{"id":76910,"date":"2017-07-21T14:14:47","date_gmt":"2017-07-21T18:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=76910"},"modified":"2017-07-21T14:14:47","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T03:53:17","slug":"new-springfield-range-officer-elite-operator-9mm-compact-45-acp-full-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/new-springfield-range-officer-elite-operator-9mm-compact-45-acp-full-review\/","title":{"rendered":"New Springfield Range Officer Elite: Operator in 9mm & Compact in .45 ACP \u2014 Full Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have long been a fan of the Springfield Armory when it comes to 1911s. Much like the Dos Equis beer guy: I don\u2019t always shoot single stacks, but when I do, the odds are high that it\u2019s a Springfield. This week, GunsAmerica got a first look at the new Range Officer (RO) Elite models<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/a>

The New Springfield Armory Elite Operator comes with a range bag, four magazines, a holster and also a spare magazine carrier with a few replacement fiber-optic front sights.<\/p><\/div>\n

Directly from Springfield Armory, \u201cNew for summer 2017, the new RO Elite line adds multiple premium components and details for both competition shooters and defense-minded citizens, in both 9mm and .45ACP versions. For example, every new RO Elite series pistol is clad in the same Black-T\u00ae<\/sup> treatment specified on Springfield Armory 1911s built for the FBI\u2019s regional SWAT and Hostage Rescue Teams. The Black-T coating is self-lubricating, highly corrosion resistant, unaffected by extremes, and engineered to shield the firearm from the heaviest use and toughest conditions. RO Elite models also include: Springfield Armory\u2019s crisp, newly designed Gen 2 triggers, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and custom thin-line G-10 grips designed specifically for this series, adding an entirely new feel for high-precision 1911s. That\u2019s more than $370 worth of upgrades for only a $125 increase in price.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Range Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"New<\/a>

Both the Compact and Operator models have the classic 1911 features: ambidextrous thumb safety, grip safety and a single-action trigger. They both feature bull, match-grade barrels, which improves accuracy.<\/p><\/div>\n

For our test samples, I chose the RO Elite Operator in 9mm and the RO Elite Compact in .45 ACP. An unorthodox choice perhaps, but there is a method to my madness. All four of the new RO Elite models are available in 9mm or .45 ACP, so this is actually an introduction of eight new pistols.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/a>

The Compact model features a bull, match-grade barrel.<\/p><\/div>\n

I haven\u2019t spent a lot of trigger time on a full-sized 9mm 1911, so that is something new for me. The RO Elite Compact is about as small as 1911s come, and I was interested to see how it handled recoil with full-powered .45 ACP. Lastly, one of the weaknesses of 1911s in the modern era has been the lack of an accessory rail. A duty gun without an attached light is like a bull without horns. The few models that have accessory rails aren\u2019t always up to the standards a duty gun should be held to. The Operator version of the RO Elite includes the rail, so I wanted to check it out.<\/p>\n

The RO Elite series comes in a cardboard box, which at first glance had me wonder if Springfield Armory had lost their collective minds. The last Springfield pistols I purchased came in a plastic case that was solid enough for airline travel. A look inside the box reveals more than I had assumed. These guns were meant to be used, and the packaging reflects that. In the box is a range bag that is large enough for any pistol competition. In the bag are a holster, double mag carrier, pistol lock, spare fiber-optic sights, a cleaning brush and four magazines.<\/p>\n

Article Continues Below<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Elite Operator<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"New<\/a>

The Elite Operator is a single-stack 1911 with nine-plus-one round capacity. It’s most notable feature is the front Picatinny rail underneath the barrel that allows shooters to attach lights and lasers. Photo Courtesy: Springfield Armory<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

SPECS<\/h2>\n