This is a full-sized 1911, blued steel, chambered in .45 ACP and basically an upgraded Mil-Spec.
The frame is forged as is the slide, with both being precision hand-fitted.
Both the barrel and bushing are stainless steel and the barrel is of national match quality.
The front sight is set in a dovetail allowing for easy windage adjustment or even replacement if desired.
Slide to frame fit is just about perfect.
The trigger pull measures 5 3/4 pounds on my test gun.
The grip safety is of the beavertail style with a memory bump and cut-out on top for the hammer.
The mainspring housing is original 1911 flat-style and is checkered, while the front strap is smooth.
The whole package is reminiscent of customized military .45s from the middle of the 20th century.
Springfield Armory advertised their new Range Officer as being suitable for competition without any unneeded extras.
The magazine release also works very easily and positively.
Shooting the Range Officer proves to be pure pleasure.
Outstanding results include the Black Hills 230 grainers; their standard 230-gr.
What really intrigues me is the fact the Black Hills 230-gr.
round-nosed lead rounds group at just over 1.
Winchesters are very consistent, with the 185-gr.
SilverTip, 230 JHP and 230 FMJ all grouping in 1 1/4.
This pistol and other Range Officers weve tested all shoot like custom match 1911s!
In this case packing around a little extra weight is a very comforting feeling.
Its one of my top nominees as a Perfect Packin Pistol, Semi-Auto style.
The original Range Officer with its Parkerized finish is a very business looking .45.
The Stainless Steel Model is every bit as serious looking and is also an extremely attractive pistol.
The Range Officer Compact brings the precision of the competition pistol in a small and straightforward configuration.
The Range Officer Compact Model is not simply a Range Officer which has been shrunk.
A few changes have been made, some of which are external, while others are internal.
The magazine holds six rounds, making it 7-round capacity pistol.
Sights are also different.
Trigger pull is smooth and creep-free and seemed lighter than the measured 4 3/4 pounds.
The thumb safety on the left side is striated for a positive operation.
The magazine release is the standard on the left side style and operates very positively.
The grip panels on the Compact Model are entirely satisfactory.
Also included in the case is a refill for the fiber optic front sight.
To lessen wear on the alloy frame, the Champion has a fully supported ramped hammer forged barrel.
Everything we have said about the Compact Model applies to the Champion Lightweight.
However this is overshadowed by the excellent results obtained.
Switching to reloads this was my first chance to try Hi-Tek Coated bullets from Acme Bullets.
Moving indoors, I find the temperature much more pleasant.
However it is difficult for me to see the sights as well without natural lighting.
Nevertheless, I did get some excellent groups.
In this case 1 of the barrel can make a significant difference.
They also carry very easily and securely in the Springfield Armory supplied polymer holsters.
Springfield Armory has once again come up with an excellent pistol.
You might think with all of these .45 variations Springfield Armory would be content just to sit back.
The choice is ours.
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