First Look: Springfield Range Officer Operator

In response to customer demand, Springfield Armory introduced a new member of the Range Officer family for 2016: the Operator.

Like the original Springfield Range Officer, the new Operator model is designed to perform far beyond its price tag. The Operator includes forged national match frames and slides, both features found on Springfield Armory's 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," Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese said. "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 Springfield 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 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 Springfield 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.

The new model also sports a Parkerized finish that 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 Springfield Range Officer Operator, customers now can enjoy the same great features that made the original Range Officers so popular, now optimized for self-defense application.

---