I want a full size 1911 and I am looking to buy a SA Operator soon. I am debating between the Light Weight Operator and the normal Operator. Only Operator I’ve seen in real life though is the compact version. From what I’ve read this is a great 1911. I have not been able to see much of a difference between the two. I realize the LW model weighs like an ounce or two less and is made from aluminum. Is that the only difference? What are some pro cons to the two. If ultimately the only difference is weight than yea I’ll go with the LW model and save a couple bucks but I figure there has to be something more than just that. Any info would be great thanks!
Easy day,
owned them both.
imo, for the best reliability, accuracy full size 1911.
Weight is NOT an issue w/ 1911 in reality, reliability is…
If you think about it some double stack pistols weigh more that are smaller.
If 8 oz. hurts or makes your back sore you have other things to worry about.
carried them both on 16+ hr days many times.
MC Operator or FBI Pro CRG.
YMMV…
I thought the OP might be referring to the Springfield LW Operator, which IS a full-sized 1911, albeit a “lightweight” one that uses some sort of aluminum alloy frame. This full-size LW Operator is in distinction from the LW Champion Operator which is a commander-sized 1911. The full-size LW Operator is actually significantly lighter that a full-size steel framed 1911: 34 oz according to the Springfield site, versus 42 for the MC Operator. And I can feel the difference when carrying.
I own the full-size LW Operator, and it is an excellent pistol. It has been absolutely as reliable as my custom Springfield 1911, with 1600 total rounds through it to date, and exactly 1 failure to feed when it was brand new. I know that Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance is using the LW Operator as the base pistol for one of his 2010 releases of his custom 10-8 pistol runs, so Hilton must think that this is potentially a solid and reliable 1911. Although I would comment with the LW Operator, as with many 1911’s in this price range of about $1K: it probably makes sense if you are going to carry it or use for duty use, to have it gone over for a “reliability tune-up”. Some folks don’t think that is necessary, and they may be right. But I personally don’t want to chance it with a 1911 in this price range, I have experienced too many issues with failures of cheaper MIM parts on such 1911’s. So whether it was necessary or not, I had my extractor, slide release lever, ejector, firing pin stop, and plunger tube upgraded.
How could you look this pistol in the face and say no? Go for the Steel
My vote is for full size and steel as well.
I’d go with the normal Operator. I had to suck it up and buy a LW Operator because I couldn’t find a MC Operator after months of searching.
What issues have you seen?
Thanks everyone I think I’ll be getting the heavy Operator once I get my tax refund…
I don’t think it is accurate to suggest that the MC Operator is any more RELIABLE than the LW Operator, based on the available evidence.
I do think it’s fair to say that a steel framed gun would likely have a longer frame life than the a lightweight alloy framed gun. Steel frames on 1911’s can last many 10’s of thousands of rounds, I have heard of 1911 frames lasting beyond 100K rounds. Several companies including Kimber and Springfield have tested and feel that their alloy frames are likely to last beyond 30K rounds without significant wear, which is beyond what most shooters will use in the lifetime of the gun. Plus with a company like Springfield, if the LW frame wears out, they would replace it anyway under lifetime warranty.
The important thing I think to decide is not some subjective (and unprovable) notion of whether one Springfield model is more “reliable” than the other, but rather whether you need a lighter gun for carry, or if you want the full size and weight of a steel framed 1911, along with the longer frame life.
true… maybe I’ll see if I can get my gun store to order both and I can hold them both and see which feels better in my hand.
I own several full and commander sized 1911s (steel and alloy) and my SA LW Operator is my most reliable out of all of them. Additionally I do notice a difference in comfort when carrying it versus one of the all steel models.
Based on that it’s the full-sized 1911 I carry most often.
Probably a good idea. You might also want to think about the weight of the pistol, and the effect it will have (for example, if you have a bad back) with all-day carry. A very experienced 1911 guy on this forum told me that he got a Springfield LW Operator (and then had it customized/upgraded somewhat) because of back issues, and the extra half pound of reduced weight helped him out quite a bit due to back issues.
i have the 4inch champion operator, and it’s one of the most accurate pistols i have ever fired. i can easily fire 4 rounds into one hole at 25 yards, with a two hand hold. it’s dead reliable too. 
