What’s the sweet spot in the Springfield 1911 lineup

[TxFlyFish]

Considering fit and finish AND price vs diminishing returns, what is the sweet spot in Springfield’s 1911 lineup. Would it be the TRP, Range officer or loaded?

[hubris]

Loaded. I have the SS 5''. I like the look and durability of stainless, the 5'' barrel helps (me) with accuracy and the recoil is very comfortable. The Loaded also comes with an ambi thumb safety. As a lefty, that was important. It became even better when I shattered my left wrist and became RH all of the sudden.


Someday I may upgrade the sights, but for now it is all I expected it to be.

[Aguila Blanca]

I tend to regard the Range Officer as the "sweet spot."

[ms6852]

I have a loaded with adjustable rear sight , which they no longer make it was the one they called the black steel. I just recently acquired a 911. I own 3 Springfield's firearms now and have been thinking of a TRP, but I find myself leaning more towards a Smith and Wesson performance center 1911 at the moment.

[Nick_C_S]

Mil Spec.

Bottom of the line.

Fantastic gun.

I am so pleased with it, it is my nightstand gun (and I have more guns than fingers n toes). Out of the box stock.

Fact is, ALL Springfield 1911's (and other models, for that matter) are fantastic guns.

[TxFlyFish]

I noticed that there are definitely some gems in the less expensive series as far as fit and finish wise. One thing universally that trp gets right is slide protrusion past the frame, the rear is nicely finished and flush. The loaded and ro series you have to check each piece individually for slide to frame fit (especially in the rear), although there are definitely some fit better than others. This shouldn’t affect function but it some people might be bugged by the “bucktooth” cosmetics.

The barrel fit are generally good (not great) for the trp and some good and some bad for the others. There’s definitely variation gun to gun and less expensive series can have better fit than the more expensive.

Trigger: of the 8 examples inspected all are mediocre regardless of series. Colt might not have better slide to frame fit or crooked barrels but for the same price have better trigger

If I have all the time in the world I would look for a well assembled loaded. Otherwise get TRP and have a chance at least for a good (not great) fit

[DaleA]

I'll second a vote for the "1911 Range Officer Model" (RO) in .45 ACP---the one with the 5 inch barrel.
https://www.springfield-armory.com/1911-series/

The RO has good reputation for accuracy and reliability, Springfield Armory has a good reputation for customer support and the RO has the features I like, (adjustable sights is at the top of my list) and doesn't have many of the bells and whistles you have to pay extra for. YMMV.

[Rob228]

I've got the "Operator" and I'd have probably paid $500 more for the fit, finish, accuracy and reliability that I get out of it (sitting at about 12,00 rounds through it right now)

[TxFlyFish]

It’s always great to hear about high round count 1911. That’s the thing with SA they have great CS and competent product. They’re like the vortex of the 1911 world, great CS to back it up if anything goes.

I’m going to find a TRP or a very nicely finished loaded or RO. Great thing about SA they’re sold everywhere

[Theohazard]

The “sweet spot” is a Dan Wesson .

But seriously, if you’re looking at a Springfield that retails in the $1,500 range, I’d recommend a Dan Wesson instead. But if you’re looking for one at a lower price point, I’d also recommend the Range Officer.

[hdbiker]

I have a Springfield Loaded Target .45acp, dark stainless, carbon fiber grips, Trig icon Tritium sights, tuned trigger ( by Springfield ). I love the gun . hdbiker

[TxFlyFish]

Dw are definitely very very nice and I have one in 10mm. They just feel a bit blocky in hand.

[RickB]

RO is the best value, for the typical 1911 buyer.
I've also owned a Mil-Spec, a Loaded, and a G.I. hi-cap, and they were all good values, but I think the RO is the best combo of "must-have" features and no fluff.

[larryf1952]

My vote would go for the Loaded. I prefer the stainless steel model. I'm not that into GI style 1911's, and I don't care for adjustable sights on semiautos. So, Novak style fixed sights, a nice beavertail, skeletonized hammer and trigger are sure to get my attention. Not crazy about the ambi safety, but I love the look of the gun.

I also have a mental block about spending more than $1K on a 1911, so the Loaded does it for me.

[bac1023]

My vote is for the Pro and TGO1...

[SATRP]

I'd have to agree with bac1023: the Springfield Armory Professional Model is the BEST 1911-A1 on the market. But it's expensive to the tune of ~$3500.

The TRP, which is the factory production version of the custom (hand made) Professional Model, would be the sweet spot.

[armednfree]

I have a Range Officer and I have to say it is one fine gun. But I've fired the Rock Island several times and a Tisa, they were pretty good too.

[TxFlyFish]

Hey bac123 you have the prettiest guns! And not just these. On the pros are they still hovering around 2600 mark? I was contemplating about getting one just not sure how to initiate the process with Springfield. All the must have now prices are around 3000

[SATRP]

The Loaded Model is excellent quality at excellent cost. It's value exceeds its cost. Great gun.

[SATRP]

Good Morning TxFlyFish,

I've recently paid 3k for mine plus tax and DROS fee. I've seen them go for $3600 when they were scarce.

[TxFlyFish]

Thanks SATRP is that special ordering and waiting to be built price?