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

Stoeger STR-9 Thinline
Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

First Look: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline Pistol

An easy to carry, easy to conceal defensive pistol.

Taking the First Steps

Learn gun safety from the world's largest firearm-training organization.

I Carry: Taurus 650 .357 Magnum Revolver in a Galco Holster

And we finish things off with a CRKT Wong Nucleus pocketknife.

First Look: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series

Upgraded and improved with an optics-ready slide and interchangeable backstraps.

First Look: Tanfoglio Pugio 1911 Pistol

Inspired by an ancient Roman dagger.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.