1911s may not be the only pistols I enjoy shooting, but they are one of my favorites. I cut my range teeth with a Springfield A1 Loaded. I still have fun bringing it out to the range.
Recently I did just that and was able to compare how the A1 Loaded handles against how the Springfield Range Officer 1911 shoots.
Which is Better? Springfield 1911 and Range Officer Reviewed
The Springfield A1 Loaded covered in this article has had several thousands of rounds through it, and as it was the first 1911 with which I had any experience, I’ve gotten accustomed to how it handles. For this particular range trip, I put a box of 50 rounds of .45 ACP through it. When shooting from 16ft, most of them ended up in the 8,9, and 10 rings with a few fliers outside that range, including slower, more precise shots, and quicker controlled pairs.
Springfield 1911 A1
Springfield Armory 1911 Range Officer
The physical differences between the two models are understated, but the difference in performance was notable. When shooting, the Range Officer feels just like what I’d expect from a Springfield 1911 but improved.
The RO’s trigger is what was most apparently different. The pull is lighter and cleaner. The fit and finish of the two pistols feels slightly different, too. The A1 doesn’t seem quite as smooth or snug when cycling (although, after at least 10k rounds through it – it still has yet to have any error in the operation of any kind).
Check out our full review on the Springfield Range Officer Here
If some .45 “plinking” is your goal, the Springfield A1 Loaded will do that, and then some. But the Range Officer offers a more precise shooting experience. The Range Officer does just what the A1 Loaded does… it just does it better.
Looking for the Best 1911 for your money? Here is our review: Keeping it Under $1000: The Best 1911s
