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

2025 Holiday Gift Guide F
2025 Holiday Gift Guide F

15 Great Holiday Gifts For Gun Owners

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the gun guy or gun girl in your life? Here are a few great options from folks in the know.

October Gun Sales Numbers Signals New Normal?

Estimated gun sales numbers reported from the month of October give us a few clues as to the state of the firearm industry and the community of gun owners at large.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka"

Along with the Type 99, the Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka" was one of the main bolt-action battle rifles used by Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & P3000 Tactical

Stoeger Industries optimized its inertia-driven M3000 and pump-action P3000 shotgun designs for defensive and tactical use.

Tips & Techniques: Applying A Linseed Oil Finish (Without Turning Your Stock Into A Sticky Mess)

Linseed oil may be the oldest wood finish known to man, with evidence of linseed oil finishes being applied to wood as far back as ancient Egypt.

Rifleman Report: Proficiency Is Key

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and new firearms and related products continue to become available, we’re reminded that, while gear is important, training safely with it while developing familiarity is just as vital.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.