Springfield Armory’s 1911 Range Officer pistol series just got a little bit bigger with the addition of four new “RO Elite” models for the summer.
Chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP, these new Springfield RO Elite series pistols sport the Black-T treatment seen on Springfield 1911s built for the FBI’s regional SWAT and Hostage Rescue Teams. The Black-T coating is self-lubricating, corrosion resistant and built to protect the firearm from harsh use. In addition to the Black-T coating, these new models all include Springfield’s new Gen 2 triggers, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and custom thin-line G10 grips. Springfield touts this as being “$370 worth of upgrades for only a $125 increase in price.”
- RELATED STORY: Testing Springfield Armory’s Range Officer Compact
“The original 1911 Range Officer line remains a huge success with serious shooters”, Springfield CEO Dennis Reese said in a statement. “It made professional level performance more affordable by leveraging the tools, techniques and experience only Springfield Armory has. That’s always been our calling card. The new RO Elite models are more of the same: premium features, high performance, affordable price.
First up is the RO Elite Target. Built for the range, this model features a precision-fit, steel match grade frame and slide; five-inch stainless steel match grade barrel; fully adjustable rear sight; fiber optic front sight; and a GI style recoil system.
Like the RO Elite Target, the RO Elite Operator also sports a five-inch match grade stainless steel barrel. It also has a Picatinny rail for accessories, as well as slanted accessories on the front and rear of the slide. A GI recoil system is also included here, along with a tactical ledge, white-dot rear sight and fiber-optic front sight.
The RO Elite Champion sports a four-inch stainless steel match grade barrel in a forged steel slide with a flat wire captive recoil system. The full-height, forged lightweight aluminum alloy frame is light and strong. The RO Elite Champion also has a tactical ledge, white-dot rear sight and red fiber optic front sight.
Last, but certainly not least, is the RO Elite Compact. This model comes with a four-inch stainless steel match grade bull barrel with a fully supported ramp and a flat wire captive recoil system. The compact frame is made of forged aluminum alloy. A low-profile, tactical ledge, white-dot rear sight with a fiber optic front sight rests on the forged steel slide, allowing for fast and accurate target acquisition.
“We’re proud to offer new choices for pistol shooters who appreciate details,” Reese added. “And especially proud to prove, once again, that you can own and enjoy a high-quality firearm without breaking the bank.”
For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
