Springfield Ronin 1911 9mm Full Size. Shooting Diary and Table Top Review. (Video)

[Greg Bell]

Hey guys,

I have added a 9mm 1911 to my shooting rotation. Up until covid times I used to shoot my .45 1911 all the time but the skyrocketing price of ammo has led me to pick up another 9mm 1911 to "SAVE MONEY" LOL.

Anyway, I am right at 900 rounds and I have put together some thoughts.

1. Totally reliable. Springfield seems to have cracked the code on 9mm 1911s. The gun not only seems to feed and eject perfectly, it seems to feed duty ammo reliably.

2. The QC on this is top notch. No question the fitting of the beavertail, extractor, safety and trigger flat blows Colt out of the water.

3. I hate the stupid 6 O'Clock hold. It basically hits about 3 inches high (from the center of the dot). I really need to fi this but all I typically do is shoot steel.

I will be shooting this along with my APX and Beretta 92 and I will keep you posted if there is anything weird. Also, I don't plan on cleaning this gun except when it starts to malfunction. This is a range gun so I am going to be lazy. All it will get is a spray and wipe down at the end of the session.


https://youtu.be/-4U7wS2upI4

[gato naranja]

I will be shooting this along with my APX and Beretta 92 and I will keep you posted if there is anything weird.

Please do. I came to the 9mm 1911 party late, but by the time I arrived, many of the bugs had been worked out.

I really vacillate between the 9mm 1911, the PX4 and - with Vertec grip, anyway - the 92. Circumstances are pushing me towards making a choice between the three and sticking with it. For me, the 9mm 1911 is without a doubt the most comfortable and easiest to shoot of the lot, but I prefer the other two for anything but a range toy or plinker.

I avoided 1911s and Berettas for decades yet now I use them. Funny old world.

[psalms144.1]

I avoided 1911s and Berettas for decades yet now I use them. Funny old world.I learned to shoot on a 1911 in 45 American Communist Perforator, then shelved them as "not suitable for duty use" for a little more than three decades. In my retiretude, I find that I LOVE everything about the 1911, and pretty much everything else is an also ran when I compare them.

Glad to hear the OPs Springer is working well. My experience with Springfield 1911s is pretty much the opposite - the most recent 1911 Range Officer Operator 9mm that I bought was a total shipwreck (and continues to be so for the poor guy who bought it off me, with full disclosure, at a huge loss on my end).

Looking at comparative prices, I'd MUCH rather save twice as much and buy a DW Vigil over anything from Springfield.

[DM-SC]

At least the sights are something that can be changed.

No idea why some gun makers set them up that way.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[Greg Bell]

I really would like to swap out at least the front sight for a HD style red ringed tritium or something close. Unfortunately I think Springfield has weird dovetails so it will take some research.

[Joe in PNG]

Is this the one that uses EMP mags, or the other one?

I'd watch the video, but can't in this country.

[oldtexan]

I really would like to swap out at least the front sight for a HD style red ringed tritium or something close. Unfortunately I think Springfield has weird dovetails so it will take some research.

The Springfield 1911 front sight dovetail is different from a Novak 1911 dovetail. Fortunately Dawson Precision sells sights that fit the Springfield dovetail.

[psalms144.1]

I really would like to swap out at least the front sight for a HD style red ringed tritium or something close. Unfortunately I think Springfield has weird dovetails so it will take some research.Dawson makes them in any height you might want, plain black, FO, or NS. Make sure you're looking at the Springfield specific dovetail.

[JHC]

I really would like to swap out at least the front sight for a HD style red ringed tritium or something close. Unfortunately I think Springfield has weird dovetails so it will take some research.

Ed Brown sells an orange or green/yellow HD-XR .125 front post

Specs: 0.330” x 65 degree dovetail, .075 depth, .180 sight height, .125 blade width (Ed Brown / Novak dovetail), .600 overall length

https://www.edbrown.com/product/hdxr-front-sight/

I bought one for my SA LB Operator since SACS told me it had Novak cuts. I changed plans and sent it along to Derr Precision with my Lipsey's 9mm Combat Operator when they were doing other work on it. I never heard from Greg Derr it presented any problem and they mounted it; works great. All of that in the last few years, long after 2002.

I don't know if Operator's are dovetailed differently than other models but SACS was very responsive by email.

In a discussion on 1911forum from back in 2012 I saw where Alchemy Custom posted this:

"Yeah, that's why I said, "kind of" it's a "gray area". A lot of the sights you buy say 330x65 Novak dovetail. You put calipers to them and they are oversized. A lot of them measure more like .335". I have a loaded front sight that I am putting calipers on that measures .333" to .337" (it's tapered).

Esentially, all of these sights are oversized and have to be filed to fit the dovetails. Very rarely are you going to run into a sight that just goes right in. Measure the sight that came out, and measure the new sight that is going in. This will help you get there easier.

We have never had problems putting aftermarket 330x65 Novak spec dovetail front sights on Springfields cut from the factory.

