Ruger SR1911 Commander
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. · Pistol · In Production · 2014
Also known as: SR1911 Commander, SR1911 CMD, Ruger Commander 1911
Overview
The Ruger SR1911 Commander is a Commander-size single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, introduced in 2014 as a compact variant of the full-size Ruger SR1911 Standard. Built entirely from CNC-machined low-glare stainless steel produced at Ruger's investment casting facility, the Commander features a shortened 108mm (4.25-inch) barrel and slide mated to a full-size grip frame, delivering a more concealable package while maintaining the full shooting grip and 7+1 capacity of a Government-size 1911. Weighing 1,032 grams (36.4 ounces) unloaded with an overall length of 197mm (7.75 inches), the SR1911 Commander retains the Series 70-type firing system with a titanium firing pin for inertia-safe operation without a firing pin block, preserving the crisp single-action trigger pull that breaks at approximately 4.75 pounds (21 N). The pistol features Ruger's cone-shaped barrel lockup with full-length recoil spring guide rod, Novak 3-dot drift-adjustable sights, a skeletonized hammer and aluminum trigger with adjustable overtravel stop, extended thumb safety and magazine release, beavertail grip safety, oversized ejection port, and checkered rosewood grip panels. The Commander ships with one 7-round stainless steel magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1032 g (36.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1216 g (42.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 197 mm (7.76") |
| Barrel Length | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Height | 138 mm (5.43") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Sight Radius | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 21 N (4.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 244 m/s (801 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 443 J (327 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Low Glare Stainless |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Grip Safety, Firing Pin Block, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Single Action Trigger, Locked Breech, Cone Barrel Lockup, Full Length Guide Rod, Exposed Hammer, Skeletonized Hammer, Skeletonized Trigger, Adjustable Overtravel Stop, Beavertail Grip Safety, Extended Thumb Safety, Extended Magazine Release, Novak 3 Dot Drift Adjustable Sights, Oversized Ejection Port, Checkered Rosewood Grips, Commander Length Slide
Variants
- Ruger SR1911 Lightweight Commander — Lightweight
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Shooting Sports · adopted 2014
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Off-Duty / Personal)
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Continuous production; one of the most popular mid-range Commander-size 1911 pistols
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Commander-size 1911 format, originally introduced by Colt in 1950, shortens the slide and barrel by approximately 19mm (0.75 inches) compared to the Government model while keeping the full-size frame, resulting in a pistol that is easier to carry while sacrificing minimal ballistic performance. The shorter barrel reduces .45 ACP muzzle velocity by roughly 15-25 fps compared to a 5-inch barrel. Ruger also offers a Lightweight Commander variant (model 6711) with an anodized aluminum frame that reduces weight to approximately 830 grams (29.3 ounces), making it significantly more comfortable for all-day carry. The SR1911 Commander uses the same cone barrel lockup as the Standard model rather than a traditional barrel bushing, which simplifies field stripping and provides consistent lockup. The 6-groove barrel has a 1:16-inch (406mm) right-hand twist rate optimized for standard 230-grain .45 ACP loads. Model 6702 is the standard all-stainless Commander configuration.
Background
The Commander-size 1911 occupies a sweet spot between the full-size Government model's shootability and a compact Officer's model concealability. Ruger's entry at a competitive price point with their investment-cast stainless steel construction and Series 70-style trigger made the SR1911 Commander an immediate favorite among 1911 enthusiasts who wanted a carry-size .45 without paying custom shop prices.