Hello, wise ones. How does an OPERATOR differ from a RANGE OFFICER? The SA site speaks of RANGE OFFICER OPERATOR. Is this a case of a shortened name, or are they 2 different models? Is a LOADED much different apart from having an ambidextrous safety? Thanks for the info.
Here are the specs on all three so you can see the differences. Operator specs. Caliber .45ACP Recoil System GI Style Sights Low Profile Combat, 3 - Dot Tritium Weight (with Empty Magazine) 43 ozs. Height 5.5" Slide Forged Steel, Black Armory Koteâ„¢ Barrel 5" Stainless Steel Match Grade Length 8.6" Grip Type G-10 Frame Forged Steel w/ Integral Accessory Rail, Olive Drab Armory Koteâ„¢ Magazines 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel Range Officer specs. Caliber .45ACP Recoil System GI Style Sights Fully Adjustable Target Weight (with Empty Magazine) 40 ozs. Height 5.5" Slide Forged Carbon Steel, Parkerized Barrel 5" Stainless Steel Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp Length 8.6" Grip Type Cross Cannonâ„¢ Double Diamond Cocobolo Frame Forged Carbon Steel, Parkerized Magazines 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel Loaded Specs Caliber .45ACP Recoil System GI Style Sights Low Profile Combat, 3 - Dot Tritium Weight (with Empty Magazine) 43 ozs. Height 5.5" Slide Forged Steel, Black Armory Koteâ„¢ Barrel 5" Stainless Steel Match Grade Length 8.6" Grip Type G-10 Frame Forged Steel w/ Integral Accessory Rail, Olive Drab Armory Koteâ„¢ Magazines 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel
Thanks! Thank you, Threetango, for the detailed info on how these 3 SA 1911s compare. They appear to be fairly similar. It's probably silly, but I am not a Tritium fan because I want to avoid radioactivity as much as possible. That directs me to the Range Officer. Are there any reasons I should consider one the other 2? (The only other 1911s I've owned were a Remington Rand WWII issue and a Rock Island, so I think ANY one from SA will be an improvement.) How important is the "fully supported ramp"? Is that a huge selling point?
Here's mine. Top Loaded model w/Wilson Combat magazine. Bottom RO Compact The fully ramped barrels were introduced to deal with excessive pressure handloads and supposedly for feed reliability. As far as the Tritium (not a concern) you probably would get more walking outside on a sunny. Technically: The secondary radiation is what causes the light that you observe. The braking radiation (or bremsstrahlung) that they discuss is of very little concern as far as biological effects at the energy levels and quantities we find in these consumer devices. In other words, as long as you don't break the vial open and lick it all up, the radiation is of no concern. Even if you did ingest it, the levels are so low that it's a non-issue unless you work where you're monitored for radiation. Even at that, you'd most likely need a bioassy (urine sample) to pick it up and there isn't a significant biological hazard from the tritium.
Hard Choice Threetango, Thanks again! I won't be concerned about Tritium anymore. That opens up for my consideration all 3 models. I know I want a full sized. It will be a range gun, not for CC. HARD CHOICE! Since you obviously know your stuff, I'd be very interested any tips or factors of consideration for people trying to pick just one SA 1911. I am left handed--which suggests a Loaded--but I'm totally used to right handed guns, so that's not a big issue. I just want an accurate, fun, reliable SA 1911. All 3 models meeting each of those criteria, I'm at a loss for which to choose. It will be a while before I have money, but I'd like to know what I want so I can place an order when the money is available.
I just went thru this very same thing.I am also left handed I ended up getting the Range Officer.The gun is very accurate with everything I feed it.Plus the RO comes with everything I would want on a gun.Adjustable sights to me are at the very top of the list.I have carried it not to heavy just bought a quality holster for it and will carry a lot more.
