Springfield Range Officer Compact in 45acp

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Navistar

New member
My head is spinning trying to figure out what the perfect midsize 45acp pistol would be. I want something that can be reasonably concealed but also fun to shoot often at the range. I have a M&P Shield for deep concealment and a full size 1911 for fun at the range.

What i want to know about the Springfield RO Compact is the thickness of slide and the thickness of the grip at thickest point. They dont give these specs (that i can find) on the website.

Would also be nice to know how you feel about the reliability? Do you carry it regularly?
 
Navistar said:
What i want to know about the Springfield RO Compact is the thickness of slide and the thickness of the grip at thickest point. They dont give these specs (that i can find) on the website.
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The slide and receiver thickness are exactly the same as your full-size 1911. The only difference is the length of the slide and barrel.
 
As to overall dimensions.
I have a holster with two tension-adjustment screws. It was adjusted for a Colt, and when I tried to put a new Springfield in it, had to loosen both screws to get the gun to seat completely.
Another holster, with a single tension screw at the toe, was still tight (binding) on the Springer even when the screw was loosened completely.
While the difference is probably not much, and certainly not going to be an issue when choosing one brand of 1911 or another, the outside dimensions of a Springfield slide and frame appear to be at the very large end of spec.
The grips are effectively going to determine the overall max width, unless you have an extended, and especially ambidextrous, thumb safety.
The gun of mine with the narrowest ambi is just about exactly 1.37" across the safety levers.
I like the alloy-framed Commander, but I have a fondness for a steel-framed gun in "officers" size. An officers-sized frame in alloy with Commander top end, like the RO Compact, might be a very nice compromise, if compactness isn't the absolute top priority.
 
I just went through the same process you are facing and hopefully I can shed some light. I carry a 340PD as my pocket carry, and a somewhat customized Colt Series 70 as a full size. I also have an M&P 45C, which is a great gun, but just a bit thick for my every day carry option, and I'm not really thrilled with plastic guns.

In choosing my EDC I wanted a .45 because that's what I like for many reasons, and am set up to load this caliber. I also wanted a 1911 because I'm very comfortable carrying and shooting this platform. I eliminated barrel lengths shorter than 4", because of my past history with a Colt Defender that just didn't like me. I know they seem to work fine for a lot of people, but not me or my shooting buddy. After two trips back to Colt and one trip to my local gun smith I gave up because the testing of my carry ammo was breaking me every time I sent it back.

I won't bore you with all of my choices, but I chose a Range Officer Compact because I have owned a SA Lightweight Loaded Champion in the past that was a very reliable shooter. I just couldn't get by the OD green painted finish so I sold it. Stupid me should have just had it re-finished. I like the way SA does their ramped and supported barrels, and their duel spring system has proved to be a winner over the years. As far as comparing size, the ROC slide is a fraction wider than a Colt, but the grips are thinner due to the thin grips they put on the gun. The difference in the slide width will never bother you. My ROC is riding in a holster that was made for my Colt. The ROC actually made the Colt fit better. And of course the ROC has an Officer frame which is a huge advantage for a carry 1911 of any size. I always like the original Colt Officers model, but they were not all that reliable. The ROC is just like the original Officers with a 1/2" longer barrel and a reliable operating system.

I carry this gun every day when appropriate, and have found it to be a great CCW. I only have one complaint, and that is the slide finish. Personally I don't care for a parkerized finish, but so far it has held up well. At this point I love this gun and shoot it well. For the price it's a winner in my mind, and has proven to be 100% reliable with my reloads and HST, which is my carry ammo in all of my 45s.

The changes I made for personal reasons:

1. Replaced the thumb safety with a Gunsight Lo Mount Safety. Stainless because I already had an extra. These go on all my 1911s.

2. Changed the long trigger for a Greider Videki style short trigger (no over travel set screw)

3. Changed the ILS MSH with a S&A 20LPI.

4. Installed a Wolfe 21# main spring.

5. Installed skate board tape to the front strap.

Good luck and let us know what you choose.

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Use Duck Tape

I have been heavy in guns for over 50 years and I have yet to figure out why everyone who buys a 1911 model/variation immediately starts making changes. On these changes, you should have used duct tape, changed the caliber to .44 Mag, put a Gold Cup trigger and Ellison sight and there are more but of course I am being sarcastic. Is having too much money what brings along so many changes? If that's the case, just buy a Wilson and have it made to YOUR specifications!
 
I'll be happy to explain why I make changes, and it's not because I enjoy putting more money into my already expensive 1911s.

1. I replace all of my thumb safeties to Lo Mount so my medium sized hand can employ a thumb over safety hold.

2. I install short triggers so my short trigger finger can efficiently reach the trigger.

3. I don't use locks on guns because I don't like Murphy or his law.

4. Must be done to accomplish #3.

5. Officer size grips are difficult for me to draw and fire quickly without an abrasive front strap, and it's a functional alternative to checkering.

I hope this gives you an idea why this 71 year old does what he does to 1911s after 55 years of shooting. Why others do what they do, I have no idea.
 
Meh, I made a change to my Kimber Ultra CDP as well, after I bought it all those years ago, in the form of new grips. Smooth grippers. I prefer an arched MSH and the CDP has none. Rather than getting one, I changed the grips, for a better handhold, and the fact that I don't like rough grips. Win-win. Been perfect ever since, and waaaaayyyyy cheaper than a Wilson.
 
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