Its a beautiful 1911 with VZ G10 grips and a semi-gloss black Cerakote frame and slide.
It has a 5 match-grade barrel and comes with two eight-round .45 ACP magazines.
The Operator is a beautiful-looking and shooting 1911 pistol.
The Mil-Spec embodies everything that 1911 traditionalists enjoy about the 1911 platform.
Whats Different?
Lets begin with the rear of the pistols and work our way to the muzzles.
The Operator has a flat mainspring housing with Springfields Octo-Grip texturing.
The Mil-Spec has a traditional arched mainspring housing with vertical serrations.
The arched housing deepens the overall thickness of the grip.
The Mil-Specs beavertail grip safety is much shorter than the extended and curved beavertail of the Operator.
Also, the Operators grip safety has a memory bump that is not found on the Mil-Spec 1911.
The Mil-Spec 1911s un-skeletonized single-action trigger is metal and measures 4.75 lbs.
on my test model.
The trigger pull weights on the two pistols are very close.
At first glance, one will immediately notice the difference between the grips of the two pistols.
The Mil-Spec has diamond checkered wood grips, while the Operator uses more modern G10 grips.
The thumb safety on the Operator is much larger and easier to engage than that of the Mil-Spec 1911.
Its ambidextrous, which is beneficial to left-handed shooters.
But, the Mil-Specs is simple, slim and effective.
The original rear slide serrations on the Mil-Spec 1911 are thin and tight.
However, the Mil-Specs provide a much more classic look.
Similar Concerns
Lets first understand that both of these 1911 handguns are quality-made with the finest materials.
Both have amazing build craftsmanship, which is certainly noticeable when you are shooting them.
Both the Operator and the Mil-Spec 1911 haveforged steel frames, slides and match-grade barrels.
Also, the recoil spring system, using a proven GI-style guide rod, is consistent with both handguns.
That basically translates to an original design that has reliably stood the test of time.
It also means the disassembly process is the same for both 1911 handguns.
See the attached video for a demonstration of the disassembly of each.
Whats the Cost?
The MSRP on the Mil-Spec 1911 is $709, while the MSRP on the Operator is $1,159.
No worries about the math, I have you covered.
Thats a price difference of $450.
The question remains, is the Springfield Armory Operator 1911 worth the additional dough?
Let me address that question this way.
In mid-summer, Springfield introduced the Emissary 1911.
I was able to get my hands on it and was so excited about how well it shot.
The Emissary shot more accurately than my ability allows me to shoot.
When I took the first few shots with the Operator, I knew that 1911 was a winner.
Is the Mil-Spec 1911 worthy?
However, I am a huge 1911 fan that enjoys modern features.
I love the look and feel of the Operator.
The front night sight, Picatinny rail, eight-round magazines and the G10 grips suit my style perfectly.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, the two 1911s in this comparison are first-class handguns.
They prefer the closest replica from John Brownings 1911 design as possible.
I understand and appreciate that mindset.
I believe the modern features the Operator offers helped me shoot even better than I do with the Mil-Spec.
To top it off, I love beautiful firearms and the Operator is truly a beauty.
So there you have it.
So, now you have to decide!
Go to forum thread
