My re-kindled enthusiasm for 1911's has grown, this time with a Springfield Armory full size "Range Officer" in 9MM caliber. I have a couple of carbines that like a pet cast lead hand load that I cast bullets and load, cheap shooting. Figured I'd find an accurate pistol that likes this load and I'd be set for life. I decided this one would be a full size 1911, found one the other day in a pawn shop near me, brand new in the box Springfield Range Officer. Nice adjustable sights, modestly extended safety, blued, just like I wanted. $720 plus tax, same price as Rural King but without the wait.

This pistol loves my cast lead hand load. 124 grain lead round nose from a Lee Tumble Lube mold, 4.3 grains Unique powder, moving at 940 feet per second. I've ran a couple hundred rounds of it and a variety of factory FMJ and it's 100% reliable, soft shooting too.

This morning I ran a few drills with it, draw and fire two shots, moderately quickly. A magazine full at 20, 25 and 30 yards, no misses on an 8" piece of steel. This one will do nicely!





The others I've picked up within the last 12 months, a Stainless Ruger SR1911 in .45 ACP, and a Rock Island "Tactical" I think they are called, .45 ACP with Novak style sights, full length guide rod and Ambi safety.

I'm going to have to upgrade my holsters now, I've got nothing to brag about to carry these 1911's in, so I'm on the hunt for some good leather for them....

In before the "9mm 1911s are blasphemy" crowd.

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Release the Kraken

Right? This should get interesting

I have one just like it, and I also have a Range Officer Elite 9mm w the 4" barrel. But I do prefer and mostly carry a .45 Commander size for EDC. My favorite carry holster is an El Paso Saddlery Crosshair. No thumb strap but it has adjustable tension. For a little dressier carry, I like the El Paso Saddlery 1930 Austin.

Crosshair – El Paso Saddlery
1930 “Austin” Holster – El Paso Saddlery

Attached Images

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Congrats - The Range Officer line is a lot of gun for the money. The fact you have a gun and cast bullet load combo in 9mm that is accurate and does not lead is a bonus.

I have toyed with the idea of a 9mm 1911, but I am too set in my ways, though I did step away from the .45acp to try one in 10mm once....

Larry

Nice looking 1911. My 9mm 1911 is an ATI FX9 Commander.

Two questions:
1) Does your RO have a traditional barrel bushing, or is it bushingless?
2) Are you powder coating those Lee cast bullets?

Thanks for the information!

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Judge control not gun control!

Well, for me, 1911 means .45ACP, but I definitely wouldn't say a 9mm 1911 is blasphemy. Just because I'm not interested in 9mm 1911s doesn't mean I can't appreciate them. I think OP has a fine pistol and it looks like a great shooter.

I have a RO Elite Champion in 9mm. Fun to shoot, but I carry a .45ACP 1911.

I have a couple full size 1911's in .45 and would love to get a full size 9mm to add to the stable. Yours is nice, glad it likes your pet load.

I bought a RIA FS 9mm a couple of years ago and really like it. It has been 100% reliable with factory ammo. It does not like some of my reloads, but I got a Lee FCD and after using that on the reloads, they work just fine.

I have several other 1911's in 45, but the 9mm is enjoyable shooting.

I love my Range Officer in .45acp.
As I get older, I'm starting to warm up a little in regard to a 9mm 1911. But I ain't quite there yet.

I am not a big 9mm fan but 9mm in a 1911 makes a nice combo IMHO. I was introduced to it with the RIA .22TCM that came with the 9mm barrel and enjoy it.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I was shooting both a .45 and the RIA 9 this morning. For some reason, I really noticed how much softer shooting the 9 is. I was shooting better with the .45, but I have been shooting it for 40 years.

Using the Lee FCD die eliminated the problems I was having with 9mm reloads.

9mm 1911 is my favorite gun, got a 5'' Dan Wesson Silverback and a DW Valor commander bull barrel. These guns shoot...mild and fast.