Range Officer 9mm

[CNobbe]

Hey guys, was checking one of these Range Officers in 9mm tonight (full size) and was really impressed with the smooth action and trigger.

Problem was, it was at Cabela's, and I know their $850 price is way more than what most others are selling them for.

Any idea of the Range Officers are all fairly similar out of the factory?

The take up and trigger break on this R.O. was very impressive, don't know of many shops in my neck of the woods that has another to compare to, so any input is appreciated.

 

[Control]

I recently tried one out (full sized 9mm) at my local range. I came away impressed with the trigger and quality of the barrel lockup. There were two sharp edges on the mag well that cut my hand a little but one minute with a file would fix that...

My advice would be to pick up the Cabela's gun if you were happy with the trigger, fit, and finish. A better price would be $750 (vs. the $850 at Cabela's) but I'd rather pay $850 for a gun that I'm able to inspect today vs. bet $750 on importing one that may or may not be in good shape when it arrives.

 

[basicblur]

I'm pretty sure our "low cost" guns shop sells them in the $650 range.

 

[Control]

Gunbroker prices for new ones range from $700 - $850. Buds is at $730. You'll need to pay FFL transfer fees on top of those prices.

If you can find one in a local store for $650 I would jump on it if it's in good shape!

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Its a shooter, if I were in the market for a fullsize 9mm 1911, this would be my choice.

 

[Fremmer]

Yup, cabellas price isn't that far off. Classic sometimes has them (so does buds) so you should check them, but you might just want to buy in person if online won't save much.

 

[basicblur]

>>I'm pretty sure our "low cost" guns shop sells them in the $650 range.<<

My bad - I was at the shop today - they're $775.
Don't remember what model Springfield I was thinking of?

I remember when I bought my SR1911 ($645) I also looked at a Springfield in the same price range, and I thought it was the Range Officer (unless they've gone up?).

 

[Oldman1151]

My LGS has one for $775 that I have been looking at for a while. I went to Spring Armory Store Camp Perry (National Matches) last week and bought one for $724. I have shot 150 rounds through it so far. It is a great shooter.

 

[bullbarrel]

I bought an R. O. in 9mm last year. I like it, it IS a racehorse in that it is sensitive to ammo. I stick with American ammo and it works well. If I am very attentive I can detect a trifle of trigger creep, however I don't consider this a minus. The $850 price is close to what I paid. This year I acquired a Colt 1911 in 9mm and I do prefer it because it shoots as well and has a spur hammer which I like. Currently I have the R. O. up on my club site offering to trade it for a Smith 686 or an Uzi.

 

[JohnBoy-53]

Lurker's First Post

This is my first post, even though I have lurked on this great forum for months and months.

I bought a RO in 9mm a few months ago, just because none of my 9mm pistols had sights good enough to check out my hand loads.

It impressed me enough that I bought one in .45.

Slick and smooth, the best trigger I have found in an "out of the box" 1911 and I have owned a bunch. Still have the Series '70 Colt I bought in 1972 for full retail price..........$125.00.

Both of mine were new and came from Gun Broker auctions. I paid less than $700, including FFL fees.

If you are willing to take your time and be patient, you might find a deal. I don't think you will regret buying a RO.

John

 

[CNobbe]

I was at Cabela's again tonight, asked to see the 9mm R.O. again.

The clerk offered to check if they had anymore in the back, so I had him bring another one out.

Covered in grease of course, all over the internals it seemed like. The trigger was not good, but perhaps because its not been dry fired or cleaned out yet.

Went to another shop on the way home, had a .45 version and it too had a great trigger.

I have an "employee price" coupon from Cabela's, the R.O would run me about $750 before tax. I'm in no rush, and will probably keep an eye on gunbroker for one. Have purchased/sold many firearms on there.

 

[smalls]

Seen one today for $750. And every other gun there was overpriced by at least $100.

 

[FishEngineer]

I bought one a few months ago at www.grabagun.com for around $690 shipped.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Springfield makes a nice 1911. The 9mm Range Officer seems to be fairly popular, and it is a quality gun. One of my brothers-in-law has one and carries it occasionally. I opted for a Colt when I decided to buy a 9mm 1911, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at an R.O.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like it, it IS a racehorse in that it is sensitive to ammo.

Sensitive in what way?
Bullet shape?
Power level?
Anyone else have ammo issues?

 

[JDR]

I bought an R. O. .... it is sensitive to ammo...

I had a Springfield Loaded 9mm, I have an STI Trojan 9mm now. IMHO, these 9mm 1911's are a whole lot of fun at the range. I had the STI Trojan out at the range this past Friday night. I can tell you both of these guns were/are a bit ammo sensitive. They both tended or tend to shoot most of the cheaper factory 115 grain loads quite a bit low. The Trojan will shoot factory 147 gr, Fed AE or Winchester "T" (Train) ammo right on top of the sights. You can correct the lighter loads with the rear sight, but I tend to stick with the heavier factory loads to maintain the zero on the gun where I shoot it the best for the distances I shoot at. A lot of guys reload for these guns and these can be total tack drivers if you can get your reloads sorted out with the gun. This is why (again IMHO) you want adjustable sights on a 9mm 1911.

Another thing, spend a couple extra bucks for good aftermarket magazines. We can debate 1911 magazines till we're blue in the face & till the cows come home, but (IMHO) good mags make a difference in the way a 1911, particularly the 9mm variety, cycles its ammo. I swear by Wilson Elite Tactical magazines in 9mm, these are actually good in .45 ACP too. Tripp Cobra mags are also very good. Have fun shooting!

 

[wally]

Five years ago I couldn't see paying $800+ for a 9mm 1911 who's only purpose was to allow shooing low cost ammo. The RIA Tactical 9mm 1911 has served me well, for well over 10,000 rounds. They are still under $500.

I've never had any need for magazines "better" than the Metalform from Brownell's or the Checkmate that came with it.

 

[dakota1911]

Last fall a LGS was having an Oktoberfest sort of sale on the .45 Range Officers for $740 with the three extra mags and mag holder so I picked one up. The normal price at this place was $810. Nice pistol. Then in Jan of this year they had the 9mm for $719. I thought they had mismarked it and bought it. Of course the nice thing is you can look before you buy but you do pay more than buying over the intergoogle. The price sat at $719 for a couple weeks and then went back up to $810 at this store. Anyway nice pistol and with 9mm not much recoil. The 9mm does have a ramped barrel by the way.