Back in January, just in time for SHOT Show 2020, Springfield Armory introduced its full-sized GI-length Ronin Operator. Well, meeting the demand for more compact-sized pistols, the company has introduced a new Ronin model that is available in 9mm and .45 ACP at a price just under $850. The company advertises the new Ronin Operator 4.25″ as a lightweight, rugged, and reliable 1911 pistol built for a lifetime of service.
“Since its release earlier this year, the full-size Ronin Operator has been extremely popular due to its combination of impressive features and pricing,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The new Ronin Operator 4.25″ adds a lighter, more compact option for those who love carrying the legendary 1911.”
Here’s how Springfield Armory describes it:
…the Ronin Operator 4.25″ offers shooters an exceptional pistol with the strength and durability they have come to expect from a Springfield Armory firearm. This is accomplished through the use of a forged carbon steel slide, lightweight forged alloy frame and a forged barrel. The result is a pistol that combines thoroughly modern precision manufacturing with a proven approach to quality and performance.
The pistol features a traditional barrel bushing system that matches up with its 4.25″ match grade barrel. The barrel itself is fully supported and ramped, lending additional strength to the design and ensuring consistent and reliable functioning.
The Ronin Operator 4.25″ sports a beautiful two-tone finish, with the forged alloy frame featuring a satin aluminum Cerakote finish and the forged carbon steel slide a hot salt blued finish. Lightweight and comfortable to carry, it weighs in at 29.5 ounces in the .45 ACP version and 31 ounces in the 9mm variant.
While the Ronin Operator exudes a classic air of tradition in regards to quality and value, its appointments feature everything you would want on a thoroughly modern 1911. The beavertail grip safety with “memory bump” ensures solid engagement, while the fiber optic front/tactical rack rear sight and extended safety lever deliver instant sight picture and intuitive control.
Rounding out the package of the Ronin Operator is a pair of Crossed Cannon™ premium laminate wood grips, stainless steel checkered flat mainspring housing, Springfield Armory 2nd Generation Speed Trigger, forward slide serrations and a basepad-equipped magazine (9+1 capacity in the 9mm model and 8+1 in the .45). https://youtu.be/ASQi-ui7nxQ
1911 RONIN Operator 4.25” 9mm | PX9117L
- Color: Satin aluminum / Black
- Barrel: 4.25″ Forged stainless steel, match-grade, fully supported ramp, 1:16
- Slide: Forged carbon steel, blued
- Frame: Forged aluminum alloy, satin aluminum Cerakote
- Sights: Fiber optic front, tactical rack white-dot rear
- Recoil System: Commander length GI style
- Grips: Crossed cannon wood laminate
- Magazines: (1) 9-Round
- Weight: 31 oz
- Length: 7.9″
- Height: 5.5″
1911 Ronin Operator 4.25” .45 ACP | PX9118L
- Color: Satin aluminum / Black
- Barrel: 4.25″ forged stainless steel, match-grade, fully supported ramp, 1:16
- Slide: Forged carbon steel, blued
- Frame: Forged aluminum alloy, satin aluminum Cerakote
- Sights: Fiber optic front, tactical rack white-dot rear
- Recoil System: Commander length GI style
- Grips: Crossed cannon wood laminate
- Magazines: (1) 8-Round
- Weight: 29.5 oz
- Length: 7.9″
- Height: 5.5″
Note: the safety is not ambidextrous, so left-handed users may want to look into installing one that meets their needs.
