By my quick count, thats more than 110 years.
With that in mind, its almost crazy how popular they still currently are.
Looks likeJohn Moses Browningknew what he was doing.
Many people believe the 1911 to be the perfect defensive handgun. The new Springfield Armory 9mm Operator epitomizes the 1911 platform.
But the design hasnt remained static and unchanging for the hundred-plus years.
Think about our modern CNC machines and forging processes as compared to the processes of the early 20thcentury.
And the best 1911 pistols take advantage of these new benefits, like Springfield Armorys expansive line of offerings.
The author evaluated the new Operator on the range for reliability and accuracy using high-quality defensive ammunition.
The first thing most people notice about a 1911 is the weight.
There is no feeling of tactical tupperware in your hand when you grip the Springfield Operator.
The forged steel Operator has a solid feel, and this weight soaks up recoil.
While the 1911 design remains much the same as the original, the new Springfield Armory 9mm Operator incorporates a range of modern features, including an accessory rail and combat sights.
Well-designed angles on the 1911 are also a huge help with target acquisition and fast follow-up shots.
Also, the single-action trigger design of the 1911 has a lot of benefits.
In addition, the break of the 1911 trigger has often been compared to that of a glass-break.
When field stripped, the internal components of the 9mm Operator look a great deal like those of the M1911 pistol issued to U.S. servicemen more than 100 years ago.
At its core, this is a 5-barreled, full-size steel 1911.
A good foundation, right?
This coating is very durable, and it has a deep matte finish with little to no glare reflection.
The addition of an accessory rail to the 1911 design allows shooters to mount a weapon light. This helps gun owners to ID potential threats.
They have an aggressive, non-slip texturing that is matched by similar texturing on the flat mainspring housing.
The pistols silver-colored skeletonized trigger gives just a hint of a custom appearance while providing that crisp 4.5-lb.
It also features an adjustable overtravel stop.
The author found that self-defense ammunition ran reliably in the 9mm Operator pistol — a must for any combat handgun.
The barrel of the pistol is forged stainless steel for strength and rust-resistance, and helps ensure accurate groups.
In addition, the barrel is ramped and fully supported, and features a 1:16 rate of twist.
The ramped barrel also helps ensure the pistol can run a wide range of bullet types/shapes.
Shooting a gun is the real way to evaluate its usefulness. The author spent a good deal of time doing just that with the Operator 9mm.
Besides the materials and features, I found the machine work on the 9mm Operator to be quite good.
For testing, I used a mix of 115-gr.
ball ammo, 124-gr.
Features of the new 9mm Operator include combat sights, an ambidextrous thumb safety, VZ Grips and an accessory rail.
ball ammo and some of my favoriteself-defense ammo Hornady Critical Defense.
All of the ammunition cycled perfectly through the match grade barrel and exhibited very little difference in felt recoil.
The trigger is everything you expect out of a duty-grade 1911, and a bit more.
The trigger exceeds expectations on this duty-grade 1911. It consistently pulled right at 4.5 lbs.
The 9mm 1911 Operator will come with two steel nine-round magazines, both of which have extended base pads.
I have no doubt these will provide years of service.
Aligning the sights is made easy by way of the three-dot design, with the front dot featuring tritium.
With more than 500 rounds through it in his initial testing, the author experienced no malfunctions of any kind with the Springfield Armory Operator 9mm.
They are great shooters that will last a lifetime if well-made and cared for.
And this new 9mm 1911 Operator certainly fits that description.
So, be sure to check this one out and give it a shot.
I have no doubt youll like it just as much as I do.
Go to forum thread
1911Operator
