Collecting Ruger 1911s

[Terry T]

I've noticed a few variations as I've been accumulating some Ruger 1911s.

There are at least 3 styles of pouches, the early black with white Ruger logo and the words "Ruger SR1911", a later one that is black with just a red Ruger logo, and the last one (?) that is black with a white Ruger logo and the word "Ruger". The current shipments no longer include a pouch.



Somewhere between Ser. no. 671-728xx and 672-262xx the words on the right side of the frame "PRESCOTT AZ RUGER 1911" changed from an open style to a closed style.

The box has changed again to a smaller box between 672-262xx and 672-635xx. I believe the pouch was dropped at the same time as the box size changed.

At least 4 box variations:





(photo program is not cooperating for me. )

There are numerous editions of manuals as well, some with inserts for new (at the time) variations such as the 'commander' size and the 9mm.

There currently appear to be 22 different model numbers assigned:
6700 standard 5" barrel
6700C Talo features a 5-inch barrel, two-tone blue and stainless steel finish, Cerakote slide
6702 commander
6703 Navy Seal only 500 made Has a USN SR# First edition
6704 Navy Seal Foundation Ruger 1911 CMD only 500 made Has a NSF SR# Second edition
6707 is listed as the same gun as 6708 on Talo's web site. So maybe it is a different model year?
6708 commander night watchman 4.25" barrel
6709 full size night watchman 5" barrel
6710 was for the Shootists 35th Anniversary gun. (Per Big Bore)
6711commander lightweight
6715 full size rail
6716 is a Talo Exclusive deluxe carry with CRKT knife. (Per Big Bore)
6717 All Steel Ruger Classic Commander sized 1911 .45 caliber. 4.25 inch barrel only 100 made (Per Terry)
All Steel Ruger Classic Commander sized 1911 .45 caliber. 4.25 inch barrel. Low mount Novak fixed sights. The slide is polished and coated with Black Tribond (Ionbond) DLC for high wear resistance, smooth operation and to reduce lubrication requirement. The pistol features unique thin black G-10 grips with Ruger Logo. A Bangers/TALO Exclusive. http://www.bangersusa.com
6718 commander lightweight OD green
6720 commander lightweight night watchman
6722 commander lightweight in 9mm
6725 commander SS Laser Grips
6728 standard (5") Laser Grips
6730 commander lightweight with Laser Grips
6736 standard (5") Target Model
6737 commander SR1911-CMD-A-NSM Navy Seal Museum / TALO, 200 made, S.N. NSM001–NSM200.
6744 commander lightweight Alaska State Troopers 75th Anniversary – only 75 made

Special models:
1)1 Of 100 engraved on both sides of the slide with simulated ivory grip panels and red logo.

2) 1 of 100 right side of slide has two crossed muskets with the numbers "12" and "2" on the top and bottom of the cross. The left side is inscribed with "TASK FORCE LETHAL WARRIOR" and "OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM". The wood grip panels are engraved "RANGER WARRIOR" with an emblem with the number "4" in the middle.

3) 1 of 300 engraved on both sides of the hi-polished slide and trimmed in gold. Inscribed on the left side with " THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS" and the right side with "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED". The grips are simulated ivory with a bald eagle and scroll work etched in. (see picture)

4) 1 of 300 engraved on both sides of the hi-polished slide with gold trim. Inscribed on the left with "PROTECTING AMERICA'S FREEDOM" and on the right with "FREEDOM ISN'T FREE". Simulated ivory grip panels have scroll work and the letters "USA" in gold.

5) 1 of 500 All blue "Navy Seal" with the left side having the Navy Seal emblem and the right side the Ruger logo. The sides of the slide are hi-polished and the balance matted. The wood grip panels have about a 60% basket weave carving and the Ruger logo carved in the middle.

I believe this is a wide open area for collectors and these variations need to be documented for future reference. :shock:
Terry T

 

[hittman]

Funny in that 2010 many asked "why another 1911"? claiming market is saturated, they're all alike, there's nothing new to be done, etc.

Now ..... 22 different models later ...... :shock:

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Good info TT,, and you are correct a wild open field and at least one member Old Model Crazy has a nice collection of Ruger 1911s which he displays.

hittman,
They said the same on the Ruger AR rifles,,,but they keep on selling. I would bet that if Ruger built a copy of Browning's HP it too would sell like hot cakes. JMO
Terry

 

[Terry T]

T.A.
I've managed to pick up a few but I'll not be able to try for a complete, or even close, collection.
I've added some photos - my photo program is giving me fits tonight.
I'd like to see a more complete section in Chad's next edition.
Terry T

 

[hittman]

My SR1911 with a born-on date of 04-09-2013 came with the top gun rug in your first pic and the bottom box in your last picture.

 

[Terry T]

"Hitman",
My lowest ser. no. , 670-537xx also came with the same box and pouch as yours - no '1911' on the box and just the white logo marked pouch - no "Ruger SR 1911".
I believe the first box and pouch (top photo) are somewhat 'rare' having been dropped at least within the first 40 thousand. (I found the photo on the internet - not my gun). Gun in the photo appears to be 670-10xxx - little hard to read the number.
I do not yet know when they were switched. I found my "Ruger SR1911" marked pouch loose on E-bay.

I have a photo of a Ruger 1911 with the red marked pouch with a 670- 44xxx ser. no.

The non specific (not marked "Ruger SR 1911") marked pouch can be used for other models of guns and may have been cheaper to provide.

My highest ser. no. is 672-80xxx so over 280,000 have been produced. I'd say they have been successful for Ruger!

Terry T

 

[hittman]

"Hitman",
My lowest ser. no. , 670-537xx also came with the same box and pouch as yours - no '1911' on the box and just the white logo marked pouch - no "Ruger SR 1911".
Terry T

670-694xx is the s/n on mine. In same packaging as yours.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

TT,

Full size - #670-63971, Commander - #670-53381, both guns had first issue boxes and pouch's.

TAW,,,, :wink:

 

[Terry T]

T. A.
And so the plot thickens. I wonder if the shipping date has something to do with which pouch got included? (Rather than ser. no.).
Terry T

 

[El Numero Uno]

With regard to special model 2 above, I can share some info. I had these done by Baron for my son's Battalion when they were deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. The 2nd Battailion of the 12th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division was deployed to the Kunar Province from March-2012 until December-2012.
There were 186 of the SR1911's done; some had a nickname, or call sign, also engraved under the ejection port. These are generally termed "Deployment Weapons"; have no info as to whether any other SR1911's were made up as such. They were shipped to Specialty Sports in Colorado Springs, home of Fort Carson and the 4th ID.
I would think these would be pretty hard to come by. Serial# range was in the 670-44XXX; more or less.

 

[circlergrugers]

Terry,
Here are two I could get to:
Model 6700
Serial number 670-000XX
Box marked: Ruger SR1911. Arms makers for responsible citizens
Early Black pouch marked Ruger SR1911
Instruction Manuel dated FF 4/11 C
Case packet dated 11/23/2011

2nd.
Model 6700
Serial Number 670-119XX
Box is plain large box
Early Black pouch marked Ruger SR1911
Instruction Manuel dated FF 4/11 C
Case packet dated 01/05/2012

So there is a box change here!

I'm guessing the case packets may give some answers as to dates of some changes.
Guess you will have to stay after this, I'll dig more out at another time.
Hank

 

[Ruger45]

 

[Ruger45]

I kinda have given up collecting the 1911's for now. 22 different models of almost the exact same gun LOL