June 2nd, 2021
6minute read
Selecting a handgun can be an incredibly difficult process for many first-time buyers.
Ive shot countless handguns over the years from blackpowder revolvers to futuristic race guns.
In my experience, few 9mm handguns compare to a full-size 9mm 1911 when teaching new shooters.
The 1911 platform combines simplicity of controls and ease of use as no other option does.
In many ways, the 9mm is the best first 1911 pistol.
Simple Options
The simple hammer-fired, single-action-only trigger mechanism makes learning repeatable trigger pull technique easy.
Adding an inexperienced shooter to the equation guarantees a challenge.
Trigger pull weight and feel is an extremely important aspect of selecting a handgun.
An extremely light trigger may also result in a negligent discharge for untrained shooters with poor trigger discipline.
Speaking of sights, I feel new shooters should avoid 1911s with more traditional, unmarked steel sights.
These can be difficult to acquire and keep track of during strings of fire.
Any of these are viable options for a new shooter.
Traditional 1911 platforms offer more manageable recoil than modern polymer-framed handguns.
It also increases the likelihood that a new shooter will find the shooting experience comfortable.
This is more important than many might realize.
You also get more capacity with the smaller 9mm round.
1911 variants like the Range Officer Operator pack a little extra capacity when compared to their larger .45 counterparts.
In addition, the magazines for 9mm 1911s are generally very light even when loaded.
They are also slim enough that carrying several of them is relatively unobtrusive.
The 9mm round is also one of the most prolific handgun rounds in America.
This is of the utmost importance for new shooters, especially with the current state of ammunition availability.
If a shooter cannot find ammo for their firearm, they wont be able to practice with it.
Ammo prices have certainly changed, but 9mm remains one of the most affordable centerfire pistol cartridges out there.
My Choice
Not all 9mm 1911 pistols are made equally.
My positive experience with the 9mm 1911 platform stems from the Springfield Range Officer Operator in 9mm.
This pistol exudes the principles of what makes a good beginners handgun.
The gun features low-profile, combat style white dot sights at the rear of the slide.
The slide itself features grippy serrations that do not disappoint, even on the sweatiest of range days.
I am confident that shooters will not outgrow the accuracy capabilities of the Range Officer Operator as they progress.
I still feel that the gun is more accurate than I am after years of shooting with it.
The trigger is crisp in both initial pull and reset.
The Range Officer Operator has the features needed to make it an asset on and off the range.
An accessory rail machined into the frame of the handgun allows for the attachment of flashlights or lasers.
Go to forum thread
1911Range Officer Operator
