Advice on the Ruger 1911

[Lawdawg45]

I'll start by saying that I'm a dyed in the Wool Wheel Gunner, and that my use of semi-autos was mainly as duty weapons, but I do own a Ruger P-95, LCP, Glock 19 and a Kahr PM-9. I also must admit that I've never owned a 1911 type weapon, mainly from a brainwashed opinion from the law enforcement academy, but I'm at the point where I'm considering the new Ruger 1911. As with any handgun that I own, this will be for range plinking and concealed carry. I know that there are many options out there, but as a Ruger man for almost 30 years I trust their products and service beyond measure. I'd appreciate any comments.

LD45

 

[451 Detonics]

It is a Caspian and seeing as Caspian has been making 1911s for years I would say they know how to build them. Hopefully Ruger's recent record for quality control won't affect this model. I must say there are a half dozen 1911s I would consider before the Ruger however.

I really like my older Rugers, but even since Bill Sr departed quality control really seems to have slipped.

 

[Just One Shot]

See if you can rent a 1911 at a range or shoot a buddies before laying down your money. Believe it or not, some people just don't like the 1911. If you decide to get the Ruger I wouldn't pay more that $600.00 for it. More than that you may as well buy a lightly used version of the better known 1911s. Of course that's just my .02 and worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

[Smaug]

I'd buy one without hesitation.

They've probably sold enough of them now to have any teething issues worked out.

If not, you KNOW Ruger will make it right.

It is a good-looking gun to my eye, and reports are good. That's enough for me.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I handled one for the first time yesterday. I was very impressed. The gun was tight in all the right places and looked very good.

My only complaint was the trigger on the example I handled. It was one of the grittier 1911 triggers I've tried and had more creep than I expected. I bet it would smooth out quite a bit after a hundred rounds or so. Overall, I liked it much more than the Remington that was marked at the same price.

 

[forddave]

shot mine this past weekend, first 3 mags jam every other shot- started thinking uh oh did i get a lemon?just tight? i dont know but after that it ate everything ball,hp's and gun show reloads. never skipped a beat. fit and finish is great. mine was 610 + tax. money well spent. it shoots better than my glock or the taurus and no i'm not nocking them either. oh one last thing the trigger smooths out the more you shoot it. if you get one you won't be sorry

 

[rellascout]

It is a Caspian and seeing as Caspian has been making 1911s for years I would say they know how to build them.

????

It is not a Caspian. Ruger has and IIRC still does casting for Caspian but that does not make them the same. No one knows what mix they are using for Caspian vs what Ruger is using for their gun. Same facility does not mean same frame.

 

[Dobe]

But why would Ruger go through the expense to change the alloy composition? What would it serve?

 

[RetDep310]

I would also like to get a 1911 style pistol someday. The Ruger looks good, and initial write-ups seem favorable. Only problem for me is that I am left-handed, and Ruger did not install an ambidex safety on it!!!!!!

 

[klash545]

Ruger has been making 1911s for years for Caspian and others,they know how to do it right.

 

[ohwell]

Its as good a gun out of the box as any of my other firearms. metal mix this metal mix that, These guys have no clue of what Ruger uses any more than they know what exact metal formula the other gun makers use. The biggest naysayers wont buy Ruger Look at the forum watch how a few guys brag about other gunmakers customer service when they have problems . I have an SR1911 I dont have to brag about Rugers customer service I dont have a problem with mine.

 

[Zerodefect]

I'm not going to talk you out of a Ruger 1911.

But, it's a cast 1911. Rugers castings are above normal in quality for sure. But I'd rather have a forging. (Especially if you plan on wacking the rails down with a mallet to fit the slide tighter)

The warning etched into the dustcover is kind of a turn off:
"Read instruction manual before use of this firearm. If instruction manual is missing call Ruger customer service at (440) 255-2121 to get a new manual. Use only factory full metal jacket ammo. Never point gun at children. Don't look in the barrel, it's dark in there. Gaston Glock is Love. May cause loss of freedom if found on you in the states of CA, NY, or NJ. Do not taunt Ruger 1911."

That's too much print for my tastes. I also would recommend looking at the similar Kimber Custom or TLE, Colt, RRA, or STI as well. Or rent a 1911. See if it's for you. Then go big with DW or LB.

Things you may want to look into before buying the Ruger, I'm sure some fans here will know:
-What sight cuts deos it use. Novak or Springfield would be nice for sight availability.
-What shape type is the grip safety? Will you be able to cut the frame for an EB safety later on?

