Springfield Ronin 1911 in 9MM

Jim Bronson · January 17, 2021, 09:26 AM

I'm leaning heavily towards this pistol as my next gun. When they become easier to find. It's a commander size 1911 with aluminum frame. Two tone gun. Nice easy to see sights. (A big plus at 63). I've always baulked at an aluminum frame because of wear after extensive shooting, but being chambered in 9MM, that shouldn't be a problem. Any thoughts?

Jim Watson · January 17, 2021, 09:44 AM

My lightweight SA isn't a Ronin, but the aluminum frame is holding up well.

Do you particularly want the 4.25" barrel? I find the 5" balance and sight radius shoots better. But then it would have a steel frame and weigh more.

**Aguila Blanca** · January 17, 2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bronson

I've always baulked at an aluminum frame because of wear after extensive shooting,

What's your idea of "extensive shooting"? I don't know anyone who has worn out an alloy-framed 1911.

Sanch · January 17, 2021, 12:18 PM

Hi Jim Bronson,

I would never attempt to talk anyone out of buying any Springfield Armory 1911-A1. But if your intent is a concealed carry handgun in 9MM, I'd recommend checking out Springfield Armory EMP 3. It's as perfect a handgun as ever been factory produced. It might be more accurately be described as a custom handgun factory produced.

As for aluminum frames, I wouldn't sweat it. Sig aluminum frames will last forever. Sig's P229 chambered for .40 S&W have recorded tens of thousands of rounds fired without problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AGHdSIXgzg

Sanch · January 17, 2021, 12:47 PM

BTW, Jim, Kickok was right about the earliest version of EMP 3's "issues". Springfield Armory's customer service is second to none. I sent mine back to assure its reliability. It returned to me what I'd call a custom made handgun. From memory alone, I want to write that Springfield Armory's Custom Shop fine tuned my EMP 3. My out-of-pocket cost for fine tuning was zero.

I can't tell you the last time I've carried a handgun on my person. But if I were to need an urban carry handgun, I'd reach for my EMP 3. It's more reliable than any revolver. It will easily fit in a front pant pocket of a jeans.

Like Hickok, my self-defense round is 147 grain Fed HST LE standard pressure.

I like the Ronin and could be talked in to buying one. My favorite 1911-A1 is Springfield Armory's TRP .45 ACP. It's Springfield Armory's factory version of its Custom Shop Professional Model (FBI Gun). It's the 1911-A1 that 1911-A1 aficionados hope to replicate when buying other brands, sinking more $$$ into them in effort to get TRP's straight outta its factory flawless and extremely accurate performance.

The Ronin would be an excellent choice.

BTW, from experience, a full-size 1911-A1 is as easy to conceal carry as shorter iterations. Hence, I've sold my once dominant brand Officers Model. Now all of my 1911-A1s are full size.

While the EMP3 is referred to as a 1911-A1, in reality it's a 1911-A1-style handgun, but close enough to the definitive 1911-A1 design to allow it to be categorized as such.

Nanuk · January 17, 2021, 03:05 PM

One of those was on my short list. The local fun store had a Dan Wesson Vigil that came home with me.

Jim Bronson · January 17, 2021, 05:03 PM

My intent with this gun is to just simply add to my collection and shoot it for fun and games. I have other 1911's and even began my centerfire handgun shooting with a 1911 But my carry piece is a Glock 43 mostly or a G19. I like to explain it like this... "I'm married to the 1911. But Glock is my mistress."
When I said extensive shooting, I was talking 10,000+ rounds

ms6852 · January 17, 2021, 06:32 PM

If you simply want to add to your collection by all means go for it. I am a huge Springfield fan and own several 1911's from them with my latest acquisitions from them being a 911 in .380 and a TRP long slide in 10mm. At my age it is not very dignified to giggle like a little kid every time I pick up one of their firearms.

Hammerhead · January 17, 2021, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Springfield Ronin 1911 in 9MM

Sounds like a great choice.

Some days I wish I had picked an alloy 9mm 1911 instead of steel Gov't.

Maybe I just need to add one, an alloy commander in 9mm sounds sweet.

**Aguila Blanca** · January 18, 2021, 11:38 AM

Some posts have gone away. Please keep comments to the subject of the thread, and take any personal disagreements to private messages.

Sgt127 · January 18, 2021, 06:54 PM

I’m a huge 1911 fan. I picked up a Springfield Armory EMP4. I have dainty little hands. It may be the most perfect “1911” I’ve ever shot.

Rather than a 1911 adapted to work with 9mm, it’s a 1911 designed to shoot 9mm.

It’s perfectly sized and reliable.

Sanch · January 18, 2021, 10:44 PM

Hi Sgt127,

Your description of Springfield Armory's EMP was absolutely perfect.

Sanch · January 18, 2021, 10:50 PM

Hi Jim,

Buy a Ronin. I'm sure you'll be extremely happy with it.

