The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: WatchManUSA on November 15, 2010, 10:39:15 PM

Title: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: WatchManUSA on November 15, 2010, 10:39:15 PM
Springfield just came out with a new 1911 model called the Rage Officer.  According to Springfield:

The RO™ is designed to give the shooter exceptional quality, at an affordable price. One of the goals was to create a pistol that is acceptable in many different styles of shooting competitions, so the shooter can decide which one he likes most. It is built with the same precision as the Trophy Match™, and TRP™ models, but Springfield has removed the “extras” that result in a higher price. It’s everything you need in a competition model, at an affordable price, and easily upgradable for your future needs.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/1911RO/1911RangeOfficer.htm

http://www.springfield-armory.com/assets/pdf/SPRINGFIELD_Book_armory_PI9128LP.pdf

We are supposed to be getting one on the sales floor of the gun shop this week.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: Dakotaranger on November 16, 2010, 02:02:19 AM
I want two
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: alfsauve on November 16, 2010, 05:19:39 AM
Any idea of the price?  (he asks with $500 burning a hole in his pocket)


Just a note on the ad copy.   

Quote
It's everything you need in a competition model.

Then why are they supplying 7 round mags?   Springfield prides itself on have 2 mags with every pistol, and I really do appreciate that, but you would never use 7 round mags for anything other than bullseye.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: ellis4538 on November 16, 2010, 12:54:49 PM
Alf, I agree about the 7 rounders but a lot of people don't trust 8 or 10 rounders!  7 was the original design.  Some people even download  8 rounders to 7...go figure.

FWIW


Richard
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 16, 2010, 01:03:16 PM
Quote
It is built with the same precision as the Trophy Match™, and TRP™ models, but Springfield has removed the “extras” that result in a higher price.

Looks like the only "extras" that differ from the Trophy Match are the extended mag-well, the ambi safety, and the guide rod...and the finish/material....all minor issues.
I'm also interested in the price.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: billt on November 16, 2010, 08:23:59 PM
I'm also interested in the price.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/972932144/Guns/Pistols/Springfield-Armory-Pistols/1911-Type/PI9128LP_RANGE_OFFICER_5_45_ACP.htm

Look's to be in the $750.00 range.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 16, 2010, 08:43:08 PM
You can get 2 Rock Island 1911's for that price, and they come from a proven production line, no bugs to work out, and 8 round mags.
Oh yeah, they aren't the "cheap" model either.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: billt on November 17, 2010, 10:24:30 AM
You can get 2 Rock Island 1911's for that price, and they come from a proven production line, no bugs to work out, and 8 round mags.
Oh yeah, they aren't the "cheap" model either.

I looked at several Rock Island guns when I was up at J&G Sales purchasing some AK-47's a while back. They are what they are, a rough cut $400.00 pistol. You can't put them into the $1,000.00+ class guns. The edges were very sharp, and the metal work was rough and crude, with tool marks too numerous to mention. The cost in metal work is in the finishing. Regardless if you're making guns or frying pans. The higher degree of fit and finish, the more the gun will cost. The process of manufacturing a 1911 is the same for Les Baer as it is for Rock Island. One is crudely banged out in the Philippines by what amounts to under paid slave labor, while the other is painstakingly hand finished and fitted here by skilled craftsman and pistolsmiths. The cost of the weapons reflect that. No more, no less.

I'm not slamming the Rock Island guns. You may get a good one, or you may not. It is much the same with Taurus, but a little less so. That is because of the manufacturing process, along with what it involves, more so than where that process takes place.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: breezzer99 on November 17, 2010, 10:56:37 AM
I had 2 rocks I traded one and 200 for XDm which still have and will keep. The other rock i gave to my brother it had been thru the mill Anything from springfield I say is worth the money. Next gun I get from them is a socom or 3.8 XD.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: WatchManUSA on November 17, 2010, 11:10:55 PM
The shop I work at has the RO priced at $729.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 17, 2010, 11:17:19 PM
I looked at several Rock Island guns when I was up at J&G Sales purchasing some AK-47's a while back. They are what they are, a rough cut $400.00 pistol. You can't put them into the $1,000.00+ class guns. The edges were very sharp, and the metal work was rough and crude, with tool marks too numerous to mention. The cost in metal work is in the finishing. Regardless if you're making guns or frying pans. The higher degree of fit and finish, the more the gun will cost. The process of manufacturing a 1911 is the same for Les Baer as it is for Rock Island. One is crudely banged out in the Philippines by what amounts to under paid slave labor, while the other is painstakingly hand finished and fitted here by skilled craftsman and pistolsmiths. The cost of the weapons reflect that. No more, no less.

