Buying a new Springfield! - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

fyeguy · 01-15-2008, 06:00 PM

Going to buy another Springfield 45 to go with my XD, this time a 1911.

I am trying to figure out the major differences between the Loaded models and the Operator models. I *may* tinker with a few things down the road, but I want a pistol that works flawlessly out of the box.

What are the 'upgrades' to the Operator over the Loaded, and are they worthwhile to your average user?

Also finish: I prefer a black gun, but will go SS if necessary. Is the Armory-Kote light years ahead of the Park? (That black stainless target looks NICE!)

jeepinbanditrider · 01-15-2008, 06:03 PM

It seems that one has a rail. From what I understand trying to find a holster for a railed 1911 is kind hard.

xdfan80 · 01-15-2008, 06:05 PM

congrats! maybe one day i will get my 1911.

chrisxd45t · 01-15-2008, 06:11 PM

It seems like the "upgrades" on the operator are an aluminum frame, match grade barrel, and combat night sights.

fyeguy · 01-15-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

It seems that one has a rail. From what I understand trying to find a holster for a railed 1911 is kind hard.

The rail I could take or leave. I have a light for my XD, but the only time it's been on my pistol is the day it came in the mail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisxd45t

It seems like the "upgrades" on the operator are an aluminum frame, match grade barrel, and combat night sights.

Those are the obvious ones... is that it? Are the internals tuned or better in any way? I like the idea of a more 'stock' pistol to start with, but want to make sure I don't miss out on anything important.

Has anyone seen the 'black stainless' in person?

Thanks for the replies guys...

jeepinbanditrider · 01-15-2008, 06:21 PM

If you want a basic original blueprint type 1911 I would think that the SA GI1911 or the Mil-Spec would be what you are looking for.

tomfoolery · 01-15-2008, 07:31 PM

get the loaded....i have one and love it. pics..

fyeguy · 01-15-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomfoolery

get the loaded....i have one and love it. pics..

Nice, is that the parkerized version?

chrisxd45t · 01-15-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyeguy

Those are the obvious ones... is that it? Are the internals tuned or better in any way? I like the idea of a more 'stock' pistol to start with, but want to make sure I don't miss out on anything important

That's pretty much it, the aluminum frame is supposed to be the thing that's a big deal here. Some people like to believe the operators are made to tighter tolerances, but I've handled and shot both and can't say I noticed an overwhelming difference in quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyeguy

Has anyone seen the 'black stainless' in person?

The black is just parkerizing, so I guess just imagine that but with the flat parts of the frame polished.

I was shopping at one point, like you. Had the same difficulty with deciding so I just rented both, and ended up with neither.

$ problems

tomfoolery · 01-15-2008, 08:02 PM

yeah...parkerized. i carry it daily and have no complaints.

01-15-2008, 06:00 PM	#1
fyeguy XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 70	Buying a new Springfield! -- Updated with PICS! Going to buy another Springfield 45 to go with my XD, this time a 1911. I am trying to figure out the major differences between the Loaded models and the Operator models. I may tinker with a few things down the road, but I want a pistol that works flawlessly out of the box. What are the 'upgrades' to the Operator over the Loaded, and are they worthwhile to your average user? Also finish: I prefer a black gun, but will go SS if necessary. Is the Armory-Kote light years ahead of the Park? (That black stainless target looks NICE!) __________________ You are. What you do. When it counts. -- Armor Last edited by fyeguy : 01-28-2008 at 05:03 PM.

01-15-2008, 06:03 PM	#2
jeepinbanditrider XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineral Wells, Tx Posts: 4,778	It seems that one has a rail. From what I understand trying to find a holster for a railed 1911 is kind hard. __________________ Stuff USPSA-A59201

01-15-2008, 06:05 PM	#3
xdfan80 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,806	congrats! maybe one day i will get my 1911. __________________ Ruger Sp-101 .357 magnum SA XD Tactical .45 acp Mossberg 500 12 gauge pump Marlin 25N bolt action .22 rifle

01-15-2008, 06:11 PM	#4
chrisxd45t XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Monterey/San Jose California Posts: 1,203	It seems like the "upgrades" on the operator are an aluminum frame, match grade barrel, and combat night sights. __________________ LEGALIZE FREEDOM

01-15-2008, 06:21 PM	#6
jeepinbanditrider XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineral Wells, Tx Posts: 4,778	If you want a basic original blueprint type 1911 I would think that the SA GI1911 or the Mil-Spec would be what you are looking for. __________________ Stuff USPSA-A59201

01-15-2008, 07:31 PM	#7
tomfoolery XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 3,690	get the loaded....i have one and love it. pics..

01-15-2008, 08:02 PM	#10
tomfoolery XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 3,690	yeah...parkerized. i carry it daily and have no complaints.

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