Just days before the 2015 SHOT Show, Ruger will announce yet another new handgun: the SR1911 Lightweight Commander. This new pistol will bring the total number of 1911-type handguns made by Ruger to three.
As the name suggests, this pistol is lighter than the existing Commander-sized gun from Ruger. The new Lightweight Commander uses an anodized aluminum frame instead of a stainless one. Using aluminum results in a reduction of more than 7 ounces in weight: 29.3 oz from the original 36.4 oz.
New for 2015, Dan Wesson introduced a 1911-style pistol that was chambered for the 10mm and .45 ACP cartridges. According to the company, these new pistols were of a quality comparable to the top-of-the-line Dan Wesson Valor pistols.
Let’s take a look at the basics of these guns…
Rock Island Armory has a line of 1911 pistols bearing the 2011 Tactical Series title. These pistols are meant to honor the 100-year anniversary of the famed Model 1911, while showing off the latest advancements in pistol accessories for the legendary pistol. One of the newer additions to the 2011 Tactical Series, is a single stack 10mm that premiered at last year’s SHOT Show, but its such a nice pistol that I wanted to share it in this year’s show coverage. The other models in the 2011 Tactical Series include a traditional .45 ACP and a 9mm version of the pistol.
The Tactical 2011 VZ Grip 10 mm combines the 1911 concept and design, with modern features and materials. In recent years Rock Island Armory has been steadily making a name for themselves by producing quality 1911 pistols at affordable prices. This pistol caught my eye for its attractive profile, and the selection of the powerful 10mm.
We all know that the 1911 platform is a fine weapon, and we also know that they can be picky about the kinds of ammunition they will run. Â That is one of the many reasons why more than a few firearms instructors suggest guns other than a 1911 for self-defense purposes.
For years, I have seen gunsmiths offering a variety of packages to improve the reliability of the venerable 1911.  But, I did not realize that Colt offered one of those same packages at the factory. The Colt Enhanced Reliability Package is a deal offered through the company’s custom shop and can be purchased prior to the acquisition of the firearm to get it tuned before delivery.  Also, current Colt owners can ship their existing 1911 back to the shop for improving reliability.
The Iver Johnson 1911A1 Carbine is a new rifle that appears to mate a 1911 pistol to a AR-style rifle. Â It is chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge and looks like it retains all of the normal 1911 controls, grip safety and more.
The gun has a M4-style stock.  Additionally, it looks to have a removable carry handle, removable front sight and a single Picatinny rail on the top of the rifle upper.  From the photo, you can see there is a charging handle on the left side of the weapon.  The barrel appears to be about 16″ in length.  Pricing is already listed as $623.95 on some websites.
The same general thing has been tried before with kits that convert various pistols to carbines. Â Those kits include the Hera-Arms CPE, SIG Sauer ACP, and the CAA Tactical RONI. Â The Iver Johnson 1911A1 Carbine looks like it goes a step farther and makes the unit appear more permanently attached. Â Of course, that may not be accurate.