I've switched some things between the two of them and added a thing or two... Grips, smaller grip bushings & screws, (the laser is quite adequate and zero'd @ 25Yards...) One is a standard aluminum receiver/frame and the other is a Bob'd frame/main spring housing and matching stippling on the front strap with 25LPI... Sights are standard Tritium Novak's.


I'm sad Springer Disco'd this model... They point natural and their weight fully loaded is very balanced. They carry more comfortably with their weight and length less than a 5" Govt model.






Pictured with my most recent Springfield. Wife and Daughter bought this for me/us for Christmas. Pic shows decent size reference between the two models and styles. I wasn't sure how I felt about the rail on a 1911... But it's unobtrusive carrying and is very useful/convenient when/if a light or laser is needed. I might opt for a laser only unit that should/would be much smaller (if anyone makes such) because I carry a TLR-1 anyways when out n' about day or night.

Nice countertops!

Hahaha, thanks... We just had the house professionally cleaned (after the pics were taken though...), Granite Tops look really nice now however!

I'm really wondering why Springfield disco'd this model though, (especially considering how much they are going for on GB) which is usually an indicator as to desirability of a model. Also, Dan Wesson also disco'd their ECO 1911 and another similar model to the ECO... Both are very similar too the Champion Operator and from recent readings here and elsewhere the disco decision, was a BUM Decision...

CZ disco'd their 97B series as well which are too going for higher than usual GB prices. Thankfully I was able to snatch one of them up 5 or 6 years ago. We love our .45ACP's (.45Super's too) here both in Semi's and Revolver's...

Yup, great guns. I'm carrying mine with a tlr7 right now.

I don't know that there is a direct connection between sales a longevity with them. They seem to have switched to the model where they constantly switch up models.

These and the full rail Loaded Operator I still scratch my head at them dumping. RIA sells a metric ton of their Tactical models and i theorize it’s just because people want a full rail gun.

The new grips really set that thing off. Nice blaster.

Nice 1911’s, I have the pre-railed versions, also discontinued, but love them.

My LW Champion Operator has been my default carry gun for years. I love that gun. Didn’t realize SA had discontinued them until about a week ago.

What's weird is that they kept making the full rail TRP for years and still might because it's on the cali list. I sold my TRP because I hated the checkering but kept my loaded. Bought an Armscor 4" because it had a full rail and finally found a 9mm/22 tcm combo full rail double stack. They look the best.

I'm really happy with mine. Bought it used, unfired. Just swapped the stocks and added the mag funnel/MSH. I'd prefer a solid trigger, but it's not high on my list.

Attached File

I bought one mint like new in the box with all the stuff , has a nice feel to it I never shot it much but feels better than a full size to carry , it must have a really strong hammer spring it tough to pull back the slide , I left it locked open for a while but didn`t help its a strong one are yours like that , also has a replacement I think its the EGW one which is very smooth , hammer spring I think is 22 pd , that's to much .

Eco is an officer sized 1911, the lw champ operator is a commander size.   I had a lw operator champ, nice pistol after it was deMim'd..  I found a screaming deal on a 9mm dw tcp(1200), and it replaced the springer.  The dw is fit better, better features, and 25lpi frontstrap.  Guys that pay 1200 for lw operator Champs should wake up.  For 300 more you get all forged parts, nitride, magwell, better sights, and checkered fronstrap with the TCP