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Springfield 1911 Operator AOS Review: Meet The New Optic Ready Operator
The 1911 is one of those pistols that every firearms enthusiast should have at least one of. Whether you’re used to shooting striker-fired polymer pistols or hammer-fired revolvers, you’ll be hard-pressed not to enjoy shooting a quality 1911.
From their exceptional triggers to their outstanding accuracy and superior durability, the 1911 offers something for everyone. The Springfield 1911 Operator AOS delivers all three of those things in a no-nonsense tactical package. It’s a 1911 that is meant to be shot often, not to sit in your safe and make a once-a-year appearance at the range.
With an accessory rail and an optics-ready slide, you have plenty of accessory options.
This 1911 is my style, as I like to actually shoot my guns. I want the tactical features, with the consistent shooting experience, at a reasonable price.
I’d like to thank Springfield for sending this Operator AOS out to review; it’s been a blast shooting it…literally!
Let’s take a closer look at what the new and improved 1911 Operator AOS offers.
Features
Agency Optic System
The primary reason I’m even writing this review is the addition of the Agency Optic System (AOS) to some of Springfield’s most popular 1911 models.
The new Holosun SCS-CARRY fits perfectly on the Operator AOS.
This optic system was developed in collaboration with Agency Arms, so you can only imagine the amount of experience between the two that went into the design. Through several different optic plates, you can mount the majority of the most popular optics. I would suggest checking out the A12B and A14B plates first, as they cover most of the popular Trijicon and Holosun offerings, but if you have an EOTECH EFLX like seen in some of my pictures, you’ll want the A15B plate.
Make sure to grab the right plate.
The really neat thing about the plates is that each one is designed with the proper height in mind to maintain an intuitive sight picture. Additionally, each plate has an integral rear sight, so you never have to worry.
My only complaint is that each plate is sold separately. Be sure to double-check which plate you need, as they are not cheap. Thankfully, each plate can play host to a variety of optics.
G10 VZ Grips
VZ makes some of the best and most popular grips in the industry, so I’m not surprised to find them on the Operator AOS and I think they were a great choice. The diagonally cut grooves in the G10 material provide a substantial amount of purchase.
A splash of color never hurts.
I especially like the thumb-notch mag release cut. Overall, the grips feel great in hand, and the splash of color helps make the pistol stand out nicely.
Match-grade Barrel
Having an optic and crisp trigger is great, but without a proper barrel to pair with them, your performance will fall short. Springfield went with a forged stainless steel match-grade barrel for a nice balance of ruggedness and performance.
The business end of the pistol.
It’s a solid foundation for your potential accuracy, and it should last for thousands of rounds.
Forward Serrations and Tritium Front Sight
I’m a big fan of forward serrations because I like to press check, so I greatly appreciate them on the Operator AOS. They do help manipulate the slide, but they are a bit too shallow for my taste. I know that having super aggressive or tactical serrations may not fit the aesthetic, but at least a little bit deeper ones would have been nice.
The forward serrations are shallow but get the job done.
The front tritium sight is extremely easy to acquire, given the blacked-out rear sights. It stands out perfectly and can still be used with many different optics.
Range Report
I’ve never had the opportunity to shoot an Operator, so I was very excited to hit the range with it.
The banner at The Outpost Armory was very fitting for my range session testing the Operator.
I loaded both magazines and then packed up a 50-round box of 115-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJs and a 50-round box of 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJS.
I’m happy to report that all 118 rounds went down range without a hitch. I would have liked to put more through it (and definitely plan to), but I’ve only had this pistol for a week or so at this point.
The Operator AOS enjoyed the Fiocchi ammo
By the end of my first couple of magazines, I was consistently putting rounds at 10-yards into 2-inch groupings. I was still getting acclimated to the EOTECH EFLX but I’m happy with those results, and I feel like this gun can definitely outshoot me. I’m not too proud to admit that!
Don’t mind those couple of .22 LR shots from earlier in the day.
Specifications
You can also find the Operator AOS chambered in .45 ACP or with a 4.25-inch barrel.
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 9+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 Inches |
| Barrel Material | Forged Stainless Steel |
| Slide & Frame Material | Forged Carbon Steel |
| Overall Length | 8.6 Inches |
| Height | 5.25 Inches |
| Weight | 42 Ounces |
You’ll find two 9-round magazines in the box.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Optics-ready slide with forward serrations
- Accurate and reliable
- Scalloped G10 VZ Grips
- Forged match-grade barrel
- Tritium front sight
- Accessory rail
Cons:
- Optics plates are sold separately and are on the pricey side
Final Thoughts
The 1911 Operator was designed to be used and enjoyed frequently, and now, with these AOS models being released, it’s going to make them that much more likely to be seeing more range time. It’s honestly hard to go wrong at this price point.
Durable, functional, and attractive.
Other models also received the AOS treatment and offer a variety of shooting experiences. The Ronin AOS line will be your most cost-effective and delivers a refined but classic 1911, while the Emissary AOS line will cost you a few more bucks compared to the Operator line, but you start to get more custom-grade features and modern styling.
The Emissary’s blacked-out aesthetic goes well with any gear. Source: Springfield Armory
Regardless of which you go with, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. But for a solid 1911 that’s ready for anything at a decent price, I suggest checking out the Operator AOS line.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
