SA Range Officer vs. RO Elite Target

[Buck13]

I'm thinking of getting a 1911 for casual target shooting (Bullseye format with friends, not formal matches), probably in 9mm. I've rented the Springfield Range Officer and it seemed pretty satisfactory. Anyone know what you get that's different for the extra cash in the RO Elite Target?

edit: Wait a minute. The RO at Davidson's has an adjustable rear sight, but the RO on Springfield's website seems to be a Novak-type fixed sight. Did they change the specs recently?

 

[JTQ]

In Springfield's line-up the Range Officer used to be a single offering, now it has become a line of pistols. Make sure you are noting the exact model you're considering as the various "Range Officer" models have different features.

Range Officer https://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-range-officer-45-acp/

Range Officer Elite Target https://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-range-officer-elite-target-45acp/

The Elite Target gives you a fancier finish, a fiber optic front sight, and an ambidextrous thumb safety, while the standard Range Officer has a parkerized finish, a plain black front sight, and a single sided thumb safety.

 

[Bartojc]

There is a Range Officer, RO Elite, and RO Elite Target. I own a RO Elite in 9mm. I believe the "Elite" gets you different finish, G10 grips, Gen2 trigger, and tactical rack rear sight over the standard Operator. The difference in the Elite Target and regular Elite is the Target I think has adjustable rear sight vs standard tactical style on the Elite, and a GI style recoil system.

The Elite target is fairly new I think. It did not exist when I bought my RO Elite last winter..

-jeff

 

[FL-NC]

Springfield Armory makes good 1911's. But, I always thought "range officer" was kind of a goofy name for a gun. What exactly is it trying to imply? Also, I think a 1911 in any caliber besides 45 or maybe 38 super is a little "unseemly". But that's just my opinion, and I've been told I have some weird opinions.

 

[walnut1704]

Prior to the Range officer introduction a few years ago, Springfield made a "Stainless Loaded Target". Ambi safeties, guide rod, etc. Surprisingly I still see them around, new, even though they have not been cataloged for a while. I have one in 9mm.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/781077007

 

[Bartojc]

I think a 1911 in any caliber besides 45 or maybe 38 super is a little "unseemly". But that's just my opinion, and I've been told I have some weird opinions.

I understand this opinion, and used to think the same. Then I shot a 1911 in 9mm, which lead to purchasing one in 9mm. There are more out there than you think, and they are a joy to shoot.

-Jeff

 

[IlikeSA]

I have a RO Operator as a duty gun. It is fun to shoot, and 9mm is a great caliber to run. Brownells house brand has some good mags for it too.

I prefer a short trigger and different sights so changed mine out. If you are like me, calculate the cost of an ambi safety and the finish to see if it is worth it to you.

One other thing, it is a pain to manually unload the mags. I have to use an uplula mag loader to get them unloaded, as the bullet sinks down into the mag when pushed from behind. If you have a better way I am all ears.

 

[Buck13]

Gen2 trigger

Tell me more about this...

 

[Buck13]

they are a joy to shoot.

Indeed. We rented a Range Officer recently (I guess it was the original spec, since it didn't say Elite or anything but had an adjustable rear sight, which I remember very well because I cut my thumb on it). I liked it plenty. On her 9th total lifetime day of shooting (about 50 rounds total previous centerfire handgun, and barely past her first brick of .22s), my spousal critter put 5 out of 5 into the black of a B2 target at 10 yards. Which should explain why I am shopping for one to keep!

 

[Walkalong]

I understand this opinion, and used to think the same. Then I shot a 1911 in 9mm, which lead to purchasing one in 9mm. There are more out there than you think, and they are a joy to shoot.

-Jeff

Yep.

 

[Bartojc]

Tell me more about this...

Someone smarter than me will have to tell you the differences. I just know the specs for the Elite series mention Gen 2 trigger.

Jeff