 

[Zerodefect]

I would also like to get a 1911 style pistol someday. The Ruger looks good, and initial write-ups seem favorable. Only problem for me is that I am left-handed, and Ruger did not install an ambidex safety on it!!!!!!

The EB Ambi big paddle safety is nice. Shaped the same on each side. But it is very hard to fit. Many decent smiths install them for only $50-75 labor. Worth every penny. Last one I did took 5 hours.

I trim the trailing edge off the paddle for a better grip on the grip safety.

 

[Racinbob]

Investment casting. Why knock it? Know anybody with a replacement knee, hip, etc.? Biggest maker in the world of those parts starts with......investment casting. I've seen it first hand, seen it in action second hand, and trust it as a superior product. I will be getting a Ruger SR1911.

 

[Skylerbone]

Ah but we do know what's being used. Caspian specs 416 SS for their frames while the SR1911 uses Ruger's proprietary 415 SS in its frame.

We also know that Mr. Novak was brought in on the project and developed a new sight for Ruger using the standard Novak cut.

The GS is of the S&A upswept beavertail variety.

 

[ohwell]

Okay and whats that mean Skyler are those things good or bad ? Are you saying its bad Novak was brought in ? Tell me about the problems and properties with the blend of Steel Ruger is using ? I have one of these guns do you? In all reality you are quoting things that you really know very little about . Its just plain a good gun. Some people just have Agenda's I dont understand.

 

[Zerodefect]

It's good that it uses Novak sights and a regular S&A grip safety. That means you can upgrade later.

The last thing we need is another goofy proprietary sight cut. (Like Kimber)

 

[Husker_Fan]

I don't know where the warning language posted above came from. The example I looked at only had an unobtrusive two line warning.

 

[Dobe]

Hyperole - Many 1911 manufacturers do not put that warning on their 1911s. Purist do not like it. Out of all of the 1911s I own, the SR1911 is the only one with a warning. At least Ruger hid it as much as they could.

 

[Mike J]

"Read instruction manual before use of this firearm. If instruction manual is missing call Ruger customer service at (440) 255-2121 to get a new manual. Use only factory full metal jacket ammo. Never point gun at children. Don't look in the barrel, it's dark in there. Gaston Glock is Love. May cause loss of freedom if found on you in the states of CA, NY, or NJ. Do not taunt Ruger 1911."

I believe that is a joke. Somehow I don't see Ruger putting "Gaston Glock is Love" on one of their products.

 

[Zerodefect]

Two lines of lawyer speak on any 1911 is blasphemy. And that phone # is great for stuff crust pizza.

Ruger 1911 thread needs more pics:


Not a bad looking pistol. But I'd hold out for a black coated one. Nothing a little Satin Black KG Guncoat can't fix.

 

[BossHogg]

Everyone should own at lease one 1911. I think when Ruger puts their name on a gun it would be ok to buy. They are a solid company that stands behind their products. If I was in the market for a 1911 I wouldn't think twice about getting one.

That being said, they're some really nice 45 acp wheel guns out there too. I can't shoot my S&W model 22-4 enough, what a blast to shoot.

 

[rellascout]

Ah but we do know what's being used. Caspian specs 416 SS for their frames while the SR1911 uses Ruger's proprietary 415 SS in its frame.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner....

 

[Skylerbone]

Ohwell, no agenda here, no opinion stated on Ruger's choice. A previous post stated we didn't know the particular stainless used, no need for you to question what knowledge I do or do not have in regards to metallurgy. I was merely offering up the facts along with Ruger's use of Novak sights which were custom designed by Wayne Novak and his team but still use the company's sight cut. S&A does not manufacture the grip safety it is a S&A upswept style.

I've yet to lay hands on the SR1911 but I am a Ruger owner. I have a newly acquired S&W E-Series 1911 that competes for the same market share as the SR1911 and thus have no personal interest in acquiring a Ruger at this time. Should my Smith prove unreliable and their CS suddenly become less than helpful I may investigate the Ruger at that time.

I've seen little evidence as yet that Ruger made anything less than an excellent example of a 1911 that is possible on even the leanest budget. I am aware there are others who enjoy questioning that opinion and I do believe some of them have an agenda, one that includes being right based on personal opinion. The rest of us know that isn't possible among free minded individuals.

By all means have a look at the new Ruger if it meets your individual criteria, I simply found what meets mine a month before it hit the market.

 

[rich642z]

I got mine a month ago along with my LC9. And,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, It has over 1100 rounds thru it mainly the 185 critical defense. No hangups,ftfs or ftes. Both I got with 10 magazines.