I wonder the same thing... I love mine...

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• Lisa93
• Sep 5, 2022

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• Lisa93
• Oct 27, 2022

 

Simply because they came out with the Garrison and Ronin lines. Same gun rather with bluing or stainless, a step up from whatever that finish is called on the RO. Previously the bottom two rungs of the Springfield offerings were the GI and Milspec both having the phosphate finish and no extras except for the latter having better sights. It took the Ronin and Garrison to include the extras most desire in a 1911, high rise beavertail and combat hammer. I know I appreciate Springfield bottom tier more, NOW they are equal to what Kimber has been putting out from the get go, which is why I went Kimber many many years ago.

So in short Springfield is dumping the ridiculous finish they've been using for years I suppose, good on them afaic.

 

I believe @The Dude summed it up nicely.

The Range Officer was a very underrated step in production 1911's. I remember when they came out I thought "Wow! I can actually afford that!". SA took many cues from Kimber and improved upon them. People want "better" sights. They want a beavertail. They want a larger thumb safety, etc.

I am saddened by the RO's passing just for it's place in history. I had a RO Compact .45 that was my EDC for some time several years ago. I don't know what the bottom line was/is, but fortunately there are many out there and the Ronin and Garrison offer a lot, but not adjustable sight.

 

Still have a RO Compact in .45. It's my most carried 1911.

 

Besides the finish, grips, and sights, is there any other difference between a RO and a Garrison? Or are they essentially the same gun otherwise?

I was recommended to buy a RO last year for my first 1911, but they were discontinued, so I ended up with my Garrison.

 

One thing I'd like to add about Springfield, except for the Pro I've owned or own every model they've offered! The only negative about Springer, of which I didn't know was a thing until joining ADDICTS was, the parts matching up slide to frame in the rear. Can't say positively all, but all but the TRP line didn't match up looking thru older pics where somehow I had the rear of the slide available. Every Springfield I've had ran perfectly and never disappointed I safely say to anyone starting out there's no better place than Springfield. The RO was just a name put on for that time and yes it's been a success,,,,,,next!

 

I liked her so much I gifted her to a great friend who needed a good pistol.

 

I’ve owned several RO’s including an Operator and RO Elite compact ,which I really liked but let it go to a friend. ( he won’t sell it back) some friend… Still have my Stainless ,and then purchased a Garrison. From what I can tell it’s essentially the same pistol with different sights. They both shoot great!

 

I really like my 9mm Range officer Elite.

 

The RO (9mm) shot extremely well out of the box. I thought I’d like the RO’s finish, I didn’t. So, I sent it back to SA, had them Armory coat it, added front strap checkering and changed the sights. It’s a sweet shooter in 9mm. I still don’t like the sights, but it’s a keeper.

 

I thought the RO Elite line offered great pistols at very good prices. The "new" Operator seems to be the same pistol with the only difference being the finish. Loved the Black T of the Elites. I owned a few different sizes in both .45 and 9mm, they all were great shooters.

 

Bought my youngest son a RO last year for Christmas. I went through it and cleaned up a few things and it is a good pistol. I'm not a fan personally of the 9mm in a 1911 but he likes it and I guess that is all that matters. He really wanted one of my Baer's or Briley's but that ain't happening as long as I am alive. For his first 1911 it suited the bill just fine.

 

There is one for sale in the classifieds right now. It has been messed with though ...

 

My first 1911 was a used 9mm Government. Did and does run tip-top. The finish does show some scratches and the adjustable rear sight is somewhat sharp edged but is good for target work but less so for speed.

 

I just won one of these on GunsMakeMeBroker (whoops, didn't think that bid would win it). Looking forward to tinkering with it, seeing how accurate it is and how accurate I can make it. Our club shoots some Swiss Pistol matches at 25 and 50 meters, so I'd like to have something that can shoot really tight groups.
From what I've read, just fitting an EGW bushing is one of the best bang for your buck upgrades. Any other hot tips?

 

I have an early gen 9mm RO. My first 1911, I love it! My dad liked it so much he got a stainless 9mm RO. Over time I have done a few things; added a fiber front, rounded edges on rear sight, Stan Chen magwell, new grips and slotted screws. I would love to checker front strap, refinish, maybe upgrade the internals. It shoots so well as is and that’s a lot of $$$ so we will see. RO was a great model, should have kept it in the line. Also, Tripp mags work great in mine.

 

It was a good gun. However, I am 75 years old, fat, with two busted knees and a broken back and you still could not run fast
enough to GIVE me a Kimber.

 

My first 9mm 1911 was the my RO Operator which has never failed me , I followed it up with a 9mm Compact which to this day is super accurate.
The RO line was introduced as an entry into competition shooting if I recall.

 

I have had my eye out for a good used one at a price I can stomach. I remember reading up on them in magazines when they were new. I wanted one then and still want one now. They just seemed like a sweet spot for price and features.