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Springfield Armory’s 1911 Range Officer, chambered in 9mm and retailing for $977, offers one of the best shooting experiences money can buy. A Government-sized, 41-ounce, steel beauty, the 1911 Range Officer indeed excels on the range (static shooting or competition) where it delivers rounds with only a little more drama than an autoloading .22 target pistol but with equal control and therefore accuracy. But because it’s so solid and smooth, it’s also a terrific house gun. I think it’s twice as good a house gun as it is a range gun.
This Range Officer carries nine rounds of 9mm (Hornady Critical Duty these days) in a single magazine. Of course you can go 9+1 if you want to max out its capacity before you need a reload. And since the gun comes with two magazines, you can have 19 rounds at the ready. That should be more than enough for most home altercations while still fit for useful practice sessions and some competitions.
The Range Officer comes with a paddle holster and belt slide magazine carrier. Secured by a gun belt, these handy accessories make house duty delightful. The paddle holster provides a slight forward cant and a secure ride, including a tension-adjustable draw. Despite the Range Officer’s 41 ounces, the fact that it is long and thin allows it to carry easier than something that is small and chunky. I’m talking about open carry in a house, of course. You can carry this gun concealed — and it’s easier to do so than you think — but it’s not ideal carried that way. Besides, it’s cool to show off those Cross Cannon Double Diamond Cocobolo grips.
The fully adjustable target sights offer a simple black-on-black sight picture, which I love. Coupled with the Range Officer’s superb balance, its 1911 feel and controls, and so-easy-to-shoot character, this gun gets the nod for house duty more than most other pistols. Oh it’s great on the range — what’s not to love about being able to shoot more and shoot accurately? But the Range Officer is in its element and on duty even more so at home.
— Mark Kakkuri