I'm not slamming the Rock Island guns. You may get a good one, or you may not. It is much the same with Taurus, but a little less so. That is because of the manufacturing process, along with what it involves, more so than where that process takes place.  Bill T.
Not offering an argument, just a question. Will the Rock Island go bang everytime you pull thre trigger and deliver shots to point of aim? If I can feed it crap and get four inch groups at 10 yards out of the box, I'll buy it. If not, I'll pass. Thoughts?
FQ13
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: Walter45Auto on November 18, 2010, 12:15:33 AM
Not offering an argument, just a question. Will the Rock Island go bang everytime you pull thre trigger and deliver shots to point of aim? If I can feed it crap and get four inch groups at 10 yards out of the box, I'll buy it. If not, I'll pass. Thoughts?
FQ13

For the record, mine always has gone bang, fed anything, and hit where the sights are lined up. I didn't have it brand new, but a friend of mine says that his RI has always fed/gone bang, and been just as accurate as mine.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: billt on November 18, 2010, 03:25:20 AM
Not offering an argument, just a question. Will the Rock Island go bang everytime you pull thre trigger and deliver shots to point of aim? If I can feed it crap and get four inch groups at 10 yards out of the box, I'll buy it. If not, I'll pass. Thoughts?
FQ13

"Going bang" doesn't make the weapon anywhere near the same quality. But to answer your question, yes, it will go bang. At least hopefully. Much like a Toyota Yaris will get you to the same place in the same amount of time, on the same roads a Chevrolet Z-06 Corvette will. But you can hardly compare the two based on that alone.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 18, 2010, 11:27:13 AM
"Going bang" doesn't make the weapon anywhere near the same quality. But to answer your question, yes, it will go bang. At least hopefully. Much like a Toyota Yaris will get you to the same place in the same amount of time, on the same roads a Chevrolet Z-06 Corvette will. But you can hardly compare the two based on that alone.  Bill T.
Then do you compare them on? I always wondered why anyone would want to buy a 160 mph car for a 70 mph speed limit. ;D
FQ13 who very much gets your point. I just had to ask. ;)
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: billt on November 18, 2010, 12:59:03 PM
Because I've worked in the metals industry for so many years, I compare most guns on fit and finish. I realize a military weapon isn't going to exhibit the same quality of metal work a $1,300.00 target pistol is, but looking at a Mauser I can see the amount of work that went into the machining of it's action as opposed to a generic, component gun like an AR-15, which I feel are very overpriced for what you get. With that said, if you like AR-15 rifles, (and I do), you don't have much choice except to pay the price. But looking at a Smith & Wesson Model 41 .22 Target Pistol, which is made from 100% blued steel and Walnut, I can see where the $1,100.00 went. In looking at the average M-4 that sells for about the same, I can't.

In looking at a base model Browning Citori for the same $1,100.00 price point, I can't believe they can sell them for that and make a profit when you consider the machining and hand fitting involved. Another great buy in today's market are the Remington 1187 / 1100 / 870 series of shotguns. This is based on the fact they are one of the few models left that are made with machined steel receivers, not Aluminum. Browning dropped the Auto-V years ago because of the high machining costs associated with it's all steel construction. I bought one for Melanie back in the mid 90's, right before they discontinued them. I paid $650.00 for it brand new at Wal-Mart. It turned out to be one of my better buys. That is a gun I can get pleasure out of by just looking at it and handling it. The workmanship in relationship to the price is phenomenal. A lot of these guns are on borrowed time. The S&W Model 41 I mentioned is one. Sadly I think the Marlin 39-A is another. It has a great and loyal following. I just hope it's enough to keep it in production. The Colt Python went down because of it's cost to manufacture.

A lot of the high end 1911's are the same. They require a lot of hand fitting and polishing to complete. I love Glocks, but they have no "soul". They are a gun that is built to go bang regardless of conditions. That they do very well. But they are hardly an heirloom. Nice 1911's are for play, and to be handled and admired with a glass of Brandy by the fireplace. Glocks are for work. That's how I see it anyway. As always, your mileage may vary.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: McGyver on November 18, 2010, 01:16:00 PM
I don't care WHAT you two say about RIA. I bought mine new and have over 1000rds. thru it without as much of a hiccup!  ;D

Who needs a carry gun that you gotta worrying about putting a scratch on, anyway?  :P

Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 18, 2010, 01:16:16 PM
I one hundred percent agree Billt. The trade I regret most is getting rid of a Python for a Glock. I panicked and thought "now or never" for a semi auto. I figured I could always buy a new Python when I got $600 togther.  Wrong answer. :'( The same is true of my shotguns. I love SxS bird guns. I can't afford the fancy stuff, but the "working" models of the high end manufacturers? Like you, I can't see how they turn a profit. I've traded a few back and forth over the years trying to find the one that fit me. I've settled on a Parker VH and a Merkel model 8. Blue collar guns compared to their more esteemed bretheren. But the workmanship is the same. How those guys made money I'll never understand. They are works of art. My Glock? Its just a thing. I love it for its functionality, but beyond that? You'd be hard pressed to get me to say much good about it other than the teniffer coating. That alone is praise worthy.
FQ13
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 18, 2010, 01:20:37 PM
I don't care WHAT you two say about RIA. I bought mine new and have over 1000rds. thru it without as much of a hiccup!  ;D

Who needs a carry gun that you gotta worrying about putting a scratch on, anyway?  :P


What two? I agree. In a carry gun, I just want it to work and be hassel free in terms of care. I agree with Bill about toys (which for me are bird guns), but for the real deal? I want the most durable and reliable thing out there at the lowest price.
FQ13
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: McGyver on November 18, 2010, 01:29:55 PM
What two? I agree. In a carry gun, I just want it to work and be hassel free in terms of care. I agree with Bill about toys (which for me are bird guns), but for the real deal? I want the most durable and reliable thing out there at the lowest price.
FQ13

I was half-fast aiming that at billt, since he only "hopes" it'll go bang. I haven't seen nor heard of one NOT going bang yet except for the .40cal. with an extended extractor. (they may go bang when ya DON'T want 'em to!)   :o
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: billt on November 18, 2010, 02:00:19 PM
I was half-fast aiming that at billt, since he only "hopes" it'll go bang. I haven't seen nor heard of one NOT going bang yet except for the .40cal. with an extended extractor. (they may go bang when ya DON'T want 'em to!)   :o

I have nothing against Rock Island Armory guns. But there is no getting around they are what they are, a $450.00 1911. No more, no less. I would even consider buying one if I had that sort of need for a "knock about" 1911, but I don't. If I require that sort of gun a Glock can do better for roughly the same price with a much better performance record. To me buying a cheap 1911 is a bit like buying a fake Rolex. I don't mean that as a slam, just as an analogy of meaning getting something for less than it was designed to be made and sold for.

In today's market a "bare bones" 1911 requires about $650.00 to $750.00 worth of skill, talent, and machining to produce on modern equipment to a degree where as you can uncase and shoot it with a variety of different ammunition without concerning yourself with possible operational issues that might plague lesser guns. And even that is certainly no guarantee. Again, not meant as a slam, just keeping things relative. The "new" Remington R-1911 is a good example of such a gun. I understand that cost and money is of great concern in today's economy. But if I want a 1911, I don't want one that could be built of substandard quality. I would rather buy a Glock, or a Springfield XD, and know I'll have a gun where quality isn't compromised to the point of possibly sacrificing operational dependability. That won't happen with a $450.00 Glock. It might with a $450.00, 1911. An AK-47 can easily be built in today's market to run dependably for $450.00. A 1911 is simply more of a gamble at that price point.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: McGyver on November 18, 2010, 02:06:33 PM
I had to jump in and defend them, though! I honestly don't think they're inferior in any way. I think they are built with quality metal, by quality engineers, but you're correct on the slave labor.  >:(
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: TAB on November 18, 2010, 03:15:37 PM
Alf, I agree about the 7 rounders but a lot of people don't trust 8 or 10 rounders!  7 was the original design.  Some people even download  8 rounders to 7...go figure.

FWIW


Richard


I have never had probs with colt factory 8 round mags.  every other 8 rounder I have.  never liked the 10s, they stick out too far.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 18, 2010, 05:39:00 PM

I have never had probs with colt factory 8 round mags.  every other 8 rounder I have.  never liked the 10s, they stick out too far.

I have some 20 year old Wilson 8 rounders that are still going strong. Only extra capacity mags I've had issues with are the Chip McCormick 10 rounders.

Mags are one of those things that can be hit or miss......and one of the areas where mileage will vary.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: TAB on November 19, 2010, 08:33:19 PM
I think a big part of why mags fail is abuse.

feed lips are every thing.  A small bend is all it takes to make a mag fail.
Title: Re: Springfield: New Model - Range Officer
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 20, 2010, 09:45:39 PM
Not offering an argument, just a question. Will the Rock Island go bang everytime you pull thre trigger and deliver shots to point of aim? If I can feed it crap and get four inch groups at 10 yards out of the box, I'll buy it. If not, I'll pass. Thoughts?
FQ13

Mine has 1500-2000 times no matter what brand or bullet design, clean or dirty.