224]

I picked up a .45, as I’ve been wanting a LW 5” for some time. It was a few features I like, but I was immediately disappointed by how loose it is. It’s the loosest 1911 I’ve had yet, at least before firing it a lot. I should have expected it based on the price but there are some well-fitted inexpensive 1911s out there.

I bought it online, so couldnÂ’t handle it first. I still havenÂ’t fired it, as IÂ’m thinking of sending it on.

Shoot it first. Slide to frame fit contributes no more than three percent to the guns accuracy potential. You may be surprised.

[Norther]

There’s play in the barrel to slide fit as well, both at the bushing and hood. I don’t think it’s so excessive that Ruger would do anything, it’s just disappointing. My expectations are probably too high.

[Duelist]

No self control.

117573

As much as I can appreciate high end 1911s, I’m most comfortable with everyday production quality pistols. I know the arugers don’t have much cache, but they work for me. If I were running them hard, I might start seeing the differences.

I swapped out the MSH and added mag pads, and will be doing no other changes until I shoot it in.

I’m broke, and I’m moving this summer, or my self-control would be about the same. Here’s hoping I can get one after I start getting paid at the new gig.

[HeavyDuty]

Dack Outdoors has the LW 9mm on sale today for $551 and no tax.

[Gary1911A1]

Dack Outdoors has the LW 9mm on sale today for $551 and no tax.

Here's a link for anyone interested: https://dackoutdoors.com/product/sr1911-9mm-ss-5-91

[HeavyDuty]

The 9mm shoots great! A powderpuff.

[03RN]

Do their alumni frames have the plunger tube housing as part of the frame.

That backwards 2 town is a killer for me but hopefully they'll fix that eventually.

[Jim Watson]

Dack Outdoors has the LW 9mm on sale today for $551 and no tax.

Good to hear.
Back when I decided I wanted a lightweight 5" 9mm, nobody made one. A SA Lightweight .45, a Loaded 9mm, and a trip to FLG left me with a lightweight 9mm and a steel .45 which I sold off to a guy who didn't care that it was a Mixmaster.

[Tokarev]

Do their alumni frames have the plunger tube housing as part of the frame..

Yes.



That backwards 2 town is a killer for me but hopefully they'll fix that eventually.

Huh?

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[03RN]

Yes.



Huh?

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Sweet thanks

I really dislike the black frame silver slide.

[Tokarev]

I really dislike the black frame silver slide.

Spray paint?

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[HeavyDuty]

Do their alumni frames have the plunger tube housing as part of the frame.

That backwards 2 town is a killer for me but hopefully they'll fix that eventually.

Yes - the plunger tubes are still cast into the frame. I like that a lot.

My FFL is a skilled Cerakote applier - I’m looking at having the frames of both of my LW 5”ers sprayed with the same grey as my Ruger 9mm officers, I like the aesthetic.

https://pistol-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=117573&d=1713897494.jpg

[FrankB]

Sweet thanks

I really dislike the black frame silver slide.

Agreed. I had an Sig P238 in two tone, and I eventually sold it for that reason. Honestly, all of my firearms are destined for the auction block, but I really didn’t like that color scheme. 😁

[FrankB]

I never thought to Cerakote the slide, so I polished the daylights out of it.


https://youtu.be/1KDQW2xFGyI?si=Nv1i-RVzjioHDHkj

[Totem Polar]

Honestly, all of my firearms are destined for the auction block... 😁

https://media1.tenor.com/m/olTU7YK95bwAAAAd/clint-eastwood-magnum-force.gif

:D :D :D

[Duelist]

That backwards 2 town is a killer for me but hopefully they'll fix that eventually.

Attempt at interpretation: The current Ruger’s dark anodized frame with bare stainless slide is the reverse of the traditional two-tone 1911 light-colored frame with blued slide, which offends my personal aesthetic. I will refrain from purchase unless the company offers a more traditional color scheme in the future.

At least, upon a third or fourth read of the above quote, that’s what I *think* our favorite Marine RN means.

[03RN]

Attempt at interpretation: The current Ruger’s dark anodized frame with bare stainless slide is the reverse of the traditional two-tone 1911 light-colored frame with blued slide, which offends my personal aesthetic. I will refrain from purchase unless the company offers a more traditional color scheme in the future.

At least, upon a third or fourth read of the above quote, that’s what I *think* our favorite Marine RN means.

Thanks lol ;)