Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911 Pistol

I purchased my Range Officer six weeks ago, supplies remain tight and my local dealer struggled to locate one. Final price was $800 OTD. In comparison, I presently own Wilson, Nighthawk and Les Baer products in addition to a lightly modified Colt Combat Commander. The Range Officer (RO) has been flawless in feeding and ejection since the 100 round mark. There were two feeding failures and one failure to lockback initially. This with a selection of rejected carry ammo consisting of Federal Hydra-shocks, Gold Dot, Remington 230 ball and UMC ball ammo along with a approximately 200 rounds of 200 grain LaserCast SWC over Winchester 231. The gun exhibted no ignition problems, the ejection pattern was very acceptable and equally reliable. Accuracy with all ammunition tested was very good, well above typical combat grade. Groupings with the hollow points and ball ammo ran between 2 and 3 inches off hand at 20 yards. Accuracy was enhanced with the very good, nearly target grade, adjustable sights. The gun initially impacted slightly high and left with my normal sight picture. Two clicks of windage and three down centered the groups nicely. Shooting aside, the RO is a nicely built 1911 exhibiting above average fitting. The parkarized coating is made for durability (and perhaps to be easily removed if other coatings are desired). It will obviously wear well in even kydex holsters. I found the front sight to be a little sharp on presentations from leather gear without generous sight channels. That could be remedied easily with just a few strokes of a ceramic stone to the top rear corner of the sight. That same squareness on the front sight blade contributes greatly, though, to the accuracy of the gun and the good sight picture. The trigger pull was measured at 5 pounds on a dozen different attempts. It exhibited the least bit of detectable takeup, but letoff was very crisp. I rate the gun as extremely shootable as the trigger is out of the box. The take up is just enough that novice shooters with the gun were able to stage the trigger for excellent accuracy with relatively little 1911 experience. Springfield's RO offers some of the best feaures of the 1911 family at a most reasonable price point. The traditional short guide rod is a big plus in today's market. Many pistols come with a full length rod, which comlicates take down for new owners. The gun offers nice sights, very shootable checkered grips (almost too pretty to shoot as a range gun) and a thumb safety that is big enough without being a hinderence to people who prefer gripping with their right thumb beneath the safety. The gun is would fare well in a bullseye match at the club level, and probably far beyond. Yet it's very usable for IDPA or USPSA single stack competition. Yes, it could have a lighter trigger, it does not have night sights, extended magazine release, or a embellished grip safety. But it functions and the frame is rock solid. Anyone wanting to modify the gun for a specific event could do so. And, finally, Springfield's RO has proven itself to be a weapon that feeds, ejects and goes bang with solid dependability. And that trumps any cosmetic desires. IF you can find one, buy it. Odds are you will not be disappointed. Read More

I have just recently purchased the range officer and am very impressed with it. No issues so for and shoots very well with 230gr. hard ball. The gun is very well made and lives up to the springfield legendary quality! Read More

I just bought this last week, and have only shot three mags through it, but so far I love it. Everything about this gun is obviously tuned for precision shooting. It seems to have a stronger recoil spring, which is good if you are shooting heavy loads. I'm taking it tomorrow to burn up several boxes of ammo and see how I like it then. Overall, I like it because I don't have to spend alot of money adding to it, its a great precise gun right out of the package. Read More

I have had trijicon night sights installed on my adjustable rear sight on my R.O. A great improvement.. I now have the best of two types of sights for shooting at the range or home defense. Read More

I bought my SA Range Officer for $660 plus tax and really like it. It shot well from 25 yards shooting one handed like in a bullseye match. It shot well enough to shoot in a Bullseye Match right out of the box using 160 grain Valiant SWC with a standard bullseye wadcutter load of about 775 ft per second. I have not give it the 50 yard test yet. I will have Dave to do a trigger job on it and get the trigger down about a pound and smooth it out just a little. Read More

This pistol has accomplished all of my needs. It's basic and gives the 1911 feel. It's by no means a high-tech piece of equipment; having standard guide rod, adjustable combat sights,and no fancy borings or engravings. However, this pistol does WORK. Shooting from several distances yields nearly perfect hits. Also, shooting downhill or uphill is a snap. Adjust the sights up or down according to your liking and you'll be plinking in no time. Some downsides are that after maintenance, wear and tear from the gun's natural operation occurs rather rapidly. I wouldn't suggest this piece for your CCW either. The thing is 8 inches long... it's just not practical. Overall, I have been very satisfied with this firearm and it holds a special place in my heart from this model's rich history. 4/5 Read More

Great gun! Paid $750.00 and tax a month ago... Have shot 200 rounds without incident. Still breaking in... Very nice fit and finish. Not sure I like the adjustable sights, I would rather have 3 dot fixed night sights. Very well made 1911. I can get 2" groups at 25 yards with consistancy. Read More

i just bought the Springfield 1911 A1 Range Oficer and I must say I love it. I shot the gun imediately after purchasing it as my gun store has an indoor range. I must tell you I am very impressed with the pistol at this $775.00 price point. All I did was put a couple of drops of oil in all the appropriate place and commenced shooting. i shot 150 round through it rather quickly without a single malfunction of any kind. The first two mags full didn't group that great, but after three or four mags full I was putting them all inside 3" at 15 yards off hand. All shooting was done with Wilson Combat 8 rd magazines except for the two 10 rd Wilsons I ran literally as fast as I could. I shot both PMC 230 Gr. fmj, Remington green and white box 230 gr. fmj, and Winchester PDXI 230 Gr. JHP. Everything in every mag shot well and without a hiccup. the fit and finish on this gun is incredible at this price. the gun is very tight as far as slide to frame and bushing to barrel fit, much tighter than my Colt XSE Rail Gun. I need a bushing wrench to strip it; I can turn the bushing in my Rail Gun easily with my fingers. The trigger is very crisp and without any excessive travel. The trigger feltabout 4lbs but I didn't weigh it; I did compare it to the Kinber Royal II next to it in the case and it was much better than the Kimber. the salesman was suggesting the Kimber, but after felling the trigger and slide to frame fit he agreed the Springfield felt better. The Springfield was a franklin less and IMO a better gun. As far as a competitive competition pistol capable of being competitive out of the box at an entry level price; I think Springfield hit the nail right on the head. I would recommend this gun to anybody looking for their fist or last 1911. Read More

This my friends is one awsome piece! I traded an XD 40 and 50 bucks for this NIB w/3mags RO. No worrys, not much heavier, narrower, and conceals much better than the square bulk of the XD. Don't get me wrong I loved my XD but i've wanted a 1911 since i could hold a gun. (Bout 52 years) When you shake it with the slide open or closed NOT a sound!! Took a couple of clicks on the target sights to get on the 10 ring. Steady as a rock, managable recoil. Dang can't think of anything bad Oh yea one of the stickers on the lockable box won't stay stuck down. Read More

Great pistol Read More