January 04, 2013

Exclusive Look at Ruger's New 45s: The Ruger SR45 and Commander-style 1911 - 2

Ruger is adding some serious firepower to its lineup of new products for 2013. Among the introductions are two new .45-caliber pistols: the Ruger SR45 and a Commander-sized 1911 called the SR1911CMD.

The SR45 is the newest extension of the SR family of pistols that includes the SR9 and SR40 models. Like it’s smaller cousins, the SR45 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with many of the same features as the other pistols in the lineup.

Among the features that the SR45 has in common with the SR9 and SR40 are ambidextrous controls for the safety and magazine release. It also has the same style loaded chamber indicator and a rail for mounting accessories in front of the trigger guard. Likewise, it comes with adjustable 3-dot combat-style sights.

I got a chance to shoot this pistol last year at Gunsite before it was announced and recorded some of my impressions in the video here.

The most notable thing that struck me about the pistol was that despite it’s bulky appearance, it handled like a much smaller pistol and was easy to control and shoot. The scalloped cutouts in the grip of the gun are a big reason for this--they do a lot to enhance the SR45’s ergonomics.

The SR45 has a 10+1 capacity, is chambered in .45 ACP and retails for $529.
The Commander-style 1911 is a cut-down version of Ruger’s successful SR1911. It comes with all the same features: matte stainless finish, wood grip panels, skeletonized hammer, three-dot Novak sights. The only difference is the shorter barrel (4.25 inches vs. 5 inches). The SR1911CMD has a 7+1 capacity and carries the same retail price as the full-sized SR1911: $829.

 

Follow Shooting Editor John B. Snow on Twitter: @johnbsnow

 

 

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