NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Ronin Operator

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: