Who has one and how do you like it? What about the lightweight frame? Any fear of it cracking or anything? Pics are a plus!!
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I’d like to know three as I just got on the Wish List with Buds for a full size 1911 Operator with a lightweigh frame. Think I’m going to carry it as the full size will be more reliable everything else being equal and the lightweigh will wear less on my back.
Wife got me one as an Xmas present after I asked for a shitty used and abused M9 to mirror what I qualify with. Not that I’m complaining.
I’ve only managed to shoot it when home on leave so only have about 1k through it of UMC. I haven’t had any malfunctions with it during that time. I’m a 9mm guy and in no way a 1911 aficionado but it’s a great shooter and it’s easy to manage the recoil. Trigger is crisp and the slide/frame fit is very tight. Kept it lubed with Slip EWL. It seems pretty light but I haven’t used it for CC. I threw some basic parts on it like 10-8 grips and some WC mags and spring guide parts.
The only frame of reference I have is a Taurus 1911 that a German friend I have here has. I’m glad that my wife got the Springer as I think the Taurus would have put me off 1911’s for life. It’s noticeably better in both construction and groupings on target.
I doubt I’ll beat the hell out of it with high round counts so I’m not concerned about frame failures. I’ll also probably stick with a Glock for CC but the 1911 sure is more interesting to shoot things with.
After doing a bit of searching here and elsewhere, there seems to be quite a split on the lightweight in terms of feed reliability. Doesn’t appear to be much middle ground - they either run great or folks can’t get through a mag without a FTF. Can’t help but think that the ramped barrel has something to do with it either way.
Anyone with more experience with these have additional input???
TIA
john
I have had two 1911’s that I have sent back to SA on their dime. One had a bent front sight post. The other had issues with the ambi safety as well as some feeding issues. I hate to have an issue with a gun that I just spent hard earned money on, HOWEVER I do have to say that SA did a great job as far as customer service and taking care of it.
I’ve had great luck with mine. Purchased used from someone who was looking to buy a much more expensive 1911. A couple other 1911s have come & gone, but this one I’ve kept.
I installed a new factory recoil spring assembly when I got it, and so far have enjoyed it a lot. Everybody who fires it loves the gun.
I also ended up replacing the ILS parts (mainspring housing, firing pin & spring), but that is just personal preference.
The only things I don’t find optimal about it are that I cannot ‘sling shot’ the slide when reloading, and also the thumb safety has a sharp edge on the back (bothers me, but not my friends who have shot it multiple times).
I don’t have the Operator, I do have the “Service Lightweight” and no, I’m not worried about cracking the frame. The only ammo it eats is Standard pressure self defense loads, Winchester Ranger-T, and Federal 230 gr Classic, both are supplemented with S&B 230 gr ball for training…
It’s an excellent pistol, the same in every way but one to the “Operator,” that being the rail. However I will add that not every Springfield is as nice as my specimen, in my estimation their QC can really be hit & miss…
Unless you’re buying the pistol specifically to run tens of thousands of dollars worth of ammunition through, the Al frame should be adequate.
The real issue is with all the Springfield Loaded/Operator line - most aren’t perfect out of the box, but are going to be excellent pistols once sent back for minor work / fixed by the great CS at SA.
A magwell MSH, and maybe G1- grips are the only changes I view as really helpful once it’s running well.