Springfield's dovetail is 330x60 degrees but it doesn't make that much difference when you have to file fit the sight if you are experienced at fitting sights. If it's a DIY job, you might want to get the exact sight, but still count on it being oversized."

I'd link the thread but I think that's a violation of forum rules. But it's easy to Bing/Google. came right up.

[CSW]

Your experience with the Ronin has been exactly the same as my experience with the RO elite champion 9mm.
The thing just runs, but likes to be run wet.
I cured the 6 o'clock hold by installing the 10-8 u notch rear sight.
Because the notch is a bit deeper than the "Novak" style that came with the RO, it had made it accurate to drive the dot sight picture. Allowed me to continue to use the SA red fiber, [which is more red orange, than red] and the POA is just putting the dot on the intended target.

Good luck with the Ronin, keep us informed.

[CSW]

I also received this information from the SA custom shop :
Springfield used to use the standard Novak rear cut, but it's changed since after ~2002 to a smaller cut.
Front: 60° x .330" x .078"
Rear: 65° x ~.490"-.485" (this is just a smaller cut in the dovetail, which requires filing down the sight to fit)


SIGHT SPECS FOR THE CHAMPION SERIES OF PISTOLS:
RO CHAMPION, 9MM:
Rear: 375 tall with a 125 notch.
Front : 175 tall x 125 wide red fiber optic dot.

RO ELITE CHAMPION 9MM :
Rear : 375 tall with a 125 notch.
Front : 175 tall x a 125 wide red fiber optic dot.

[Rotundra]

Following with interest. I’ve been looking hard at the 9mm 4.25 Commander…

[Stephanie B]

Following with interest. I’ve been looking hard at the 9mm 4.25 Commander…

I alternate between "hell, yeah!" and "but, BHP!"

[rcbusmc24]

I alternate between "hell, yeah!" and "but, BHP!"

The PF answer is of course "both", you know....

[Stephanie B]

I alternate between "hell, yeah!" and "but, BHP!"


The PF answer is of course "both", you know....

And since I already have a BHP......

[MK11]

Following with interest. I’ve been looking hard at the 9mm 4.25 Commander…

I like it. I'm sure the double recoil spring doesn't help but it's always a little bit of a surprise when my 5-inch Colt Competition 9mm goes back into battery. The Commander just feels right in 9mm, IMO.

Re-inserting the slide stop is a bear due to a sticky plunger tube, which seems to be a common issue with the Ronins and Springfield in general. Used Ronins keep popping up on Gunbroker with truly hellacious idiot scratches.

83359

[CSW]

Following with interest. I’ve been looking hard at the 9mm 4.25 Commander…

The Springer is a 4", but...

[gato naranja]

The Springer is a 4", but...

Mrs. gata naranja has one of those and thinks the sun rises and sets on it... or at least the sun gives equal time to it and her pet SR22.

(Yes, logic frequently goes on holiday here.)

I personally much prefer the all-steel, government size 9mm 1911 if I actually plan on shooting the thing, but then again, I tolerate more weight in a handgun than the better half does.

[MK11]

The Springer is a 4", but...

They went with a 4.25 on the Ronin

[CSW]

They went with a 4.25 on the Ronin

Good.

Never could understand why they did a 4", instead of the traditional 4.25".

[psalms144.1]

Good.

Never could understand why they did a 4", instead of the traditional 4.25".Probably keeping up with the Kimbers, I mean Jones'. Kimber's compact and Pro pistols have 4" barrels, and they sell like hotcakes, especially in diamond plate rainbow titanium (remember where Sig's Cohen got his start!).

I would argue that a well designed bushingless 4" 9mm 1911 is every bit as functional, accurate and reliable as the 4.25" commander - maybe even more so.

[CSW]

...

I would argue that a well designed bushingless 4" 9mm 1911 is every bit as functional, accurate and reliable as the 4.25" commander - maybe even more so.
My RO elite has been utterly reliable.

[03RN]

Probably keeping up with the Kimbers, I mean Jones'. Kimber's compact and Pro pistols have 4" barrels, and they sell like hotcakes, especially in diamond plate rainbow titanium (remember where Sig's Cohen got his start!).

I would argue that a well designed bushingless 4" 9mm 1911 is every bit as functional, accurate and reliable as the 4.25" commander - maybe even more so.

They've both had 4" guns forever. I'm not really sure who started first.

I had an old stainless loaded champion over 10 years ago that ran perfect and my current lw champion operator runs perfect as well. Both in .45 though.

[MandoWookie]

Is this the one that uses EMP mags, or the other one?

I'd watch the video, but can't in this country.


Speaking of the EMP, how do those work for people? It being supposedly built around 9mm wouldn't they be a better bet than a standard 1911?
I just dont recall seeing much about them when 9mm 1911 discussions pop up.

