First Look First Look: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator In 9mm David Lane May 11, 2023 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. The new 1911 Operator 9mm has been released by Springfield Armory, a reliable and practical 1911 pistol that Springfield says is ideal for duty use. This version of the pistol includes all the features that made the original popular, such as a Tactical Rack rear/tritium front sight set, ambidextrous safety, and G10 VZ Grips. It also comes with two magazines with bumper pads that can hold up to nine rounds due to the 9mm chambering of the pistol. Additionally, the pistol has a low-key black Cerakote finish on its forged steel slide and frame, which protects against the elements and ensures a lifetime of service. The frame also includes an integrated Picatinny accessory rail on the dustcover that allows users to attach a light, laser, or combo unit of their choice. The fully supported ramped match-grade barrel is made from forged stainless steel for maximum durability and downrange performance. Finally, the Operator features a traditional barrel bushing for easy and simple tool-free takedown in the field.“Springfield Armory 1911 pistols are renowned for their performance, strength and capabilities,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing. “And with the popular Operator pistol now available in 9mm, shooters have a new option with this duty-grade premiere defensive pistol.”Some might question the wisdom of using a 9+1 9mm 1911 in the year 2023, but for those who are interested in doing so – the Operator represents a good entry-level price point for a platform that has proven to be reliable in past iterations. MSRP is $1,184.SPECS:CALIBER: 9mm COLOR: Black BARREL: 5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp, 1:16 SLIDE: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote® FRAME: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote® SIGHTS: Tritium Front, Tactical Rack White Dot Rear RECOIL SYSTEM: GI Style GRIPS: VZ Grips® G10 MAGAZINES: (2) 9-Round WEIGHT: 42 oz LENGTH: 8.6″ HEIGHT: 5.25″ Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
