Guns Press Release: Springfield Ronin Operator 4.25 Forrest Cooper September 14, 2020 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Landing in the heat of a season where compact 9mm pistols are in peak demand, the Springfield Ronin Operator 4.25 arrives, bringing with the the features of the balanced full-frame into a new compact handgun. Despite the ammo shortage, the appeal of a 1911 in 9mm is not lost on Springfield. Read the full Press release below: GENESEO, ILL. (07/14/20) – Springfield Armory® is proud to introduce the Ronin™ Operator® 4.25“, a lightweight, rugged and reliable 1911 pistol built for a lifetime of service at an MSRP of just $849. Available in 9mm and .45 ACP, the Ronin Operator 4.25″ offers shooters an exceptional pistol with the strength and durability they have come to expect from a Springfield Armory firearm. This is accomplished through the use of a forged carbon steel slide, lightweight forged alloy frame and a forged barrel. The result is a pistol that combines thoroughly modern precision manufacturing with a proven approach to quality and performance. The pistol features a traditional barrel bushing system that matches up with its 4.25″ match grade barrel. The barrel itself is fully supported and ramped, lending additional strength to the design and ensuring consistent and reliable functioning. “Since its release earlier this year, the full-size Ronin Operator has been extremely popular due to its combination of impressive features and pricing,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The new Ronin Operator 4.25″ adds a lighter, more compact option for those who love carrying the legendary 1911.” The Ronin Operator 4.25” sports a beautiful two-tone finish, with the forged alloy frame featuring a satin aluminum Cerakote finish and the forged carbon steel slide a hot salt blued finish. Lightweight and comfortable to carry, it weighs in at 29.5 ounces in the .45 ACP version and 31 ounces in the 9mm variant. While the Ronin Operator exudes a classic air of tradition in regards to quality and value, its appointments feature everything you would want on a thoroughly modern 1911. The beavertail grip safety with “memory bump” ensures solid engagement, while the fiber optic front/tactical rack rear sight and extended safety lever deliver instant sight picture and intuitive control. Rounding out the package of the Ronin Operator is a pair of Crossed Cannon™ premium laminate wood grips, stainless steel checkered flat mainspring housing, Springfield Armory 2nd Generation Speed Trigger, forward slide serrations and a basepad-equipped magazine (9+1 capacity in the 9mm model and 8+1 in the .45). Dropping just after the announcement of the new Springfield XDM Elite 3.8 Compact, the demand for easily concealed handguns has never been higher. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. 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