New Springfield Armory 1911s for 2016

For 2016, Springfield Armory released 19 new guns. Some were totally new, like the four-inch 1911-style EMP, while others were different takes on a classic Springfield design. A few of them, however, were brand-new or revamped 1911s from the company's popular lines, such as the Range Officer. Here are three new offerings from Springfield that could join your gun safe.

Springfield Range Officer Operator

In response to customer demand, Springfield Armory introduced a new member of the Range Officer family for 2016: the Operator.

Like the original Springfield Range Officer, the new Operator model is designed to perform far beyond its price tag. The Operator includes forged national match frames and slides, both features found on Springfield Armory's top-end 1911 models. A national match stainless steel barrel and precisely fit bushing help wring maximum accuracy from the Range Officer Operator.

"When we released the original Range Officer series, customers immediately asked us when we were going to produce a Range Officer model that was equipped for self-defense use," Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese said. "Customers loved the value of the Range Officer configurations and the flexibility to choose between 9mm and .45 ACP in the same great platform, so we made development of the new Operator a priority."

Designed to be a formidable companion for concealed carry or home defense, the Springfield Range Officer Operator is equipped with features that can make a difference when split seconds count. The sighting system is bright and fast, leveraging high-visibility fiber optic front sights and low profile combat-style rear sights that won't snag during fast draws from the holster.

The flat mainspring housing is checkered for positive grip, and the extended beavertail safety includes a memory bump for positive and unambiguous activation under stressful conditions. Rounding out the package is a long aluminum match grade trigger, skeletonized Delta hammer and Picatinny rail for light or laser attachment. To improve reliability, the ejection port is also lowered and flared.

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The Operator is designed around the full-size Government model frame, containing a five-inch barrel to generate maximum velocity from the user's choice of ammunition. The large frame also allows for maximum sight radius, making it easy to get fast and accurate hits on target.

The Springfield Range Officer Operator is available in 9mm and .45 ACP. Exterior dimensions are the same, but the 9mm model packs nine+one rounds of ammo with its two included magazines. The .45 ACP model also includes two standard seven-round magazines for a total loaded capacity of seven+one.

The new model also sports a Parkerized finish that will ward off corrosion and rust under the most demanding carry conditions. The checkered Cocobolo grips provide a firm hold without undue wear and tear on carry holsters and clothes.

With the Springfield Range Officer Operator, customers now can enjoy the same great features that made the original Range Officers so popular, now optimized for self-defense application.

Stainless Steel Springfield Range Officer

Springfield Armory designed the original Range Officer models for high-volume use with a durable and corrosion resistance Parkerized finish. Two new Range Officer models for 2016 continue to offer a similar level of finish durability, but with a new brushed stainless steel look.

The new Range Officer Stainless models feature durable Cocobolo wood grips. Cocobolo is well known as one of the hardest of woods that will stand up to heavy competition and recreational use. A double-diamond checkering pattern provides positive grip surface without abrasion.

The new Range Officer Stainless models are built on full-size Government model frames. The forged stainless steel frame and slide add recoil-dampening weight to both 9mm and .45 ACP models. Both share the same exterior dimension of 8.6 inches long and 5.5 inches tall while the 9mm weighs in slightly heavier owing to extra barrel material.

"The stainless steel match barrel and bushing also make this model particularly ideal for those who are shooting in adverse weather climates," said Chad Dyer, Springfield Armory marketing director. "The frame is resistant to rusting in damp, or even wet environments. Not only does it look great, but it'll also hold up to extreme shooting environments."

With the new 2016 arrivals, the Range Officer Full Size family now numbers six, with two each chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP. The 9mm models come with two nine-round magazines for a total capacity of 10+1. The .45 ACP includes two seven-round magazines.

Laser-Equipped Springfield 1911 Loaded

Rounding out the five other Loaded 1911 configurations in the product line, the Loaded Parkerized with Crimson Trace Laser Grips is optimized for serious defensive use. The parkerized finish is designed to stand up to the rigors of daily carry while the full Government size makes it an excellent home-defense option too. Like other models in the Loaded family, the parkerized model is built for reliable performance. A five-inch stainless match grade barrel is carefully fit to a bushing and parkerized forged carbon steel frame and slide for maximum reliability and accuracy.

Customers who want the ease of control offered by a full size 1911 will appreciate the marriage of tradition with life-saving technology. This new Loaded model includes Crimson Trace Lasergrips to provide customers with fast, instinctive, and effective low-light sighting options.

"The addition of the laser means you can react more quickly in response to a threat," said Dennis Reese, chairman of the board at Springfield Armory. "I don't know if there's anything more comforting than that."

An instinctive activation button turns the laser on with no switch manipulation required. Assume a firing grip, and the laser is automatically projected downrange toward the target. The low-profile grip replacements have no impact on holster selection so that customers can choose their favorite Government size holster. As a self-defense model, the Loaded Parkerized comes standard with three-dot Tritium combat sights.

Springfield Armory will be offering the Loaded Parkerized Crimson Trace pistol in .45ACP.