Operator 1911 Springfield - The 1911 has been a legend for over a century now. Everyone is chasing the 1911's trigger with its smooth, consistent break and linear pull. As a result, the weight is usually between 4.5 pounds. Up to 5 pounds, or less if desired. Even if you don't have a Springfield 1911 in your hands, I'm willing to bet you can feel that "glass shattering" sensation as the hammer hits.

The new Springfield Arms Operator in .45 ACP has all the features a 1911-style author pistol is looking for.

Operator 1911 Springfield

Operator 1911 Springfield

1911s have a lot going for them, and as owners, we always want all the options, and we want them at a good price. Springfield did it with a new operator. Not only did they bring it to a good price, but they also loaded it with options. I put this new Operator to the test with different bullets, a chronograph test, and of course, lots of fun stuff.

Pat Cascio's Product Review: Springfield Armory Mc Operator 1911

Institute days consist of standard shooting exercises without duty belts or equipment, with a mix of handling and reloading exercises to get a good feel for this new offering. It has also been tested on various light brands and magazine brands.

The trigger is as good as ever and has the feel and look we like. It has a skeletonized profile to match the skeletonized hammer. The pull is consistent, very short, and very crisp when the hammer lands.

Springfield's new .45 is a full-size pistol with an aggressive grip design, ambidextrous safety and optional rail. Photo: Michael Bordon, After Action AZPhotography

The low-key black Cerakote finish on the forged slide and frame contrasts beautifully with the forged stainless steel match barrel. If we move forward from end to end, we can see a smooth, custom grip plate with an aggressive yet non-abrasive texture. The grips are VZ Grips and are made from G10. VZ Grips is the company behind the highly regarded Emissary grips.

Springfield Armory 1911 Trp Operator

You can see how the Operator actually locks by looking at the construction of the gun's grip.

The same construction follows around the back strap for maximum grip and usability, even when used with one hand. We also get a standard journal with two-way security controls and a linear structure to ensure positive interaction. The extended beavertail grip is wide and provides the positive control we expect from any Springfield 1911. It also has a "memory bump" for positive engagement.

The author conducted precision practice using Hornady's premium defense ammunition in the Springfield Operator .45. Photo: Michael Bordon, After Action AZPhotography

Operator 1911 Springfield

The slide has front and rear serrations and a tactical rack. The sights have a three-dot design, with tritium in front and an additional rack for one-handed training in the rear. If you're confused about how it works, I'll explain. During one-handed drilling, the backfield edge can be used to secure the slide to a hard surface for damage removal or reloading. Plus, we have two eight-round Mec-Gar magazines in glossy black.

Springfield Armory 1911 Operator 45 Acp Pistol Po9230

Many of today's 1911 pistols will require a pistol takedown tool for cleaning. Back to the classic, proven barrel groove design that allows the operator to completely unload the pistol without tools.

The operator is not only beautiful, but packs a lot of power in .45 caliber slugs. As a defensive tackle, he's tough to beat.

The barrel bushing has a nice design and is easy to remove by pressing the recoil spring plug and then turning the bushing. The rest of the disassembly is the same as for a 1911 Springfield full-size pistol.

For testing, I used the Hornady Critical Defense 185 gr. FTX ammo at 25 yards while controlling the velocity. The Hornady Critical Defense I tested was quite capable of loading, averaging 1065 fps. I'm neither the best nor the worst at accuracy testing, but I'm happy with these results at 25 yards. Whenever we see the actual results of an ammo on paper, we know it's more than the shiny packaging and promises on the side of the ammo box.

Springfield Armory Loaded Operator 1911 .45acp

Group sizes are for groups of five shots and are measured center to center. At a distance of 25 meters, he shot while kneeling and leaning on the table. Velocity is the average of five shots with a Caldwell Precision Chronograph aimed 10' from the muzzle.

We talked about a list of great options for the new operator, and my favorites are the light rail and other accessories like lasers. But what about performance? I decided to run it like a work pistol since it was really meant for tactical use.

The author provides the Operator with a complete set of exercises. The performance is excellent. Photo: Michael Bordon, After Action AZPhotography

Operator 1911 Springfield

The ergonomic feel is exactly what we've come to expect from a Springfield 1911. The Ambi safety works perfectly for both one-handed and handheld drills. Recoil control was excellent, and the deep texture on the grip plate and the backstrap, combined with ample beavertail, provided excellent control. Front and rear teeth are easily used during loading and unloading and dry practice. The accuracy of the Hornady ammo is top notch, probably due to the match barrel and very fine ammunition.

First 1911 Purchase! Springfield Armory Trp Operator.

Long live the gun. Get the latest content sent straight to your inbox, plus automatic entry into each of our monthly gungiveaways!

When I arrived at the Springfield operator, I felt at home with him. My first 1911 was a Springfield weapon and I still own it 20 years later. The overall feel of a standard 1911 has always been comfortable to me, and the aggressively built grip of this pistol makes it easy to hold in my pocket hand.

Rails give me options and the ability to run a pistol mounted light is something I'm always looking for. I also noticed the smoothness of operation and control. In receiving this pistol, the slide seems to slide on smooth bearings with no interference. I also felt the control was positive but smooth during use. To me, these details tell me that the processing and quality control at the Springfield factory is next level.

Having carried a 1911 pistol for work for many years, the details are important to me and the options are usually the value of the pistol. The big thing for me as a new Operator is that it is built to be used and used in tough jobs. I don't know who decided on Springfield's tactical look, more structure on the backstrap, or a better breakdown on the field, but they picked the right guy.

New: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator :: Guns.com

So, you ask, "How much will it cost me?" probably wondering. Maybe it's expensive. The problem is that Springfield added available options and put this package together with the goal of getting it as close to the $1,000 price tag as possible. Yes, read it again; The new Springfield operator has that rail, night sights, eaves safety, and matching barrel, and comes with an MSRP of $1,099. Sounds like a win to me!

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life forum where you can comment on our daily posts and talk about guns and gear. Click the "Go to Forums" link below to discuss this article and more!

Springfield Armory® recommends that you receive qualified and competent training before handling any firearm. These articles and videos are considered recommendations and not recommendations of Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Springfield Armory.

Operator 1911 Springfield

Michael Mills created www.tacticalconsiderations.com to help spread good information, shine a positive light on the gun community, and have fun. He has always enjoyed teaching and helping others, especially when it comes to gun rights. This passion deepened while serving in the US Army Special Operations, where he was a Use of Force Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, DEA Firearms Instructor, and Police Academy Instructor. He also has 15 years of law enforcement experience ranging from patrol to administration.

Springfield Armory Champion Operator Lw 1911 Pistol, Like New In Box (used)

Long live the gun. Get the latest content sent straight to your inbox and be automatically entered into each of our monthly giveaways! The Operator 1911 delivers the latest in tactical quality handguns. A tactical rack rear/tritium front sight, G10 grip, ambi safety, two eight-round magazines with bumper pads, forward thrust serrations and more make the Springfield Arms Operator 1911 a must-have for self-defense. If you want a service-ready, no-nonsense, defensive firearm, look no further.

Springfield 1911 loaded operator, springfield 1911 operator holster, 1911 springfield operator, springfield 1911 trp operator holster, springfield armory 1911 champion operator, springfield 1911 champion operator lightweight, springfield armory operator 1911, springfield trp operator 1911, springfield mc operator 1911, springfield 1911 mc operator holster, springfield armory 1911 operator review, springfield 1911 champion operator