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

Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp Review 1
Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp Review 1

Review: Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp

Kimber expanded its 2K11 line with the Pro Comp in 2026, providing a Commander-length slide and barrel topped by an integrated compensator.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Bolt Pro

North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1854 Lorenz Jägerstutzen

The Austrian Lorenz Jägerstutzen was a unique variant of sharpshooting rifle that made it stateside during the American Civil War.

SHIELD Sights Celebrates 40 Years of Red-Dot Optics Innovation

SHIELD Sights is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of British engineering, innovation and contributions to the evolution of modern red-dot optics.

TX Maxed: The Taurus TXM in 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR

Using its TX series architecture yet again, Taurus is adding the 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR to its chambering options with the new-for-2026 TXM.

Review: Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition

Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak takes a long-range staple even farther.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.