Springfield Warren Tactical Operator

[STAMarine]

I've been looking for a 1911 9mm with certain characteristics without success for some time now, without success. For some reason, the Google Foo worked out a few days ago, and I found the Springfield Armory Warren Tactical Series 1911 Operator. I had never heard of one before even though it seems they've been out for awhile. This pistol checks all the boxes I've been looking specifically for, and the characteristics that don't match my "ideal," such as color, I don't care one way or another about.

I decided I want one, but everything that pops up is a couple of years old. From what I can find, the guy is well respected in the industry and law enforcement. I've found that the model is a yearly, limited run specifically for Warren. It's still listed on the Warren Tactical website, with instructions to send a deposit to order.

I'm not questioning the legitimacy of the business. I'm just questioning if it's still a valid offer. I'm just uncomfortable with mailing an order and deposit without recent evidence that they are still being produced. I did email, but there has been no response. However, I have read a review on another forum posted by someone who successfully received their pistol and had emailed without response. The problem is that post was from 2014. I can understand that. It seems like Warren Tactical is a small business, and I've dealt with reputable large companies that take forever to respond.

My question is, has anyone purchased one of these pistols recently? Are they still being offered? Is this just the way it's done in this particular situation? I just want to know if any members have sent in a deposit and order letter in as per instructions and received their pistol, and can I expect the same from their experience?

[STAMarine]

Update: Mr. Warren emailed me back this morning regarding the status of his pistols. As of now, Springfield has yet to commit to building his pistols, and he is in talks with another reputable company.

I probably should have given him more time time to respond to my email knowing his a busy businessman, but it was nice of him to get back to me, and he'll be on others radar due to my post. I'll be waiting for further news.

[VARIABLE9]

"Non refundable deposit" no less. I suppose he couldn't get the numbers to commission a special build. I hope he issued refunds.

[STAMarine]

"Non refundable deposit" no less. I suppose he couldn't get the numbers to commission a special build. I hope he issued refunds.

Ah, he was straight up when he responded to me about the situation. I can see from my research that he's had satisfied customers, but the newest review was from 2015. That's why I wanted to check. I'd say that he isn't accepting orders until he finds a new vender. If I'd gone ahead and sent the money, he'd probably wonder why some dumbass went ahead and cut him a check without bothering to make sure it was still available. I've got no reason to think anything was nefarious, I just don't take $500 lightly. My only sorrow is the pistol was offered at a damn good price for what it was, and I fully expect for the new ones to be above my budget.

[clb]

These pistols are great pistols. I have 2 9mm myself. Problem he is likely having getting Springfield to commit to making them is that for all intents and purposes, the custom shop at Springfield may as well be closed. They have not taken any new work for coming up on 2 years now I believe. Maybe take a look at a Dan Wesson Specialist?

[STAMarine]

These pistols are great pistols. I have 2 9mm myself. Problem he is likely having getting Springfield to commit to making them is that for all intents and purposes, the custom shop at Springfield may as well be closed. They have not taken any new work for coming up on 2 years now I believe. Maybe take a look at a Dan Wesson Specialist?

I'd say you may very well be correct. I thought about just getting one of the new Range Officer Elites and sending it in for upgrades. However, I see that their new work order sheet is MUCH more limited than their old one.

The Dan Wesson looks good, but it's hard for me to come off of Springfield due to their warranty. For a long time I had access to free .45 ammo. I wish I had kept a round count book for my current Springer, but it's in the multiple thousands. Any time I needed a new extractor, anything, I emailed that it needed work that I considered wear, not warranty, work and asked them to take care of it. The last time it even came back with a new barrel and bushing. The barrel was at the end of it's life, but I figured it had a few rounds left in it. I didn't even mention it! I'd hate to give up that level of service. I've never paid a penny for work. Only shipping.

[WTF?Shane]

What about the Combat Operator?

[STAMarine]

What about the Combat Operator?

I looked at those as well. Most people say they can't tell a difference with the series 80, but I just don't want one. Colt has started making a couple of 70 models, but none that I'm really interested in. I know I could get one to use as a base model, but by the time I get one worked up, I'd be approaching a custom model.

[STAMarine]

I looked at those as well. Most people say they can't tell a difference with the series 80, but I just don't want one. Colt has started making a couple of 70 models, but none that I'm really interested in. I know I could get one to use as a base model, but by the time I get one worked up, I'd be approaching a custom model.

Check my last statement, I don't know what model of Colt I was thinking about. I looked at those as well, but can't find one in stock. I wonder if Lipseys will do another run?

[WTF?Shane]

Sorry, I forgot to say it was Springfield Armory.

The Combat Operator is very similar to the Warren Tactical Operator.