Springfield Range Officer vs Loaded

[TheAce]

Hello all , I've been eyeing a Springfield 1911 for a while and have tracked down a RO, however due to the SSE fee it's basically the same price as a Loaded (Parked/ PX9109LP). Now I've seen a lot of old threads on how the Loaded is not as accurate due to the barrel being standard vs match, how the sights are fixed, and how it's fit and finish are inferior, but the SA website says it has the same stainless match and that the sights are adjustable. My question is should I go with the RO or put down the extra 40 bucks for the loaded? It's mostly going to be a range piece.

[Loubot10]

Loaded is as good or better and you can find "Target" models with adjustable sights.

RO is just the latest model that everyone's overpaying for.

The price point of the "RO" is less than the Loaded for a reason.

[350skylark]

Im not a fan of the adjustable sights on the RO but i do see it as much of a value for the cash which is saying alot as its cheaper and the loaded is excellent. I bought one after owning a Rock island for a while and have no regrets. Also check out this thread

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=327308

[Port Authority]

40 bucks?

That is really important?

We're talking weapons here.

Get the better piece and treat it right.

Port

[AP2]

I had the RO and the sights basically forced me to sell it.

I should have went with the loaded at the time.

[TheAce]

Well this ones not a target, I think they only make that in stainless, but doing a side by side on the website it seems like the main differences is an ambi safety, and 3 dot sights instead of fully adjustable, , and a full length guide rod instaed of a GI recoil system.

[SimonBirch]

I think the loaded is pretty nice. I shot a clay bird at 30 yards using my friends loaded on the first shot. Seems like it's accurate lol

[TheAce]

40 bucks?

That is really important?

We're talking weapons here.

Get the better piece and treat it right.

Port

That's the dilemma some people are claiming the loaded isn't built as well, especially Brazil assembled, but all those posts are 2+ years old so I'm wondering if that's changed for the new ones. I hear SA has revamped the 1911 production and is much better and that but not sure how true that is.

[Loubot10]

That's the dilemma some people are claiming the loaded isn't built as well, especially Brazil assembled, but all those posts are 2+ years old so I'm wondering if that's changed for the new ones. I hear SA has revamped the 1911 production and is much better and that but not sure how true that is.

Nothing was assembled in Brazil. Frames for most we're made in Brazil by a pretty excellent company, but the guns were assembled here.

Do you realize that most custom high-end 1911's don't use a full-length guide rod?

Do yourself a favor and go shoot both.

[EMR]

I've got the loaded in stainless and love it. Half dollar sized groups off hand at 7 yards all day. Good enough for me. It's got the Novak fixed sights but overall I think it's worth it's price. Here's mine with some grips I made.


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[350skylark]

another thing to think about is that sse is going away. So maybe get the RO keep it for a couple months and decide if you like it or not. If not shouldn't be to hard to sell and buy a loaded.

[TheAce]

I meant to say non NM models. I have no problem with IMBEL itself they have an excellent reputation, and yes I realize that most don't use a full rod but the Loaded does which some people are knocking, I personally don't see what the huge deal with the guide rod is. I wish I could find a way to shoot both but finding the off roster RO to rent seems like it's out of the question.

[TheAce]

another thing to think about is that sse is going away. So maybe get the RO keep it for a couple months and decide if you like it or not. If not shouldn't be to hard to sell and buy a loaded.

I was thinking that but I'm not out to make cash, I'd rather just get the better one and avoid the hassle. And from what I hear a lot of people are buying them just for that. I expect a lot of NIB ROs for sale on the marketplace once the SSE runs out.

[350skylark]

I was thinking that but I'm not out to make cash, I'd rather just get the better one and avoid the hassle. And from what I hear a lot of people are buying them just for that. I expect a lot of NIB ROs for sale on the marketplace once the SSE runs out.

Ok, then IF you decide you dont like it, you sell it for what you paid for and quick because its lower price then everyone else! lol. I think if you dont mind the adjustable sights you should get the Ro. If they bother you then get the loaded you wont be dissapointed either way.

[Powder_Keg]

Loaded is as good or better and you can find "Target" models with adjustable sights.

I agree, I have the Loaded Target and it's plenty accurate.

OP, do a little research and try to get a SA with a "NM" serial number.