Editor’s Choice: Springfield Armory Ronin Operator

by
posted on April 14, 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. **
roninopr.jpg

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY is upping its 1911 game with the Ronin Operator series.

Offered initially with 5"-long, forged stainless steel match barrels in 9 mm Luger or .45 ACP, the Ronins’ blued carbon steel slides and stainless frames are also forged—giving the guns a classy two-tone look and long-term durability.

Sights are a fiber-optic front and a “Tactical Rack” rear with two white dots, and both are dovetailed into the slide. The reddish laminate wood stocks bear the Springfield Armory crossed cannons and are half-checkered, half-smooth.

Standard is a skeletonized “Gen 2 speed” trigger, while the hammer is skeletonized as well. Magazines come with a basepad, and the .45 holds eight rounds and the 9 mm holds nine. These are really good-looking renditions of the M1911, and it’s hard to beat the MSRP of $849.

As if the fullsize guns aren’t impressive enough, the Commanders have aluminum alloy frames, making them true lightweights.
springfield-armory.com

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.