My only question is where you intend to buy one. Vendors have waiting lists for all models of Springfield Armory's 1911-A1s. I have two friends on waiting lists for a Springfield Armory TRP. One has been on a list for over 6 months. He's losing hope of buying one.

Sanch · January 18, 2021, 10:59 PM

BTW, Jim, the Ronin might have a full-length rod guide. If you're good with that recoil system, you assuredly will have zero worries. I've replaced full-length rod guides with GI plug recoil systems. The reality is I doubt there's a difference in reliability. I did the changes because I'm a 1911-A1 traditionalist.

BTW, because I'm a 1911-A1 traditionalist, my opinion is a 1911-A1 is chambered in only .45 ACP. But an aircraft quality, aluminum framed 1911-A1 chambered in 9MM has me intrigued. This is heresy and exposes me to a 1911-A1 inquisition: if I could find a Ronin chambered for 9MM, I'd probably buy it. I'd have to deny ownership to my 1911-A1 traditionalist friends. No, I wouldn't deny ownership. I'd reveal myself as a heretic.

Nanuk · January 19, 2021, 08:21 AM

The 9mm in a 1911 is nothing new. Colt produced the first Aluminum alloy framed Commander in 1949 at the request of the US Army. It was never officially adopted and became available to the public in 1950.

If you choose to carry a 9mm 1911 you will be in the company of men like Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson. After seeing them run in competition I am a believer. Even with +P ammo my Dan Wesson is a soft shooter.

Jim Bronson · January 20, 2021, 08:24 AM

Well, I've pretty much made up my mind to acquire one... somehow. Maybe "SOMEDAY" might be a better word. I've looked and asked all the locals but get the same answer that they'll try but it looks like it'll be a very long wait.

eflyguy · January 20, 2021, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bronson

... they'll try but it looks like it'll be a very long wait.

I've been trying to track down a particular firearm and every dealer I've spoken to says the same thing - if the distributor doesn't have it, they have no way of knowing when they can get it, and they are not taking "orders."

If you're truly committed, you could start calling dealers further afield, and see if you can track one down and have it transferred. You probably already know that..

kymasabe · January 21, 2021, 05:42 AM

Count me in, I want one too.

CDW4ME · January 21, 2021, 06:58 PM

I think it should make a good carry gun.

rc · January 22, 2021, 01:44 AM

Kimber Pro Carry are also a very nice compact 1911s and don't have the light strike issues Springfield does from the titanium firing pin due to lack of firing pin lock. Colt and Kimber have steel firing pins and employ a internal drop safety.

**Spats McGee** · January 22, 2021, 07:27 AM

I've had a SA 1911 for about 10 years, and it's been a great gun. At least since that one trip to my gunsmith ..... That said, for fun and games, I think something from the Ronin line in 9mm would be a hoot. If I were looking for a 1911 for CC, though, I'd give the 1911 EMP Champion Concealed Carry Contour a hard look. Not that I've ever seen one in person, mind you, but I could sure enjoy a bobtail 1911 in 9mm.

January 17, 2021, 09:26 AM	#1
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	Springfield Ronin 1911 in 9MM I'm leaning heavily towards this pistol as my next gun. When they become easier to find. It's a commander size 1911 with aluminum frame. Two tone gun. Nice easy to see sights. (A big plus at 63). I've always baulked at an aluminum frame because of wear after extensive shooting, but being chambered in 9MM, that shouldn't be a problem. Any thoughts?

January 17, 2021, 03:05 PM	#6
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	One of those was on my short list. The local fun store had a Dan Wesson Vigil that came home with me. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

January 17, 2021, 06:32 PM	#8
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	If you simply want to add to your collection by all means go for it. I am a huge Springfield fan and own several 1911's from them with my latest acquisitions from them being a 911 in .380 and a TRP long slide in 10mm. At my age it is not very dignified to giggle like a little kid every time I pick up one of their firearms. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

January 18, 2021, 11:38 AM	#10
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,460	Some posts have gone away. Please keep comments to the subject of the thread, and take any personal disagreements to private messages. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

January 19, 2021, 08:21 AM	#15
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	The 9mm in a 1911 is nothing new. Colt produced the first Aluminum alloy framed Commander in 1949 at the request of the US Army. It was never officially adopted and became available to the public in 1950. If you choose to carry a 9mm 1911 you will be in the company of men like Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson. After seeing them run in competition I am a believer. Even with +P ammo my Dan Wesson is a soft shooter. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

January 17, 2021, 09:44 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	My lightweight SA isn't a Ronin, but the aluminum frame is holding up well. Do you particularly want the 4.25" barrel? I find the 5" balance and sight radius shoots better. But then it would have a steel frame and weigh more.

