And as I sit here pondering that thought, it sinks in just how amazing that is.
Ill leave that to the capable hands ofMassad Ayoob but I am almost never without an opinion.
A perfect example of this alchemy is the new Operator AOS.
The author found that shooting the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator 4.25” AOS is pure joy. “You’ll run out of ammo long before you run out of fun,” he said.
More specifically, the 4.25 alloy frame version of the Operator.
For ages, Springfield Armory has been making some of the very best production 1911s in the industry.
With the new offering we can now choose one with a 4.25 barrel and an alloy frame.
The new Operator 4.25” AOS, shown with aVortex Defender-ST red dot sight, maintains the traditional look of the classic M1911 while introducing the ability to mount modern optics.
This makes the gun shorter and lighter, which in turn makes it a great choice for carry.
I tested the new 1911 Operator 4.25 AOS in .45 ACP.
It is also available in9x19mm Parabellum, and both calibers can be had in a full-size 5 Operator AOS.
When it’s time to mount an optic, you can choose from the many available plates — each with its own high-quality rear sight. Cover plate with rear sight also shown.
It is the latest pistol to offer Springfield Armorys excellent AOS configuration.
AOS stands for Agency Optics System.
It was designed in collaboration with Agency Arms, and it takes optics ready to a new level.
Each adaptor plate is machined steel with a dovetail-mounted rear sight that is sized to be compatible with the optics for that footprint.
Heres how it works:
The gun comes out of the box with its cover plate installed.
The cover plate fits the shape and finish of the pistol perfectly.
If you want to run irons only, youre not trading off the nice looks of the 1911.
The dovetail-style cut (arrow) of the AOS mounting system provides a strong lock for your optic.
When the cover plate is removed, the rear sight goes with it.
The sight is dovetail mounted directly into the rear of the cover plate itself.
Each sight is sized to best correspond to the optics that will fit that particular adapter plate, i.e.
The fieldstripped pistol shows the traditional design. Note the unique fully supported feed ramp on the barrel.
The plates themselves are milled finished steel with an index number that corresponds to the compatibility list.
The rear sights are all dovetail mounted, which means they can be replaced if necessary.
This ensures a stable and strong installation and helps take the stress away from the mounting screws.
The fully supported feed ramp is mated perfectly to the frame. Note the polished oversized feeding guide cut into the frame.
It also helps to ensure that your zero stays put.
And because most other brands use the footprint of one of those mentioned, the list is long.
That would include at minimum: Home defense, carry for personal defense, or competition.
The scalloped G10 grip panels from VZ Grips are a perfect complement to the diamond shaped texture on the mainspring cover. Both ensure a firm grip.
As fantastic as electronic sights are today, things fail.
And always when the stakes are highest!
To illustrate this, the accompanying photo is what your eye sees when the dot goes out.
One of the main reasons people still choose the model 1911 is the trigger. The crisp 5-pound trigger of the test pistol was consistent and reliable.
There is a Goldilocks aspect to the build of the Operator nicely appointed with just the right boxes ticked.
The model 1911 is, of course, a single-action only handgun with a legendary trigger.
My test copy measured in the just right range averaging 5 lbs., 3 oz.
Here, the author puts the Springfield 1911 Operator AOS through its paces at the shooting range.
The alloy trigger shoe is skeletonized for light weight.
The gun tips the scale at 31 ounces, including an empty 8-round magazine two of which are provided.
Thats a whopping 11 ounces less weight versus the full-sized Operator AOS.
The best five-shot group in testing was achieved with Hornady Critical Defense ammo — and yes, one of those holes is two shots.
The stainless-steel match grade barrel is accompanied by a G.I.
spec guide rod and recoil spring.
It does a nice job of managing the recoil of the .45 ACP round in this relatively lightweight gun.
Shown here with a Vortex red-dot installed via the Agency Optic System, the Operator 4.25” is easily a modern, duty-ready sidearm.
This is one example where the fundamental design has been significantly altered.
The way the barrel ramp fits into the notch in the frame is a thing of beauty.
The frame includes an oversized and polished pre-ramp which seems to seamlessly give way to the barrel ramp.
I was concerned whether the two-part ramp would cause any feeding problems during live fire.
This includes shooting some very aggressively designed hollow points.
The Operator AOS 4.25 is equipped with an ambidextrous thumb safety, making it very south-paw friendly.
A Picatinny rail on the dust cover allows mounting of lights or other accessories.
Together with the diamond style backstrap texture, the shooter can expect a firm, slip-free hold.
The front strap o the Operator has been left smooth another homage to the traditional Browning design.
[Dont miss Robert Sadowskis articleWhat Is G-10?for more information on this material.]
Its easy to overlook stock sights on an optics-ready pistol, but Springfield did not.
Ive talked about the rear sight being integrated into the cover plate and each available adapter plate.
These rear sights are very high quality serrated and blacked out, with Springfields signature U-shaped notch.
It provides both fast acquisition and the ability to take careful aim.
The surrounding white ring makes for great daylight visibility.
I made multiple range trips with the Operator 4.25 AOS and threw hundreds of rounds of lead downrange.
I shot everything from top-quality defense ammo to standard ball ammo, and even some bargain bin stuff.
Performance with the pistol was excellent, regardless.
It was easy to keep a fist-sized group going on the steel plates while shooting at a relaxed pace.
Each round fired was measured for velocity with the Competition Electronics ProChrono to get the average for each group.
A nice positive click in each direction lets you know youve engaged or disengaged the safety.
Many civilians and law enforcement professionals do so every day.
I like the fully supported feed ramp, which performed flawlessly in testing.
Im a fan of the Agency Optics System and the positive locking of the plate to the slide.
And ultimately what really counts is the shootability of the gun.
A gun you shoot well gives you confidence and thats essential for a defensive weapon.
Springfields Operator 4.25 AOS punches way above its price point!
Go to forum thread
1911Operator 4.25" AOS
Hornady.45 Auto 185 gr.
FTX Critical Defense
FederalPersonal Defense HST 45 Auto +P 230 gr.
SpeerGold Dot Personal Protection 45 Auto 185 gr.
