First Shots: Springfield Armory Ronin Operator 10 mm

by
posted on January 14, 2021
Springfield Armory's Ronin Operator 1911 was first introduced in 9 mm and .45 ACP, both in full- and commander-length formats. Now, the Ronin Operator is available in 10 mm Auto with a GI-style recoil system and the classic two-tone design found on former versions of the pistol. 

The newest Ronin Operator features a 5-inch, hammer-forged barrel with 1:16-inch twist, as well as a forged steel slide and frame. The 10 mm pistol comes with a single eight-round magazine as well as standard controls for the 1911, including thumb safety and rear grip safety with beavertail design. Crossed Cannon logos are found both on the red wood laminate grips and slide. 

Likewise, a Gen 2 Speed Trigger delivers a crisp break and impressive accuracy, while a tactical rack white dot rear and fiber-optic front sight make for fast target acquisition in a number of light conditions. Overall weight is 40 ounces (unloaded), which is heftier than previous commander-length models (31 ounces) but identical to the .45 ACP full-size edition. At 5.5 inches tall and 8.6 inches overall length, the 10 mm balances nicely in hand and is perfectly weighted for recoil management. 

At the range, the Ronin Operator produced tight groups on steel at 10 and 15 yards, with zero issues relating to feed or function across multiple handgun loads, both defensive and range. Loads included Hornady's Critical Duty 175-grain FlexLock, Federal Premium's 180-grain Hydra-Shok Deep, and Winchester's Super-X 175-grain JHP. 

Features: 
  • Caliber: 10 mm 
  • Color: Black/Stainless 
  • Barrel: 5-inch, stainless steel, match grade, 1:16-inch
  • Slide: Carbon steel, forged, blued
  • Frame: Forged stainless steel 
  • Sights: Fiber-optic front, tactical rack white dot rear 
  • Recoil System: GI-style 
  • Grips: Crossed cannons, red wood laminate, checkered 
  • Magazines: One, eight-round 
  • Height: 5.5 inches 
  • Weight: 40 ounces 
  • Length: 8.6 inches 
  • MSRP: $849 

Latest

 G9 Defense 126 Grain Subsonic 9mm Ammunition
 G9 Defense 126 Grain Subsonic 9mm Ammunition

First Look: G9 Defense 126 Grain Subsonic 9mm Ammunition

Built with an external hollow point bullet for improved penetration.

Straight Talk: Looking Back

The origins of some gear and techniques may surprise you.

First Look: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

The brainchild of a new "skunk works" branch of Wilson Combat.

Near to Far Marksmanship Practice

We won't get to choose the distance a lethal force encounter.

I Carry: Heritage Roscoe .38 Special Revolver in a Tulster RATH Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Heritage Manufacturing Roscoe revolver with a 3-inch barrel carried in a Tulster RATH AIWB holster along with a Browning Branded Tanto pocketknife.

First Look: HSGI NVG Pouch

Stow your low-light gear where it will be safe and easy to access.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.