January 17, 2021, 12:18 PM	#4
Sanch Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2020 Posts: 154	Hi Jim Bronson, I would never attempt to talk anyone out of buying any Springfield Armory 1911-A1. But if your intent is a concealed carry handgun in 9MM, I'd recommend checking out Springfield Armory EMP 3. It's as perfect a handgun as ever been factory produced. It might be more accurately be described as a custom handgun factory produced. As for aluminum frames, I wouldn't sweat it. Sig aluminum frames will last forever. Sig's P229 chambered for .40 S&W have recorded tens of thousands of rounds fired without problems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AGHdSIXgzg

January 17, 2021, 12:47 PM	#5
Sanch Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2020 Posts: 154	BTW, Jim, Kickok was right about the earliest version of EMP 3's "issues". Springfield Armory's customer service is second to none. I sent mine back to assure its reliability. It returned to me what I'd call a custom made handgun. From memory alone, I want to write that Springfield Armory's Custom Shop fine tuned my EMP 3. My out-of-pocket cost for fine tuning was zero. I can't tell you the last time I've carried a handgun on my person. But if I were to need an urban carry handgun, I'd reach for my EMP 3. It's more reliable than any revolver. It will easily fit in a front pant pocket of a jeans. Like Hickok, my self-defense round is 147 grain Fed HST LE standard pressure. I like the Ronin and could be talked in to buying one. My favorite 1911-A1 is Springfield Armory's TRP .45 ACP. It's Springfield Armory's factory version of its Custom Shop Professional Model (FBI Gun). It's the 1911-A1 that 1911-A1 aficionados hope to replicate when buying other brands, sinking more $$$ into them in effort to get TRP's straight outta its factory flawless and extremely accurate performance. The Ronin would be an excellent choice. BTW, from experience, a full-size 1911-A1 is as easy to conceal carry as shorter iterations. Hence, I've sold my once dominant brand Officers Model. Now all of my 1911-A1s are full size. While the EMP3 is referred to as a 1911-A1, in reality it's a 1911-A1-style handgun, but close enough to the definitive 1911-A1 design to allow it to be categorized as such.

January 17, 2021, 05:03 PM	#7
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	My intent with this gun is to just simply add to my collection and shoot it for fun and games. I have other 1911's and even began my centerfire handgun shooting with a 1911 But my carry piece is a Glock 43 mostly or a G19. I like to explain it like this... "I'm married to the 1911. But Glock is my mistress." When I said extensive shooting, I was talking 10,000+ rounds

January 18, 2021, 06:54 PM	#11
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	I’m a huge 1911 fan. I picked up a Springfield Armory EMP4. I have dainty little hands. It may be the most perfect “1911” I’ve ever shot. Rather than a 1911 adapted to work with 9mm, it’s a 1911 designed to shoot 9mm. It’s perfectly sized and reliable.

January 18, 2021, 10:44 PM	#12
Sanch Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2020 Posts: 154	Hi Sgt127, Your description of Springfield Armory's EMP was absolutely perfect.

January 18, 2021, 10:50 PM	#13
Sanch Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2020 Posts: 154	Hi Jim, Buy a Ronin. I'm sure you'll be extremely happy with it. My only question is where you intend to buy one. Vendors have waiting lists for all models of Springfield Armory's 1911-A1s. I have two friends on waiting lists for a Springfield Armory TRP. One has been on a list for over 6 months. He's losing hope of buying one.

January 18, 2021, 10:59 PM	#14
Sanch Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2020 Posts: 154	BTW, Jim, the Ronin might have a full-length rod guide. If you're good with that recoil system, you assuredly will have zero worries. I've replaced full-length rod guides with GI plug recoil systems. The reality is I doubt there's a difference in reliability. I did the changes because I'm a 1911-A1 traditionalist. BTW, because I'm a 1911-A1 traditionalist, my opinion is a 1911-A1 is chambered in only .45 ACP. But an aircraft quality, aluminum framed 1911-A1 chambered in 9MM has me intrigued. This is heresy and exposes me to a 1911-A1 inquisition: if I could find a Ronin chambered for 9MM, I'd probably buy it. I'd have to deny ownership to my 1911-A1 traditionalist friends. No, I wouldn't deny ownership. I'd reveal myself as a heretic.

January 20, 2021, 08:24 AM	#16
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	Well, I've pretty much made up my mind to acquire one... somehow. Maybe "SOMEDAY" might be a better word. I've looked and asked all the locals but get the same answer that they'll try but it looks like it'll be a very long wait.

January 21, 2021, 05:42 AM	#18
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	Count me in, I want one too. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

January 21, 2021, 06:58 PM	#19
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 1,321	I think it should make a good carry gun. __________________ Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap. "Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.

January 22, 2021, 01:44 AM	#20
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,765	Kimber Pro Carry are also a very nice compact 1911s and don't have the light strike issues Springfield does from the titanium firing pin due to lack of firing pin lock. Colt and Kimber have steel firing pins and employ a internal drop safety.

January 22, 2021, 07:27 AM	#21
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	I've had a SA 1911 for about 10 years, and it's been a great gun. At least since that one trip to my gunsmith ..... That said, for fun and games, I think something from the Ronin line in 9mm would be a hoot. If I were looking for a 1911 for CC, though, I'd give the 1911 EMP Champion Concealed Carry Contour a hard look. Not that I've ever seen one in person, mind you, but I could sure enjoy a bobtail 1911 in 9mm. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.