SA Range Officer vs Ruger SR1911

[rogerjames]

I'd like some opinions from you guys between these 2. I know the Ruger is not widely in circulation yet, so hands-on comparisons may not be too available. I've read some feeding/cycling issues from some Ruger owners that were resolved by replacing the recoil spring with a lighter one, and some other minor issues. I wonder if Ruger is attempting to resolve these before increasing production... or are they just not up to speed yet?

Anyway, what I do like about the Ruger is... great looks, fixed sights, no fps, single-sided thumb safety, American made, and good price. The frame is cast and the plunger tube is cast into the frame... so if it is ever possibly damaged... would be a PITA to fix. Also appears to have a lot of MIM (I know MIM has been discussed here extensively)

Now the Range Officer... I like that SA is not new to the 1911 game and they have a custom shop. Both the frame and slide are forged, unlike the Ruger. The RO has fps and ILS. Can anyone explain the ILS to me, because I don't understand how it works? Initial reviews suggest that it has tight fit and shoots quite well. I'm not crazy about the adjustable sights. Does anyone know easy or difficult it would be to replace these?

Anyways, I would appreciate any first-hand reviews or opinions based on specs from those of you who understand the platform much more than I do.

 

[skipsan]

Don't know anything about the Ruger 1911, except that the Ruger reputation should mean that it's a quality firearm and a good value. From what I've read, a more valid comparison would be between the Ruger and one of the SA Loaded models, and in that case, the Ruger would probably win on price alone. Forgings versus quality castings is a non-issue for me.

That said, if "fps" means firing pin safety, the SAs DO NOT have firing pin safeties. SA uses a titanium firing pin and an extra strong firing pin return spring to pass the California drop test. Don't know what Ruger uses, if anything.

The ILS is simply a key-lock. An owner would lock the pistol to prevent unauthorized use with a key provided with the pistol. It has nothing to do with operational use. I've never heard of the ILS inadvertantly interfering with use or function of the pistol, but someone out there probably has a friendnof a cousin who heard of an issue. The ILS system is easily and economically removed if an owner should decide tomdomso.

 

[rogerjames]

Thanks skipsan,
I was mistaken about the fps on the SA. And you're right, I read that you can change the mainspring housing and remove the internal locking mechanism.

I believe the loaded and the range officer share a lot of features, except the officer may be a little tighter and has adjustable rear sight.

 

[skipsan]

The RO is advertised by SA as having fit-up comparable to their top-of-line
TRP and TM models. Range reports seem to support that, although the RO does NOT have the same trigger pull spec as the TRPs (4-5lbs versus 5-6lbs).

The adjustable rear sight on the RO is pretty clunky for a carry gun, but shouldn't be of too much concern for a range gun. There's only one aftermarket alternative for the RO and it's about $100 installed, and still looks kinda clunky to me although the edges are nicely rounded.

For what it's worth, I have an RO and really like it. Very nice fit and finish, and it'll shoot right along with my TRPs.

Added: you don't have to replace the MSH to ditch the ILS. Just a new mainspring and mainspring cap and you're there. Most do replace the MSH, however infavormof a different style and/or to add a magwell.

 

[mnhntr]

love my SR1911

 

[G27RR]

I wrote an extensive review of the Range Officer, and later in the thread discussed the Harrison rear sight. I did make one mistake in the review - the MSH is not polymer, and I'm note sure how I slipped that in there.

My review of the RO
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=578842

My review and install of Harrison rear sight
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=581373

Here's mine after a swapping grips and both sights...

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

real shame that SA put adj sites on the RO, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of 1911 shooters prefer fixed.

 

[CTGunner]

I liked my RO enough that I had it customized. The adjustable sights aren't ideal for concealed carry. Now that I have added a front night sight the front/rear combo works quite well. The main thing that I did not like about the RO was the finish. It scratched very easily so I had the gun refinished with Cerakote. For what it's worth, despite being very tight, this gun has functioned 100% flawlessly. I have had exactly zero malfunctions to date with this 1911.

 

[rogerjames]

Thanks for the links G. Great write up and review.

 

[G27RR]

Thanks for the links G. Great write up and review.

You're welcome. Good luck with your choice.

 

[G27RR]

real shame that SA put adj sites on the RO, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of 1911 shooters prefer fixed.

Since they were going for the competition market, it makes sense, but it would be nice if they offered the option. The Loaded models have front cocking serrations and aren't supposed to be fit as well, so they aren't quite an equivalent option (to me, anyway).

 

[HOOfan_1]

Since they were going for the competition market

Yeah..it is billed as a gun that you can take straight to the competition range.

If people wanted a SA that adheres to the classic 1911 styling, they can buy a GI or Mil-Spec...

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

Since they were going for the competition market, it makes sense, but it would be nice if they offered the option. The Loaded models have front cocking serrations and aren't supposed to be fit as well, so they aren't quite an equivalent option (to me, anyway).

yep, they made the RO for the target shooting market, and it is indeed better fit than the loaded. if i could find an RO cheap enough to justify the harrison fixed site i would need to buy, i would indeed purchase it

 

[kamagong]

The RO is advertised by SA as having fit-up comparable to their top-of-line
TRP and TM models.

Those models are not Springfield's top of the line 1911s. That honor belongs to the Professional, Custom Carry, and TGO1.