Springfield Armory leading into SHOT Show 2020 unveiled their 1911 Ronin Operator to the world, but we finally were able to put our hands on it while attending SHOT Show 2020. The firearm that you may have already seen on the internet and murmurings at gun shops is a 5″ barrel model commonly referred to as a ‘Government’ size. To our surprise, it appears that Springfield Armory is going to be making both a Government profile (5″ barrel) 1911 Ronin Operator as well as a Commander profile (4.25″ barrel) version.

They happened to have both versions on display in their booth at SHOT Show. I, personally, had to do a double-take (a couple times) because I thought that my eyes were fooling me. Upon further inspection, Springfield Armory is actually making 4 new models of the 1911 Ronin Operator which include the 9mm and .45 ACP cartridge in the government and commander profiles. The Commander size pistols are not on Springfield’s website yet, but the 5″ barrel models are live (and for order). These are their specifications as presented by Springfield Armory:

• Calibers: 9mm | .45 ACP
• Barrel: 9mm – 5″ Forged S/S, Match-Grade, Fully-Supported Ramp, 1:16″ Twist | .45 ACP – 5″ Forged S/S, Match-Grade, 1:16″ Twist
• Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Blued
• Frame: Forged Stainless Steel
• Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Tactical Rack White Dot Rear

• Recoil System: GI Style
• Grip Type: Crossed Cannon Wood Laminate
• Magazines: 9mm (1) 9-Round |  .45 ACP (1) 8-Round
• Height 5.5″
• Weight: 9mm – 41 Oz. | .45 ACP – 40 Oz.
• Length: 8.6″

The current MSRP for the 1911 Ronin Operator is $849 in either its 9mm or .45 ACP chambering. It would be fairly safe to assume the pricing for the shorter 4.25″ barrel offerings will go for that same price as well once they are listed on Springfield Armory’s website. The Commander size 1911 Ronin Operator should be nearly identical in specs to its larger counterpart aside from the obvious difference in barrel length, and the frame.

The frame on the Government size 1911 Ronin Operator is a Forged Stainless Steel while the Commander size will likely be comprised of a Forged Lightweight Alloy which is similar to that of other 4.25″ offerings from Springfield Armory. Other than the frame material and barrel length, they will utilize the same size magazines respective to the cartridge it is chambered in.

The upside to the 1911 Ronin Operator for people who may be entertaining purchasing one is the price-point coupled with the quality. Like Rob Leatham mentioned in Springfield Armory’s YouTube video above, having a forged slide and barrel is a big deal when it comes to shopping 1911s. It not only improves the the structural integrity and quality of the firearm, but that transfers over to also more accuracy and a smoother shooting firearm.

While shooting the 1911 Ronin Operator at the “Industry Day at the Range” for SHOT Show 2020, I can absolutely confirm that even though this will retail as a very affordable 1911 it shoots and acts like a much more expensive pistol. The most important thing though is what do you think? Is this something that you would be willing to spend money on? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.