[TDA]

Speaking of the EMP, how do those work for people? It being supposedly built around 9mm wouldn't they be a better bet than a standard 1911?
I just dont recall seeing much about them when 9mm 1911 discussions pop up.

I hear they're fine, but they're outside your traditional 1911 parts ecosystem since they're built around the 9mm cartridge length. Also, Sweet Jesus, they came out 16 years ago? Mas mentions them feeding well:

https://gunsmagazine.com/discover/the-lightweight-9mm-1911/

To keep it nominally on topic, Mas mentions the 9mm Ronin as well.

[MandoWookie]

I hear they're fine, but they're outside your traditional 1911 parts ecosystem since they're built around the 9mm cartridge length. Also, Sweet Jesus, they came out 16 years ago? Mas mentions them feeding well:

https://gunsmagazine.com/discover/the-lightweight-9mm-1911/

To keep it nominally on topic, Mas mentions the 9mm Ronin as well.

There is a Ronin EMP so I thought the question was on topic. Seeing as how earlier in the thread there was a question if the OP gun was an EMP based version. Which got me wandering about the EMP and why there is an aversion to it, especially considering the general weirdness that 9mm 1911s have compared to .45.

[TDA]

There is a Ronin EMP so I thought the question was on topic. Seeing as how earlier in the thread there was a question if the OP gun was an EMP based version. Which got me wandering about the EMP and why there is an aversion to it, especially considering the general weirdness that 9mm 1911s have compared to .45.

I guess my edit didn’t take; I had no idea that basically every combination of Ronin, EMP, and Operator is a real gun. That’s confusing.

[Gary1911A1]

Looking forward to more updates on Greg's Ronin in 9MM. At 69 with arthritis in both hands I have found going to the range to be more enjoyable shooting a steel frame 1911 in 9MM. May have to buy a Ronin in 9MM. Maybe Greg should get a kickback? LOL

[gato naranja]

Looking forward to more updates on Greg's Ronin in 9MM. At 69 with arthritis in both hands I have found going to the range to be more enjoyable shooting a steel frame 1911 in 9MM. May have to buy a Ronin in 9MM. Maybe Greg should get a kickback? LOL

I got myself "Range Officered" when the gettin' was good, but I would be looking at the Ronin had I not.

This old boomer's dream multipurpose and "fun" pistol right now would be a steel-framed, but otherwise plain-Jane Beretta 92x with G levers. That is not going to happen soon (if at all), but at least there are full-size steel-framed 1911s.

[camsdaddy]

Greg Bell any update on life with the Ronin?

[Greg Bell]

Good timing! I am past 1000 rounds. Interestingly, it just started having trouble feeding from a full mag by dropping the slide. Here is why...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219231616_9ca53b2149_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdgA)IMG_3867 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdgA) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219715890_cf7c0fe93d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nytGe9)IMG_3866 (https://flic.kr/p/2nytGe9) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219232396_72eafc27ad_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdv3)IMG_3868 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdv3) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr


I finally had to clean it and it was back in business. Since it is my range 1911 I decided I wasn't going to clean it unless it needed it. All I would do is spray some oil on it and wipe down the exterior to keep rust at bay.

I still give it a big thumbs up. I really like these springer 9mm 1911s

I am planning, when funds allow....


1. Thicker grips like my CQB
2. An HD style front sight if I can find someone to install it.
3. Install a mag well like my CB.

[camsdaddy]

Good timing! I am past 1000 rounds. Interestingly, it just started having trouble feeding from a full mag by dropping the slide. Here is why...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219231616_9ca53b2149_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdgA)IMG_3867 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdgA) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219715890_cf7c0fe93d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nytGe9)IMG_3866 (https://flic.kr/p/2nytGe9) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52219232396_72eafc27ad_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdv3)IMG_3868 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyrdv3) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr


I finally had to clean it and it was back in business. Since it is my range 1911 I decided I wasn't going to clean it unless it needed it. All I would do is spray some oil on it and wipe down the exterior to keep rust at bay.

I still give it a big thumbs up. I really like these springer 9mm 1911s

I am planning, when funds allow....


1. Thicker grips like my CQB
2. An HD style front sight if I can find someone to install it.
3. Install a mag well like my CB.

Cool sounds like it’s going well. There was one for sale in middle Georgia set up like you describe. I was wondering if you had let it go. The gun sold yesterday but may be something I look at in the future.

[camsdaddy]

Cool sounds like it’s going well. There was one for sale in middle Georgia set up like you describe. I was wondering if you had let it go. The gun sold yesterday but may be something I look at in the future.

I still have not scratched this itch. There is a Garrison and a Ronin for sale again. The garrison is about $135 cheaper but the Ronin is closer. Im revisiting this to decide which will better suit my needs which are basically looking for a range gun.

[Greg Bell]

I need to tally up my rounds on this one. I took it out last Sunday after realizing I had not shot it in a while. Such a wonderful gun. I was shooting my HK45C and then swapped to this gun and it felt like cheater by comparison. Still running great.