I have been searching for a long time for a lower cost commander ( to wear to work on the farm when I don't want to worry about my Dan wesson) that is series 70, black, beavertail, no fcs, no billboards, non ambi, and front strap checkering. I wanted to spend less than $1000 and have been searching for a few months with no luck new or used.
Looked hard at the remington R1 carry commander that had it all minus non series 70, ambi, and billboard. I found a few for the $900 range. Saw a ruger night watchman at my LGS and really liked it as it had everything I wanted minus the front strap checkering (very light laser engraved slide that is hardly noticeable and could be removed probably). I got it for $780 out the door ($765 + Wisconsin $15 handgun fee background check). Good price
First impressions when I got home after I picked it up and really looked it over. Front bushing to slide fit is great but I have over .005 on bushing to barrel fit with a little rattle. Also the beavertail has a little rattle to it but not too worried about it. Finish is GREAT. Really love that black nitride. Fit on everything else is great. I was sad that my new stag grips that I have been saving for my new commander are way to think for my hands
and I have to search for a new pair. I installed a wilson front strap that I used to have on my GSG1911. so far ok but I know it will bug me and I will want to get the front strap checkered some day. Overall happy with the purchase and I will take it out shooting this weekend to hopefully amplify that feeling. And as I left the gunshop I said "thanks and until the next one"
sorry for my crappy cell phone photo