NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Ronin Operator

by
posted on May 29, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Springfield Armory’s reputation for its rendition of the Browning-designed M1911 pistol has grown throughout the years as the company forges ahead, bringing to market emulations of the classic design that rival the best the industry has to offer.

Springfield Ronin pistol shown on white with text on image calling out make and model.


From entry-level to its high-end, custom-fitted pistols costing thousands, Springfield Armory has succeeded in providing the market a broad sampling of 1911 pistols. But the company was lacking in one area and decided to make a change. At SHOT Show 2020, Springfield unveiled its Ronin Operator semi-automatic pistol. Modeled after the classic M1911, the Ronin operated is fitted with a 5” hammer-forged barrel and is tailored and priced to supply the next-level shooter with a sleek pistol he/she can be proud of.

Muzzle of 1911 pistol shown on white background.


Built from forgings of stainless steel and carbon steel, the Ronin Operator is designed to last a lifetime and more. The frame is of stainless steel and left in the white and provides a flat mainspring housing, checkered, that is fitted with a beavertail grip-safety. Stock panels accompany the frame, providing an attractive two-tone finish with functionality by providing a hybrid design of partially smooth face and checkering.

Right side of a two-tone-colored pistol, black slide and stainless steel frame with red grips shown on white background.


The feature list continues to grow with the Springfield Ronin Operator. The carbon-steel slide provides cocking serrations both fore and aft, and is topped with Tactical Rack rear sight with two white dots and a fiber-optic front pressed into dovetails. Traditional hot-salt bluing renders the slide with a classic look that combines with a mirror-like finish along the polished flats of the pistols slide.

Rear end of Ronin pistol detailing the rear serrations on the black slide and tactical rack rear sight shown on white background.


Springfield Armory provides its Gen 2 Speed Trigger that is a lightweight skeletonized design borrowed from the company’s Range Officer Elite and TRP Operator. The trigger design delivers a crisp and short trigger pull. Combining the upgraded trigger with the company’s skeletonized hammer, the Ronin Operator results in a fast and smooth shooting pistol delivered at a price just above entry-level.

Lady with camo ballcap on and protective shooting gear on a white shooting range facing a remote camera shooting a two-tone springfield pistol.


To more about the Springfield Armory Ronin Operator, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.

Springfield Armory Ronin Operator Specifications
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: Ronin Operator
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Frame: stainless steel
Slide: forged carbon steel; blued finish
Barrel: 5”; hammer-forged steel
Sights: dovetailed; two-white-dot rear, fiber-optic front
Magazine: 9-round detachable box
Length: 8.6”
Height: 5.5”
Weight: 41 oz.
MSRP: $849
springfield-armory.com


Further Reading:
Tested: Springfield Armory’s Hellcat
Tested: Springfield Armory M1A Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
To The Rescue: Springfield’s 911 Pistol
G.I. “Non-Colt” M1911s
Springfield’s Range Officer M1911s


Extras:







Latest

Nra Leaders Attend White House Event 1
Nra Leaders Attend White House Event 1

NRA Leaders Attend White House Dinner as President Trump Signs Orders Expanding Access to Public Lands and Waterways

NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin and Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director John Commerford represented NRA members at a White House dinner hosted by President Donald J. Trump.

The America 250th Longrifle: Creating One Tribute to America's Semiquincentennial

As part of the America 250th celebrations this year, one longtime American Rifleman contributor had to have his own special tribute to our country's semiquincentennial.

The Long & Short of It: Rock Island Armory's Pak-Out Platform

One of the latest designs to come from Rock Island Armory is its Pak-Out, a folding shotgun that is offered in several different configurations.

Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge

For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil

Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.