From motor vehicles to clothing, it seemed that I could not shake my yearning for goods of antiquity.
Check out my full video review of it at the top of the page.
The stones were cast, as I became labeled a heretic.
Eli is a huge fan of the 1911, and has decided the Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite Operator in 9mm is a terrific EDC gun.
However, there were a number of reasons why the 9mm won my favor.
Firstly was ammunition cost.
Additionally, the platform was not only easy to shoot but alsofun.
While no compact lightweight, the Operator 9mm offers Eli a good balance of power and shootability.
The standard 9mm 1911 magazine from the factory holds 9+1, versus the .45 ACPs factory standard of 7+1.
It was on this day that my life changed forever (as far as handguns are concerned).
I was absolutely fascinated with the quality of my new Springfield Armory pistol.
The 5″ barrel and full-size grip frame make the pistol a great fit in Eli’s hand. He changed out the grips for a set of Coolhand grips that were a little thicker.
Furthermore, I developed a profound admiration for the unquestionable shootability of the 9mm 1911 platform.
of American steel balanced perfectly in your hand.
Another point of interest for many with Springfield Armory 1911s is that they are 70s Series-style guns.
Eli grew up shooting A1-style 1911 pistols, so he switched out the 9mm’s trigger for a Fusion Ultra Match Grade short trigger.
This means they lack the trigger disconnect that came about in the early 1980s on many 1911 platforms.
Many describe these types of guns as having a better trigger for this reason.
Also, this reduces the amount of parts that can break in the firearm.
The author fitted the pistol out with aStan Chen SI magwell.
The light rail on the gun is a very sturdy mounting point for lights and lasers.
This is hands-down one of the best purchases Ive ever made.
The magazine well not only looks amazing but fits the Operator perfectly with no fitting of any kind.
Eli has found his 9mm Springfield to be a great performer on the range, and a great partner for CCW.
For added grip, I installed the effective and inexpensive Wilson Combat checkered front strap insert.
This has never felt loose and produces a very nice grip texture to the frontstrap of the gun.
I changed the trigger to a Fusion Ultra Match Grade solid and short trigger.
Eli’s carry system with the 1911 is a Galco Combat Master holster, Galco SB2 Sport Belt and Galco DMC (Double Magazine Carrier).
Growing up I had always shot A1 style 1911s, so the short trigger was added.
Additionally, I have always preferred the look of a solid trigger to that of a skeletonized one.
Only As Good As…
What more could you need in a duty 1911?
Eli has lightly modified the 9mm to bring it more in line with his specific shooting preferences and carry needs.
Why, a holster, of course!
As you may remember, I am a fan of the more vintage pleasures in life.
For this, I looked to Galco Gunleather, which offers absolutely beautiful holsters of the highest quality.
The Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite Operator 9mm is one of Eli’s favorite guns and regular carry partner.
Concealment has become fairly easy as I have learned to wear slightly larger shirts that easily conceal the firearm.
This is a full-sized, railed 1911, after all.
The accuracy and soft shooting nature of the 9mm Operator makes it an essential for range trips.
Throughout my time with the Operator, it has become my trusted defensive weapon.
