In Part 2 of 3 in the Springfield SHOT Show Range Day series, Rob Leatham gives me the details on the new Range Officer Compact 1911 in 9mm. It features a dual spring recoil systems, fiber optic front and low profile combat rear sights, a Parkerized finish, a 4″ stainless steel match grade barrel with fully supported ramp, Cocobolo grips, and an anodized aluminum frame.
This is a 1911 geared towards the concealed carrier who wants a 9mm 1911 with a lighter aluminum frame. I have never been a 1911 fan, but after shooting this gun (and receiving on-camera props from “The Great One” himself, which now must mean we are besties), I have requested a sample copy of the RO Compact 9mm for a more thorough evaluation. Pending results of that eval and review, I might even consider carrying this gun.
In other words, I was very impressed with the light recoiling RO Compact 9mm. The single action trigger was excellent, the sights (including high-visibility fiber optics) were commensurately good, and the stainless 4″ match barrel would probably perform almost as well as a tournament 5″, far exceeding the requirements of a practical defensive pistol.
If Springfield obliges my request for a review model, I will give you a more thorough evaluation. In the meantime, enjoy the video, and don’t forget to subscribe to TFB TV.