First Shots: Springfield Armory Ronin Operator 10 mm

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posted on January 14, 2021
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Springfield Armory's Ronin Operator 1911 was first introduced in 9 mm and .45 ACP, both in full- and commander-length formats. Now, the Ronin Operator is available in 10 mm Auto with a GI-style recoil system and the classic two-tone design found on former versions of the pistol. 

The newest Ronin Operator features a 5-inch, hammer-forged barrel with 1:16-inch twist, as well as a forged steel slide and frame. The 10 mm pistol comes with a single eight-round magazine as well as standard controls for the 1911, including thumb safety and rear grip safety with beavertail design. Crossed Cannon logos are found both on the red wood laminate grips and slide. 

Likewise, a Gen 2 Speed Trigger delivers a crisp break and impressive accuracy, while a tactical rack white dot rear and fiber-optic front sight make for fast target acquisition in a number of light conditions. Overall weight is 40 ounces (unloaded), which is heftier than previous commander-length models (31 ounces) but identical to the .45 ACP full-size edition. At 5.5 inches tall and 8.6 inches overall length, the 10 mm balances nicely in hand and is perfectly weighted for recoil management. 

At the range, the Ronin Operator produced tight groups on steel at 10 and 15 yards, with zero issues relating to feed or function across multiple handgun loads, both defensive and range. Loads included Hornady's Critical Duty 175-grain FlexLock, Federal Premium's 180-grain Hydra-Shok Deep, and Winchester's Super-X 175-grain JHP. 

Features: 
  • Caliber: 10 mm 
  • Color: Black/Stainless 
  • Barrel: 5-inch, stainless steel, match grade, 1:16-inch
  • Slide: Carbon steel, forged, blued
  • Frame: Forged stainless steel 
  • Sights: Fiber-optic front, tactical rack white dot rear 
  • Recoil System: GI-style 
  • Grips: Crossed cannons, red wood laminate, checkered 
  • Magazines: One, eight-round 
  • Height: 5.5 inches 
  • Weight: 40 ounces 
  • Length: 8.6 inches 
  • MSRP: $849 

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