This is a short review of the new Springfield Range Officer 1911. Springfield claims that the RO is built with the same quality as the their TRP and Trophy Match models. Having never shot a Trophy Match or TRP, I cannot attest to the accuracy of this claim. I can say however, with great certainty, that the RO is a high quality rig – especially for the money. Before shooting I disassembled the gun, cleaned the internals, greased the slide/frame and added oil as needed. The pistol disassembled and reassembled easily with a frame to slide fit that looked and felt just right.
Range Time
First time at the range was primarily to verify the reliability of the weapon. The only thing I changed from the stock configuration were the magazines. I have had pretty good luck with Chip McCormick 8 round mags and took two along for the reliability check. The gun was tested with 4 types of ammunition with a total of 300 rounds fired. The ammunition test included: 1. Remington UMC Target 230 grain MC. 2. Remington Golden Sabers 230 grain 3. Winchester Ranger Frangible SF 175 grain +P. 4. Federal Classic 230 Grain HPs. All rounds fired flawlessly from the RO and there were no stoppages of any kind. This is how a 1911 is meant to run! At approximately 150 rounds I added a small amount of oil the rails. At 200 rounds I pulled a bore snake down the barrel, which did seem to improve accuracy.
Accuracy
The picture shows a 9 round group shot at 25 yards standing with two hands (Note picture of target is incorrectly marked 25 "Feet"). I can’t ask for much more than this. Better shooters will likely get better results.
Comparison to Springfield LW Operator
I Shot the gun side-by-side with my Springfield 1911 LW Operator. The guns are very similar in construction and design.
Fit and Finish
I give the edge on fit and fish to the LW Operator.
Accuracy
Both guns are accurate. The RO is slightly more controllable for fast follow up shots as the additional weight from the steel frame really soaks up the recoil. I could easily shoot this gun all day long without any discomfort. The RO’s trigger breaks more cleanly and has virtually no detectable creep. The edge on accuracy goes to the RO.
Reliability
The LW Operator sometimes stovepipes on the last round in a magazine fired. I don’t consider this a major issue but nonetheless it shouldn’t happen. With the RO there were zero malfunctions and the brass ejected a good ten feet without fail. The edge on reliability goes to the RO.
Price
The LW Operator was $1,100. The RO was $800. I believe the RO is a better value and perhaps in my case a slightly more reliable gun.
For anyone looking into getting his or her first 1911, and perhaps something to upgrade or modify over time, I believe the RO is a truly excellent choice.
Range Time
First time at the range was primarily to verify the reliability of the weapon. The only thing I changed from the stock configuration were the magazines. I have had pretty good luck with Chip McCormick 8 round mags and took two along for the reliability check. The gun was tested with 4 types of ammunition with a total of 300 rounds fired. The ammunition test included: 1. Remington UMC Target 230 grain MC. 2. Remington Golden Sabers 230 grain 3. Winchester Ranger Frangible SF 175 grain +P. 4. Federal Classic 230 Grain HPs. All rounds fired flawlessly from the RO and there were no stoppages of any kind. This is how a 1911 is meant to run! At approximately 150 rounds I added a small amount of oil the rails. At 200 rounds I pulled a bore snake down the barrel, which did seem to improve accuracy.
Accuracy
The picture shows a 9 round group shot at 25 yards standing with two hands (Note picture of target is incorrectly marked 25 "Feet"). I can’t ask for much more than this. Better shooters will likely get better results.
Comparison to Springfield LW Operator
I Shot the gun side-by-side with my Springfield 1911 LW Operator. The guns are very similar in construction and design.
Fit and Finish
I give the edge on fit and fish to the LW Operator.
Accuracy
Both guns are accurate. The RO is slightly more controllable for fast follow up shots as the additional weight from the steel frame really soaks up the recoil. I could easily shoot this gun all day long without any discomfort. The RO’s trigger breaks more cleanly and has virtually no detectable creep. The edge on accuracy goes to the RO.
Reliability
The LW Operator sometimes stovepipes on the last round in a magazine fired. I don’t consider this a major issue but nonetheless it shouldn’t happen. With the RO there were zero malfunctions and the brass ejected a good ten feet without fail. The edge on reliability goes to the RO.
Price
The LW Operator was $1,100. The RO was $800. I believe the RO is a better value and perhaps in my case a slightly more reliable gun.
For anyone looking into getting his or her first 1911, and perhaps something to upgrade or modify over time, I believe the RO is a truly excellent choice.
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