TFB Review: The New Threaded Springfield Armory Operator AOS

In the world of defensive handguns, the sky is the limit with both polymer striker-fired as well as double stack 1911 or 2011 style handguns. What most people don't realize is just how strong the 1911 market is. With the amount of options available today, from optic cuts, accessory rails and upgraded features, the mid-priced 1911 market has some truly strong offerings now that companies are adding a number of optional upgrades as standard. Recently, I have been shooting the new threaded version of the Springfield Operator that has gone through an overhaul in terms of overall design and features, including a standard threaded barrel as well as an optics cut and magwell. Let's take a closer look at the new threaded Springfield Armory Operator AOS.

Specs

When it comes to a new operator, it has a number of changes from the older traditional model that many of us know. I have an original and it's a fantastic option for the price and really makes a great entry- to mid-level 1911 for those of you who don't want to break the bank. This model is slightly more expensive than the older model, but you get a number of upgraded features that I believe are worth the extra cost. The first major change is a 5.75” threaded barrel that allows for muzzle devices or suppressors to be attached to the pistol. This variant also comes with an optics plate for any of the major red dots on the gun market, as well as an accessory rail on the bottom for laser or light attachments.

When it comes to color variations, the new Operator line can be ordered in Black, FDE, Tungsten and this version I ordered in OD Green. Sights on the Operator are a tritium front sight with a serrated blacked-out rear sight. Each model comes standard with two 8-round magazines with bumper pads on the bottom, as well as a soft case inside the box. Springfield included a set of G10 grips with each model and a flat-faced trigger rather than the traditional curved 1911-style trigger, allowing for a slightly lighter trigger that breaks earlier than the curved style trigger. When it comes to trigger weight, the new Springfield Operator is 5.75-6lbs with a crisp single-action trigger and an audible reset. MSRP on the Springfield Operator AOS is $1,305.

Range Time 

So far in my testing, I have just over 750 rounds through the Operator AOS that I shot both suppressed and unsuppressed without cleaning and the gun is still doing exceptionally well. I’ve been using Magtech 230gr ammunition, as well as Federal American Eagle 230gr and their 185gr HST for self-defense testing. For my testing with a suppressor, I decided to use a HUXWRX Rad 45 suppressor in its short configuration. The ability to easily run an optic on your handgun is a great addition, but personally, I love the high-contrast sight picture with the tritium front sight and blacked out rears. It's really easy to pick up quickly when transitioning between targets and trying to shoot quick double-taps.

The flat-faced trigger is one of my favorite additions to the handgun since it makes the trigger break extremely predictable with an audible and natural reset. This creates a short travel in the trigger with a defined wall and easy reset, making this an easy handgun to shoot quickly, even under stress. The number one complaint with the older single stacks is the lack of capacity, but having a larger caliber like 45 ACP, there is a trade-off for firepower instead of capacity. The ability to throw on a quality red dot and light really does make for a good full-size defensive handgun. Combine the ability to have a number of accessories with the 8+1 capacity, and you have a really comfortable metal-framed handgun to shoot that has been brought to the 21st century. This is certainly a modernized version of the classic 1911 and it really does prove that the 1911 is still a relevant option in the sea of choices of the modern gun market. Even after my 750 rounds of testing, I wanted to take this gun out and shoot it, just when I wanted to hit the range to shoot rather than test something. That's the main reason why I know I love this new version of the Springfield Armory Operator.

Are The Upgrades Worth The Price?

The new AOS versions of the Springfield Operator are about $200 more than the MSRP of the standard Operator pistol. The biggest differences are the threaded barrel, optics cut and flat-faced trigger. If you were going to change any of these upgrades individually, they would cost you roughly $200 each, so in my eyes, the $200 upgrade cost to the AOS line is well worth the extra price in terms of value to the handgun compared to the cost of trying to make the upgrades after the fact. There are a number of handguns on the market that aren't worth purchasing the higher-tiered options, but Springfield Armory does a nice job giving you a ton of value for the raise in price. This is certainly my personal opinion, and not everyone may agree with me, which is perfectly fine.

What do you guys think of the new Operator AOS? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below. If you have questions about the Operator AOS or questions in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.

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