Ruger Introduces 9mm Luger Cartridge for Its “Commander” 1911 Pistol
In 2011, Ruger introduced their version (SR1911) of the 1911 semi-automatic pistol designed by John Moses Browning. The SR1911 has been quite successful in a very competitive marketplace filled with more 1911-platform pistols than any time in the history of the design.
The reputation of the 1911 has been built on the .45 ACP cartridge, but many shooters today have clamored for a lightweight 1911 chambered in 9mm. In July this year, Ruger introduced the lightweight Commander size SR1911 chambered for the 9mm cartridge.
Why a Nine?
With the excellent powders and bullet designs available today, the 9mm cartridge is effective and dependable to get the job done. Plus, the lighter recoil of the 9mm compared to the .45 ACP is preferred by many people.
Commander History
In 1949, Colt developed the Commander pistols to be included in the U.S. military trials to replace the standard Government model 1911 issued to officers. The Commander size refers to a full-size frame 1911 with the barrel shortened by .75 inches. This results in a well-balanced pistol that is more concealable if needed.
The requirements for the new pistol included an overall length of seven inches, a weight of 25 ounces unloaded and 9 mm caliber. Unique with its aluminum frame, it was also the first Colt pistol chambered in 9mm. However, the military decided against the idea of a new officers’ sidearm, but Colt brought the concept to the commercial market in 1951 with the name Commander for its new pistol.
Ruger 9mm SR1911 (Model 6722)
Ruger follows the “Series 70” design of the original 1911 for the civilian market. This provides easy takedown and reassembly for the user. The
Ruger changed to a titanium firing pin and a heavy firing-pin spring making the pistol safer.
SR1911 has the same traditional look of the original 1911, but with a number of new features.
CNC-controlled machining produces a precise slide to frame fit. The forged stainless steel slide is very easy to function due to the lighter recoil spring. The recoil spring can be changed to a heavier one if +P ammunition is being used.
The rear serrations on the slide are in a chevron pattern, which is different from the other SR1911 models. They provide an excellent gripping surface for operating the slide. Additionally, the ejection port on the slide is lowered to allow positive extraction of cartridges.
Ruger changed to a titanium firing pin and a heavy firing-pin spring making the pistol safer.
The 4.25-inch barrel and bushing are produced from the same ordnance-grade bar-stock steel. This provides a very precise fit resulting in better accuracy. There is a loaded chamber indicator at the breech end of the barrel allowing visual confirmation of a round in the chamber.
The trigger has a crisp, easy 4.5- pound pull with no creep. The lightweight skeletonized, aluminum trigger can be adjusted for over-travel with a hex screw in the trigger face.
Ruger changed to a titanium firing pin and a heavy firing-pin spring making the pistol safer. If the pistol is dropped with a round in the chamber, the chance of an accidental discharge is reduced since the heavy-duty firing-pin spring holds the firing pin back.
The dovetailed 3-dot black Novak sight system features the LoMount Carry rear sight, which is drift adjustable, and standard front sight. The stainless steel/aluminum Model 6722 weighs only 29 ounces, but feels less in the hand due to its excellent balance.
Range Impressions
The Ruger Model 6722 felt well balanced and lightweight in my hand. I was very pleased with the excellent trigger pull and the light recoil.
The Ruger Model 6722 felt well balanced and lightweight in my hand. I was very pleased with the excellent trigger pull and the light recoil. The pistol functioned flawlessly mixing a couple of brands of ammo in the magazine. Loading the last few rounds into the magazine was made easier using an UpLula magazine loader.
Most of the shots were fired off-hand at 21 feet from the target. This first time at the range, I was more interested in how the pistol performed overall, which was excellent. Another time, I will shoot from a rest with a number of brands and loads of ammunition to determine which loads this particular gun likes best.
Conclusions
I have always liked the 1911-platform pistols because they fit my hand well and are one of the safest pistols to carry with the grip and thumb safety. The Ruger Model 6722 is well balanced, lightweight and compact for ease-of-carry. Due to new powder advances and bullet design, the 9mm is an excellent choice for target shooting competition, plinking or defensive applications.
It looks good, feels good and shoots good. The MSRP is $769, but check your local stores for current pricing.
