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As many readers will know, Springfield has wasted no time in 2016 with a salvo of daily launches of new products in the first quarter of the year. Today, January 13, Springfield officially unveiled its new Range Officer 1911 in 9mm.
Springfield was kind enough to send James of TFBTV a pre-run sample so he could get some trigger time with this new gun and record a brief, hands-on segment before SHOT Show.
The press release is below, and the video link is embedded in this post. Special thanks to Springfield for sending us this (and several other!) 1911s to try out before they actually hit the market. Keep your eyes on TFB, as more surprises from Springfield are on the way!
PRESS RELEASE:
Springfield Armory® Announces 1911 Range Officer® Operator®
GENESEO, IL, January 13, 2016 – In response to customer demand, Springfield Armory® is pleased to announce a new member of the Range Officer® family – the Operator®. When the original Range Officer® models were released in both 9mm and .45 ACP, customers immediately asked for similar features in a package optimized for self-defense use.
Like the original Range Officer®, the new Operator® model is designed to perform far beyond its price tag. The Operator® includes the best components and manufacturing techniques, like forged national match frames and slides, both features found on our top end 1911 models. A national match stainless steel barrel and precisely fit bushing help wring maximum accuracy from the Range Officer® Operator®.
“When we released the original Range Officer® series, customers immediately asked us when we were going to produce a Range Officer® model that was equipped for self-defense use,” said Springfield Armory® CEO Dennis Reese. “Customers loved the value of the Range Officer® configurations and the flexibility to choose between 9mm and .45 ACP in the same great platform, so we made development of the new Operator® a priority.”
Designed to be a formidable companion for concealed carry or home defense, the Range Officer® Operator® is equipped with features that can make a difference when split seconds count. The sighting system is bright and fast, leveraging high-visibility fiber optic front sights and low profile combat-style rear sights that won’t snag during fast draws from the holster. The classic flat mainspring housing is checkered for positive grip, and the extended beavertail safety includes a memory bump for positive and unambiguous activation under stressful conditions. Rounding out the package is a long aluminum match grade trigger, skeletonized Delta hammer, and Picatinny rail for light or laser attachment. To improve reliability, the ejection port is also lowered and flared.
The Operator® is designed around the full-size Government model frame, containing a five-inch barrel to generate maximum velocity from the user’s choice of ammunition. The large frame also allows for maximum sight radius, making it easy to get fast and accurate hits on target.
The Range Officer® Operator® is available in 9mm and .45 ACP. Exterior dimensions are the same, but the 9mm model packs nine+one rounds of ammo with its two included magazines. The .45 ACP model also includes two standard seven-round magazines for a total loaded capacity of seven+one.
Just because the Range Officer® Operator® is designed for defense doesn’t mean it can’t look good. The new model sports a Parkerized finish that looks sharp and will ward off corrosion and rust under the most demanding carry conditions. The checkered Cocobolo grips provide a firm hold without undue wear and tear on carry holsters and clothes.
With the Range Officer® Operator®, customers now can enjoy the same great features that made the original Range Officers® so popular, but now optimized for self-defense application.
