Springfield Armory Marine Corps Operator 1911 Review
BY Herschel Smith
2 years, 1 month ago
Before accuracy testing, I swapped out the 16-pound factory recoil spring for an 18.5-pound extra power recoil spring and extra-power firing pin spring. Those +P loads from BuffaloBore are pretty hot and can take a toll on a standard recoil spring.
There were no malfunctions of any type in all my shooting. Accuracy testing was from 25 yards over the hood of my SUV, with the gun resting on a sleeping bag. In all, I probably fired more than 300 rounds in my testing. Group size ranged from 2 to 3 inches, depending on the ammo and my abilities that day. I got the best overall accuracy from the Buffalo Bore 200-grain JHP +P load, which is fast becoming a favorite of mine.
The MC Operator retails for close to $1400.00. Is it worth it? To me it is. It’s as close to a custom 1911 as you’ll find in a non-custom model. They are hard to find, so expect to pay close to retail if you find one in a gun shop.
Over the years, I’ve owned some custom 1911s from big name custom builders and I’ve built more than my share of custom 1911s myself, but none impressed me more than the MC Operator did. Yeah, you can pay more for a custom gun or another brand of 1911 with the same or similar features, but I don’t think you’d be getting more gun for your money.
I’ve heard through the grapevine that it actually is a custom gun, i.e., that SA sends this model out to a contracted 1911 builder to be fitted. But I wouldn’t be able to prove that.
The picture at AllOutdoors is a dated model. The one advertised over their web site looks like this (with updated grips).
I would have probably put a 22# spring in it to handle +P loads. The only thing it needs is a slide cut for an optic.
SA is always welcome to send this gun for our review.
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