Springfield Range Officer vs. Loaded

[digsigs226]

Hey all, I have been looking into getting a 1911 for quite some time, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to Springfield Armory. Trouble is, I'm having a hard time deciding between the Range Officer and the Loaded model (probably in stainless steel).

This will not likely be my "go to war gun" or primary concealed carry piece, so its pretty much going to be a range gun only. Possibly home defense too if I shoot well enough with it.

I heard that the RO final assembly is done on the TRP line in the U.S., and the fit and finish is noticeably better... is the difference really that significant in accuracy? What about reliability? I can live without the ambi safety and front slide serrations on the Loaded. Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

And before anyone mentions the SR1911, don't, because I don't feel like spending 3 months looking for one

 

[ColtPythonElite]

FWIW, I have a Loaded. My buddy has a TRP. As far as range guns goes, there isn't any discernible difference in the two. The both shoot pretty darn good.

 

[drew2500]

I've never shot the RO, but I absolutely love my loaded. I also like having the night sights rather than the target sights like those on the RO. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[skipsan]

Springfield advertises that the fit-up on the RO (barrel/bushing/slide) is equivalent to that on the TRP/TM models. That translates directly to group size from a rest. Range reports bare that out on terms of equivalent group size. Advertised group size for the TRP series is 2 1/2" or smaller. That same number for the Loaded series is 3 1/2" or smaller. Depending on how that is calculated, its about a 30% reduction in group size which may or may not be significant depending on the shooter.

The fit-up of the trigger/fire control system on the RO however, isn't equivalent to the TRP series. 4.5 to 5 lbs for the TRP, versus 5-6 lbs for the RO, although my RO measured out at slightly less than 5 lbs.

At $700--$800, I think the RO is a genuine value. I paid the full $800 and do not regret the purchase. I don't carry it, so the klunky rear sight is no issue.
I would like to add a gold bead to the front sight so I can see the damn thing, but that is not the pistol's problem.

FWIW, the local gs has had a Ruger 1911 on the shelf for almost a week at the full msrp of $799.

 

[Olympus]

Stainless would be a big plus for me. I've never cared for parkerizing. I guess a better comparison would be the Loaded Target model compared to the Range Officer.

 

[Tallinar]

I owned a stainless Loaded model a few years ago. I was very pleased with it. I regret selling it.

 

[GR8GIFT]

My Range Officer is more accurate than my Loaded.

 

[dcarch]

Go with the RO, and spend the extra money on whatever upgrades (or ammo) you want.

 

[digsigs226]

Go with the RO, and spend the extra money on whatever upgrades (or ammo) you want.

Extra Money? In my local area they are pretty much the exact same price, which
only serves to compound my predicament...

I think gunstores maybe are jacking the price up on the RO because of the tight supply/ high demand though...

 

[wow6599]

I've owned both (past tense) and IMHO, the RO was a much better gun. The Brazil marked loaded had terrible fit and finish, poor accuracy and a bad trigger. The RO, which is finished in Illinois, had the slide/frame fit of a gun costing twice as much, very accurate and overall just a nice, tight 1911. Only sold it to "upgrade", and I'm not sure that's going to happen.

Go with the RO.

 

[gb6491]

I've been well pleased with my RO. It's accurate and functions without issue.
The only thing thing I've had to do to it is adjust the sights

Regards,
Greg

 

[dcarch]

They're the same price? Here I could get one today for $720. What are the prices like there?

 

[surjimmy]

From what I saw on Shooting USA, the only difference in the TRP and the RO. The RO doesn't come with the ambidextrous thumb safety or the front serrations. I could be mistaken, but am pretty sure.

 

[wow6599]

From what I saw on Shooting USA, the only difference in the TRP and the RO. The RO doesn't come with the ambidextrous thumb safety or the front serrations. I could be mistaken, but am pretty sure.

I don't think the TRP is parkerized.........

 

[digsigs226]

They're the same price? Here I could get one today for $720. What are the prices like there?

The cheapest I have on the RO is $779, Loaded models are around $800 or more. Perhaps I should do some more digging...

From what I saw on Shooting USA, the only difference in the TRP and the RO. The RO doesn't come with the ambidextrous thumb safety or the front serrations. I could be mistaken, but am pretty sure.

Also, the TRP has front strap checkering, which probably adds around a 100 bucks in itself.

It seems like the difference is that the Loaded is a gun that MIGHT be tight as opposed to the RO, which is a gun that will be tight.

 

[silversport]

From what I saw on Shooting USA, the only difference in the TRP and the RO. The RO doesn't come with the ambidextrous thumb safety or the front serrations. I could be mistaken, but am pretty sure.

and night sights...and the finish is either Armory Kote or stainless steel instead of Park'd carbon steel of the RO, and usually the TRP has G-10 stocks...

Bill