TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP

TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP - Custom Traits, Off-the-Shelf Pistol

The 1911 is a handgun that needs no introduction. It has been around forever, served militaries the world over, and civilians deploy them emphatically as well. “TwO wOrLd WaRs!” I jest, but the model 1911 is an undeniably popular and relevant weapon system even today. The only failing some may cite is that a firearm that was invented over a hundred years ago lacks modern day accouterments (surprise, surprise). If you give me a flashlight and a red dot though, I’m a happy man, and that’s exactly what Springfield Armory is now offering with their new AOS (Agency Optic System) 1911s. Today, I will walk you through my experiences of shooting and playing with my favorite iteration from this new class of Springfields in the 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP handgun. Let’s dive in!

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

• TFB Review: 1,000 Rounds With The Springfield Armory SA-16A2
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory Garrison 9mm 1911
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Comp AOS 5” 9mm
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory SA-35

Specifications - Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP

The MSRPs for these new 1911 AOS handguns flutter from $967 to $1,378 depending on the barrel length and cartridge offering you decide to go with. The 1911 Operator AOS we are specifically checking out today has an MSRP of $1,184 ( 1911 Operator® AOS 5” .45 ACP | PO9230AOS).

• Cartridge: .45 ACP
• Barrel: 5" Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, 1:16
• Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®
• Sights: Tritium Front, Tactical Rack White Dot Rear
• Recoil System: GI Style
• Grips: VZ Grips® G10
• Magazines: (2) 8-Round
• Weight: 42 oz
• Length: 8.6"
• Height: 5.25"

While we are looking at the 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP model today, Springfield Armory has 12 new offerings in this new-to-the-market 1911 AOS series. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the 1911 Operator® AOS 5” .45 ACP | PO9230AOS. The other offerings are listed below:

• 1911 Ronin AOS
• 1911 Ronin® AOS 4.25" 9mm | PX9117LAOS
• 1911 Ronin® AOS 4.25" .45 ACP | PX9118LAOS
• 1911 Ronin® AOS 5” 9mm | PX9119LAOS
• 1911 Ronin® AOS 5” .45 ACP | PX9120LAOS
• 1911 Operator AOS
• 1911 Operator® AOS 4.25" 9mm | PO9227AOS
• 1911 Operator® AOS 4.25" .45 ACP | PO9228AOS
• 1911 Operator® AOS 5” 9mm | PO9229AOS
• 1911 Operator® AOS 5” .45 ACP | PO9230AOS
• 1911 Emissary AOS
• 1911 Emissary AOS 4.25" 9mm | PX9227LAOS
• 1911 Emissary AOS 4.25" .45 ACP | PX9228LAOS
• 1911 Emissary AOS 5” 9mm | PX9229LAOS
• 1911 Emissary AOS 5” .45 ACP | PX9230LAOS

As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Springfield Armory has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. While I have never experienced an issue with the Springfield Armory 1911s I have reviewed over the years, it is nice to know that you have that safety net and support from Springfield.

• G10 Grips: Manufactured by VZ Grips, the scalloped G10 panels on the Operator AOS provide an attractive look and no-slip surface.
• Optics-Ready: Developed in collaboration with Agency Arms, AOS employs a series of plates fitting a wide variety of today’s most popular optics. The Emissary AOS Ships with a cover plate.
• 5” Forged Barrel: The Operator AOS is paired with a match-grade stainless steel barrel for downrange precision.

A Word from Springfield Armory on the 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP

A snapshot into what the new Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP pistol is all about can be read below in Springfield Armory’s Press Release statement:

“The 1911 Operator® AOS in .45 ACP delivers a cutting-edge, tactical-grade pistol packed with duty-grade features that serious shooters demand. It comes equipped with G10 grips, ambidextrous safety, two nine-round magazines with bumper pads, forward cocking serrations, and an integral Picatinny rail—making it a must-have tool for self-defense. Enhanced with AOS, the Operator now supports a wide variety of popular optics, including RMR, Shield, Delta Point Pro, and Docter. Each AOS plate integrates a rear sight that ensures proper optic height and an intuitive sight picture, providing visible co-witnessing in nearly all optic configurations. If you're looking for a no-nonsense, defensive-grade pistol in .45 ACP that’s ready to serve, the Operator is your answer.”

What’s in the Box? Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP

A basic, but important question that a lot of people ask is: “what comes in the box?” So, this is everything that will be included with your 1911 AOS purchase:

• Owner’s Manual & Cable Lock
• Red Chamber Flag
• Cardboard Box & Double Zipper Case
• Two 8-Round Magazines
• AOS Cover Plate & Wrench (Additional Mounting Plates sold separately)

*Optic and Flashlight NOT Included

What’s the Upsell to the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP?

I have always respected the model 1911, like many of you, but I don’t own a gun cabinet full of them because of the lack of optics compatibility. The other day I was basking in the glow of my small, but glorious gun collection, and I realized that 90% of my handguns had red dots on them (there is a pattern, here). So, Springfield Armory saw the evolving landscape of the firearms market and decided to bless some of their 1911s with that AOS goodness.

I’m new to the whole “mounting red dots on 1911s” game. So, I found it to be interesting and clever that every AOS Mounting Plate not only can accept varying optics, but also has a set of tall iron sights built in as well. This allows you to co-witness and/or see your iron sights on most red dots you could conceivable put on this pistol. Out of 26 possible options listed out on Springfield’s webstore, only 2 did not allow you to see your iron sights.

While shooting my 1911 Operator AOS, I leaned on an old staple flavor of ammo that is known for… testing the limits… of a handgun (if you know, you know). Winchester white box ammunition does not have a stellar reputation for reliability, but when I was feeding it through this 1911 Operator AOS, everything ran flawlessly.

I was less interested in if the gun would work - I assumed it would perfectly - rather, I was hoping to see if there would be any shift in the zero I established on the red dot, if the red dot would come loose, or if there would be any type of failing at all related to the Agency Optic System.

After about 500+ rounds of the ol’ white box Winchester, nothing happened. The gun ran flawlessly as expected, the red dot held zero, and the mounting plates and AOS held solid. I put a Torx wrench to the screws securing the red dot to the AOS Mounting Plate and they were still rock solid - no wiggle, no walking out, no movement whatsoever. Exactly what one would hope and expect.

Departing Thoughts - Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP

So, what are my final thoughts on the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP pistol?... Overall, if you need some John Moses Browning goodness in your life in the flavor of a Springfield, this new 1911 AOS series is a no-brainer. Bag it. Take it home. You’ll love it. The plates are easy to install taking mere seconds and don’t budge. I appreciated that the Operator has a rail for all of my flashlight fantasies and with the addition of the AOS system, these 1911s have walked into the 21st century. If you’re contemplating on getting one, dive in.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP pistol. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP pistol is something worth spending your money on? Would you take one with you hunting? Shoot a league or competition? Potentially deploy it for EDC (everyday carry)? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP pistol in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.