2021 is a good year for 1911 pistol shooters as Springfield Armory has been releasing 1911 pistols. With the release of the 1911 Operator, we don’t know why no sane airsoft manufacturer has been picking up these designs for the airsoft market. But for now, let’s learn more about this new release.

The 1911 Operator is a .45 ACP pistol that does not deviate much from a design that has proven itself for over a century whilst taking on features that 21st Century will look for in a cutting edge, tactical grade pistol. Once we hear “tactical grade” we always think of accessory rail for mounting weaponlights, laser or a light and laser combo which is now standard for pistols though this is not an optic ready 1911 pistol.

Both the frame and slide are forged as well as the barrel which is made from forged stainless steel. These assure durability and with the 5” barrel, downrange performance.  And to hold the pistol firmly is the provision of no-slip surface, the G10 grips from respected grip makers VZ Grips.

The 1911 Operator has ambi safety, making it friendly to use for left-handed shooters though nowadays, shooters are stressed to train to be more ambidextrous for shooting flexibility. To aid in target acquisition is a Tritium front sight that is matched with a Tactical Rack rear sight. For an ever more solid grip is the forward serrations and for pinch-free grip and fast locktimes skeletonised hammer with an extended beaver safety.

To finish the package, it has a black Cerakote finish and two 8-round magazines with base pad.

Here are the full specifications:

• CALIBER: .45 ACP
• COLOR: Black
• BARREL: 5" Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, 1:16
• SLIDE: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®
• FRAME: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®
• SIGHTS: Tritium Front, Tactical Rack White Dot Rear
• RECOIL SYSTEM: GI Style
• GRIPS: VZ Grips® G10
• MAGAZINES: (2) 8-Round
• WEIGHT: 42 oz
• LENGTH: 8.6"
• HEIGHT: 5.25"
• MSRP: $1,099

The Spring Armory 1911 Operator is available at authorized dealers. For those looking for an airsoft version, they will need hope and a prayer that an airsoft company picks the design up.