Precision isn’t an accessory—it’s a mindset. When a pistol tracks flat, breaks clean, and prints tight, you feel it in your bones and see it on paper. For those who run their gear hard and expect it to fight well above its price class, Springfield Armory’s classic single-stack delivers a familiar cadence with modern refinements.
Enter the Springfield 1911 Loaded Target.
Why this 1911 stands out
Springfield Armory has long treated the 1911 platform with respect, tuning it for the range, competition, and serious training. The Range Officer Elite lineage is known for rugged, duty-ready touches—like the Black-T coating used by SWAT teams—while the Target configuration leans into pure accuracy. This particular Springfield 1911 Loaded Target opts for a Stainless finish and fully adjustable target sights, delivering a blend of durability, visibility, and repeatable precision in a Semi Auto package.
Specs that matter when the timer beeps
Chasing tenths is about consistency. The Springfield 1911 Loaded Target brings a feature set that rewards squared-away fundamentals:
Barrel and action
– Barrel: 5 inches, the classic Government-length sweet spot for sight radius and reliable cycling.
– Action: Single Action. A crisp break helps you press through the shot without disturbing sights.
Caliber and capacity
– Caliber: .45 ACP
– Capacity: 7+1, with two magazines included.
The .45 ACP shines when you want authoritative steel impact and a clear training cadence. It’s forgiving on cadence drills where you track front sight lift and reset. While the broader Range Officer Elite family offers both 9mm and .45 ACP options, this .45 variant gives you that traditional push recoil, excellent for calling shots and refining trigger discipline.
Dimensions and balance
– Overall length: 8.6 inches
– Weight: 41 oz
At 41 ounces, the pistol settles into recoil instead of jumping. That extra mass—paired with a steel frame—lets you ride the gun harder and manage transitions with predictable return-to-zero.
Sights, trigger, and controls: the accuracy trifecta
Springfield’s Target configuration leans into sight clarity and fine adjustment. You get a fiber-optic front sight that pops in daylight and a fully adjustable rear—ideal for zeroing to your preferred load. Whether you’re shooting 230-grain hardball or a tuned match load, dialing elevation and windage ensures point-of-aim and point-of-impact stay honest.
Throw in the ambidextrous thumb safety and you’ve got confident, mirrored control regardless of your dominant hand or drill. It’s a thoughtful inclusion for left-handed shooters and instructors who demo from either side. The trigger is set up for clean, consistent presses—exactly what you want when you’re chasing one ragged hole from a bench or running cadence drills at seven yards.
Materials built for real-world use
While the Range Officer Elite line is famous for its Black-T coating, this Springfield 1911 Loaded Target is a Stainless-finish workhorse. Stainless resists corrosion, shrugs off hard range days, and cleans up easily. The steel frame provides durability and balance, while classic wood grips anchor the hand with a natural, repeatable index. It’s a duty-capable composition tuned for range precision.
Where this pistol shines
Range mastery and target work
Adjustable sights and a full-length 5-inch barrel make this pistol a natural companion for slow-fire accuracy drills and practical bullseye. The 1-in-16 rate of twist stabilizes common .45 loads, printing predictable groups if you do your part.
Training and skills development
If you’re building a foundation—proper grip pressure, trigger prep, and controlled reset—the weight and trigger of the Loaded Target help you see cause and effect. Every press writes a truthful report card on the target.
Competition curious
Thinking about stepping into local matches? This setup gives you the sight picture, control scheme, and reliability to run stages clean. The adjustable rear lets you tailor your zero to specific ammo, minimizing holdovers and guesswork on tighter shots.
Details that make a difference
– Finish: Stainless—durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to maintain.
– Sights: Fully adjustable rear with fiber-optic front for rapid, high-contrast indexing.
– Safety: Ambidextrous thumb safety for universal handling and efficient manipulations.
– Case: Comes with a plastic gun case for transport and storage.
None of these details are flashy on their own, but together they deliver a pistol that rewards reps. It’s the kind of handgun that makes you want to stay on the line for “one more group.”
View product details and pricing
Price-to-performance
At $959.99, the Springfield 1911 Loaded Target undercuts many match-tuned 1911s while keeping the essentials that matter: adjustable sights, quality trigger geometry, and a steel frame that runs hard without wandering off zero. You’re paying for capability, not gimmicks.
Fit, feel, and field notes
On the draw, the gun clears the holster with minimal drag and presents a clean sight picture. The fiber-optic front sprints into view and stays lit even when you’re under the timer. Presses are predictable. Reset is tactile without being aggressive. Recoil is a push, not a snap, which keeps sight tracking honest. With a proper high tang grip, the pistol returns to horizontal like it’s guided on rails.
For those who train across platforms, the ambidextrous safety smooths the transition. Running left-hand-only or executing bilateral drills is just as intuitive. If you teach, this makes demo work simpler and safer.
Caliber talk: why .45 ACP here
.45 ACP trains you to manage cadence and respect timing. It’s a classic for a reason: consistent pressure curve, reliable cycling in a Government-length slide, and an honest recoil story that develops discipline. Pair that with a 1-in-16 twist and you’re in business with common 185–230 grain loads. For defensive training analogs and steel work, it delivers clear feedback and authoritative impacts.
How it fits in your armory
If your stable includes polymer strikers, this 1911 adds a precision tool with deeper feedback loops. It rewards fundamentals, sharpens your trigger language, and carries the heritage of a platform that still wins matches and anchors serious training plans. The Springfield Armory name brings decades of trusted service, and the Loaded Target spec sheet reads like a checklist for shooters who measure improvement in groups and splits, not marketing buzz.
Bottom line
If you want a 1911 that runs clean, aims true, and grows with your skill, the Springfield 1911 Loaded Target earns its place on the line. Solid steel, Stainless durability, adjustable target sights, ambi safety, and a trigger that makes the work feel simple. It’s everything you need to shoot better—and nothing you don’t.
People Also Ask
What makes this product stand out from competitors?
This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Is this product suitable for beginners?
Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.
What warranty or support is available?
The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.
How does this compare to similar products in its price range?
This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.
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