SR1911: Quoting Ruger's CEO

[N0VA]

Within two days of sending Ruger a message from their website, I got the following reply from Mike Fifer, the Chief Executive Officer of Sturm, Ruger:

Dear Mr. (name deleted),

A 1911 of our high quality is a difficult firearm to build, and in spite of considerable capital spending on equipment, we have not been able to hit our daily production goal of 90 guns per day on two extended shifts. Instead, we are averaging somewhere between 50 and 60 guns per day. So far we have shipped more than 8,000 SR1911s.

In response to everyone's frustration (including our own employees, who want more SR1911s), I have committed an additional $3.3 million to acquire more equipment to try to double production. Many of those pieces of equipment are showing up now (I saw quite a few new pieces of equipment when I was in the Prescott factory last week), and I am hopeful they will be tooled up and running with additional, fully-trained employees by the first of the year.


Best regards,
Mike Fifer


There you have it fans, the official word from a reliable source!

[dorminWS]

I've been promised one and ain't got one. Now I know more about why. Cold comfort.

[Mindflayer]

Cold comfort, but it's gratifying that the CEO emailed back. (I won't get on my soapbox about bank, finance, and insurance CEOs right now....)


Demand for these things must be through the roof. I guess it's another reason to hold off and let my fiancée buy me one.

[Diomed]

Well, if he's not blowing smoke, then they must have some seriously encouraging long term projections. Capital outlays like that generally don't happen if they think the demand is temporary (see the recent ammo boom/bust).

[TScottW99]

Would explain why it is so darn hard to get my hands on one.

[AppleaDay]

Patience is a virtue.

[dorminWS]

Patience is a virtue.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That myth is perpetrated by those folks who want you to wait on them to deliver on their promises, right? Patience can be a horrible mistake sometimes.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I'm surprised you got a reply! Looks like Ruger realizes the demand for their gun and are committed to increasing production unlike some companies *cough*Keltec*cough*.

[jrdavidson]

I have one! I pre-ordered it with Impact Guns back in May when they were first announced (mine arrived in Sept). I paid $659 shipped. Its a solid 1911 - fit and finish is good (not great), accuracy is similarly good (not great). It fills the niche of an affordable and reliable defensive firearm, but if you're looking for "custom quality", you're better saving your money towards that goal. I would have preferred it in blue.

I've replaced the Ruger slide stop and mag release with 10-8 versions, and will put in a solid trigger soon. Other than that, mine is stock. The check-mate magazines that came with it are OK, and again, not great. My Chip McCormick PowerMag 8 rounders are rock solid in this pistol.

For the price point, the SR1911 is an attractive and easy gun to shoot. I think it competes well with the Remington R1, Springfields, and some of the Colts. If/when they come out with an all-steel commander I might sell this pistol and move over.

All in all, this pistol is worth waiting for if you're not paying full MSRP. Otherwise, you can do as well with other brands.

[Reverenddel]

I think I will have to purchase a Ruger SR1911 when they become more available. I have a thing for Ruger revolvers, and .22LR's.

That being said, I'm also inclined for a Springfield.

However... tires, and 90K mile service come first (sigh) Being a responsible adult SUCKS!

[dorminWS]

First pistol I ever owed - indeed, the first GUN I ever owned because i bought it, was a Ruger Mark I .22LR. I've got nicer 1911s than the SR1911. But I've just got this thing about Ruger pistols. Also feel like a collection of 1911s ought to have Ruger's entry in it. My dealer will get one for me by and by. But in the meantime, I'll be my curmudgeonly self about not already having it. It's part of the drill, ya know?