KrautBurner

I'm looking to pickup a 1911 here pretty soon.

I think I'm leaning towards the "Range Officer"
(also interested in the "Loaded", "TRP", and "Operator")

can someone easily explain the real differences in these ???

anyone know where I can find realistic pricing info (so I know what to expect / not to get screwed when I go to gun shops)
springfield's website shows POR


Russ

Brianaintright

Springers are good 1911's and the Loaded and Range Master models are good starting points for a custom gun built by the gunsmith of your choice. I believe the loaded is a base model with a few extras, the Range Master comes with adjustable sights.

The "operator" designation means the gun comes with a rail.

The TRP is a higher cost version with different levels of trim.

After that you move up to the "Pro" which is about $2500 and on the same level as Wilson and Nighthawk. Some actually prefer it to the big name semi-custom guns.

FatFugg

What would "need" to be done to one of these by a gunsmith as long as it cycles properly, has a smooth trigger pull & shoots straight?

Brianaintright

Nothing really. 1911's aren't glocks and everybody wants something a little different. The original design was made loose and shot military hardball just fine but with defensive ammo, some guys have found they need to be tweaked a bit.

If you buy one and it shoots the way you want, has the sights you want, works reliably with your chosen defensive ammo then I wouldn't change a thing.

GixxerPete

Springfield Loaded MC Operator. (full size Govt model with rail)

Me likey, me want. YMMV


The Range Officer is Springfield's new 'entry level' 1911, without all the bells & whistles found on the more expensive models. It's still a Springfield so it's good to go, just no frills.

chameleon

I personally prefer the milspec models over GI. Definitely worth the few bucks more.

KrautBurner

from what I've found,
it's more of a TRP (without bells and whistles)

I got to handle one last week (and compare it to a loaded)


it's got a lowered and flaired ejection port
beavertale grip safety
skeletonized hammer
match trigger
match barrel
match barrel bushing
dovetailed (replaceable) sights
adjustable rear sight

etc...

that's what I'm leaning towards

KrautBurner

for the $50 difference,
I don't know why anyone would go with the GI
just the lowered and flaired ejection port is well worth that

saread

Just picked up a Range Officer today. Nice piece for the money. Fit and finish is very nice. It doesn't have some of the other bells and whistles like a FLGR, mag well flair, front strap checkering, flat top slide, ambidextrous safety, etc. But, it is tight, looks to have been polished in the right places and has enough goodies to make it a pretty good base gun for something fun. The crossed cannon, cocobolo grip panels are pretty cool though. We'll see how she shoots tomorrow.

KrautBurner

that's what I'm thinking

I'm more worried about how well it shoots
good fittment, etc...

don't care much about night sights, serrations on the front of the slide, or the ambi-safety.
it's not gonna be much of a carry gun for me
just a "Range gun"

looking forward to your review after cycleing it a few times


BTW:
where did you get yours?
how much did you pay?
(you can PM me if you don't wanna post it)

Russ

saread

Based on the one I have, I'd have no worries about quality of build. The slide is tight, the barrel locks up well, the bushing needs a wrench, the ramp and slide face are smooth; not mirror smooth, but they have been worked to remove machine marks and parkerizing. It had been test fired before leaving the factory (the barrel was dirty). For the money, I am darned impressed.

I got mine at Kesselring's; they only had the one but my guess is they can get more. Price was $789, $850 after paying the State. The going rate seems to be between $750 and $850 if you can find one. I think anything under $800 is a decent deal. For what you get and the quality of build, I actually think that it's a pretty good deal. Like you, I will use this as a range gun. I'd like to build it into a wad gun for bullseye shooting. Don't need a lot of bells and whistles for that, just need a straight shooter.

KrautBurner

from what I've read (and seen)
you shouldn't need a bushing wrench on the RO ???

Discount Gun Sales had one for $879 (that's why I didn't get it)
Springfield 1911 Range Officer :: Springfield Armory :: Firearms - Handguns :: Discount Gun Sales LLC

for only $120 more I could get a SS Loaded with adjustable sights
Springfield STS Target Adj. :: Springfield Armory :: Firearms - Handguns :: Discount Gun Sales LLC
and it has the ambi safety

KrautBurner

I just sent them an email,
I will be headed up to Bellingham tomorrow.
and if they have anything I'm interested in, I'll stop in.

should I drop your name? (if you give it to me)

Russ

saread

If your going to B'ham you have to stop by Kesselring's. I don't know if they got another RO in, but they had a lot of stuff in the case for any amount of money you'd like to spend. Of course, they can get whatever you want. Won't do you any good to drop my name in there. I'm just a guy who drops in whenever I get by there.

I had my RO out last weekend and it shot fine. Had some FTFs but just needed to push the slide forward to make them go into battery. Might be just a tight chamber and probably needs a few hundred rounds through it to break in, or possibly a little more spring. I'm going back to the range tomorrow and we'll throw it in a Ransom rest and see how it is. I've already ordered a FLGR for it and a new bushing from EGW. The rear of the barrel seems to lock up pretty well, but there's .004 clearance or so on the bushing and that's a little sloppy for what I want to do. I still think it's a lot of gun for the money.

Steve

paintguy

Kesselrings is a great place to shop. Bought my Galco Holster and Mag Holder from that shop. Great bunch and they have good pricing. check them out!