Price Check: Springfield RO Elite Operator

[B320]

Greetings all - first time poster, long time lurker. You all have been a great resource to me as I went through my G40 MOS phase and for hand-loading.

A used Springfield RO Elite Operator in 10mm is for sale at a LGS for $899 (https://www.springfield-armory.com/1911-series-handguns/1911-ro-elite-handguns/1911-ro-elite-operator-10mm-handgun/). This seems fair, though I need to go and view it in-person. Any idea what prices these are commanding in your areas, or what you've recently paid? Perhaps they aren't even available regularly and I should just get it. I saw (about a month ago) a RO Elite Operator 6" 10mm long slide in person and they were asking $1600 (different LGS).

I'm looking to get back into 10MM to use up all the ammo I've already loaded. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[Graybeard]

The selection of used guns is very limited in my area. I doubt if you'll have a lot or replies as there aren't a lot of that model in circulation, either. Gunbroker would probably be your best bet to get an idea of the current going rate.

There have been several members here, over the last couple of years, that have had problems with new Springfield's 10mm 1911s. That's not a huge sampling, but it would make me want to shoot a used one first before plunking down over $900 with tax.

Good luck with it. I hope it works out to be a great deal. Welcome to the forum.

[sqlbullet]

Gunbroker completed auctions in the last 30 days suggest that a price of 1K is the top limit. For $899 I would expect the gun to be VERY clean.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/902205902

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903341535

Factory new guns seem to bid out around $1,100-$1,200. 

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903506717

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903726160

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903527177

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/904157936

[B320]

There have been several members here, over the last couple of years, that have had problems with new Springfield's 10mm 1911s. That's not a huge sampling, but it would make me want to shoot a used one first before plunking down over $900 with tax.

This is wisdom. The range has allowed shooters to "test drive" their used inventory if they appear to be serious buyers. After visual inspection I'll see if this is possible. Maybe if not they could be talked down on the price somewhat.

I wanted a 10mm Ronin, but those are rare as hen's teeth. I saw elsewhere on the forum that a gentleman picked one up and sent it back to Springfield HQ right away for QC-related issues.

[B320]

Gunbroker completed auctions in the last 30 days suggest that a price of 1K is the top limit. For $899 I would expect the gun to be VERY clean.

Yes, I agree. The pics online make it appear very clean. Will need to confirm. Thanks for putting up those Gunbroker links. *thumbs up*

[B320]

I went to inspect the pistol and it came home with me. Turns out the firearm was "used, unfired" by a customer that purchases a bunch of guns, never shoots them, then sells them back to the store for trade-in value. It was certainly never broken in, no signs of any wear whatsoever; everything that would have come from the factory came with the pistol (box/bag/brush/paperwork). It was a hefty lump of cash, but I'm glad to have picked it up. The wife even approves.

[Kenk]

Absolutely, can't complain when the wife approves, working on the  approval part right now for another safe 😊

[B320]

Yeah, it was an easy sell. I got home that day and this is what the conversation looked like:

B320: Got any plans for tonight? I think we need to go to the LGS today, they've got a 10mm RO Operator for a fair price. (She knows what a RO is, I don't need to explain it.)

Mrs. B320: Ooo... that's a 1911, I'll be able to shoot that too.

    AT THE LGS

Mrs. B320: (Comparing the 10mm RO Operator to another Ronin 9mm) Yeah this is nice. This is your wife, and I approve this purchase. I think it will make you has happy as my RO in 9mm makes me; you should get it.

This is the conversation almost word-for-word. I won the wife lottery. 

[Vice]

Sounds like you have a keeper.

Congrats on the gun too.

[Jtigertic]

I paid about 950 for mine new 2 years ago, with the current state of availability I would say you did well. The one I got was an absolutely beautiful gun, the issues I experienced were 1st the feed ramp had a very small lip that would cause all rounds to jam while feeding a little polishing (emphasis on a little go easy)  and the gun started feeding much better. 2nd issue is the chamber on mine is very tight I had to go through and crimp factory S&B rounds so they passed the plunk test on the chamber. After that it has seen about 1K rounds and not another fail to feed or issue. I did put a flat bottom firing pin stop and a little heavier spring as it was throwing some brass and I wanted to be able to collect my brass to reload again.

[Kenk]

Have been considering an RO Elite myself, and know what you mean regarding brass. My P220 Elite throws brass a solid 30', if not further

[Vice]

Have been considering an RO Elite myself, and know what you mean regarding brass. My P220 Elite throws brass a solid 30', if not further

Yeah, I even try to position myself so the brass can't reach the tall grass. But it seems I'm never successful.

When I just can't retrieve hardly any brass, I just bust out one of my 10mm revolvers.

[B320]

I paid about 950 for mine new 2 years ago, with the current state of availability I would say you did well.

This is the first time I've even seen an RO Elite Operator in person. I look for 10mm everywhere I visit and I've only seen Glocks, Rugers, Rock Islands, Sigs, and EAs. This is the second Springfield I've seen in person (second to the 6" mentioned above). It was my time to find one, must have been fate.  I haven't gotten around to field stripping/lubricating it yet. It looks and feels "sorted." I hope it passes the plunk test with my handloads.

[gnappi]

If you're looking at railed 6" models expect to pay a premium because they're in pretty short supply... when you see it get it. If you can live with a non-railed 5" model a Ronin is at a better price point but again they're also in short supply.

At the Miami gun show this past weekend (A pretty large show) there were no 10's except one Glock further illustrating the scarceness of 10's. Alternatives for you might be RIA (I like mine as much as my Ronin) Ruger, Kimber, or if you dare to step out of the 1911 arena a pricey Sig P220 or reasonably priced Tanfoglio hunter (one of my faves) long slide is a GR8 alternative.

Good luck.

[B320]

Ooof.... that barrel bushing was TIGHT. Field strip was successful. All my handloads passed the plunk test. I can't wait to find some range time.