Gimpy_ak Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 So heres the question I propose to you all, mainly because I can't make the decision on my own, SA RO in 9mm or Bul M-5 in 9mm. I have a SA Trophy Match but I've been thinking about making the switch to 9mm. The Bul has more features like checkered front strap, front cocking serrations, fiber front, and ambidextrous safety. The Range Officer doesn't have the checkering, serrations, or the ambit-safety but has adjustable sights and is built on the same Match frame and slide fit my TM is. Both are similar in price, and I just can't decide. What say you? Bul M-5 SA Range Officer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee blackman Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Are you shooting USPSA or IDPA or both or something else? Consider the STI Trojan? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimpy_ak Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 USPSA Single Stack. I should add that my budget is a grand, thats what prevents me from getting the Trojan. I can get either gun for under $800 so I planned the remaining $200 to go to bullets and mags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darqusoull13 Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Springfield Range Officer was the path I was going to do when I planned on single stack. Springfield just came out with their Stainless Range Officer which comes with the fiber optic front sight. I've handled one and it shot just as well as the standard Range Officer model. Alternatively, Dawson offers their Competition Ready Range Officer for right around your budget and it comes ready to shoot single stack division as well (this was my plan). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviesterno Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Springfield. It's a known base for building a good 9mm 1911, and I'm carrying a ROC because I trust it and it works. The safety doesn't matter if you're a righty. And if you really need an ambi, add one. the front strap doesn't matter to me... a bit of grip tape is better and significantly cheaper Serrations don't matter. a 9mm 1911 is easy enough to rack, you don't need them. if you want more grip, add a piece of that grip tape you're already playing with for the front strap. SA is a known product that runs great, supports shooting sports, and will work for you to build off later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) SA RO, RO SS or RO Operator all the way. It's a shame they don't offer their Loaded Model in 9mm. Any of them are a much better deal and gun than the Trojan, IMO. The newer 9mm Trojans I've seen are junk. Both the new ones at my club broke parts in the first 500 rounds and had to be sent back. Edited February 24, 2016 by zzt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeerBaron Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 they do offer the loaded in 9mm (in stainless though). Mine is setup for ipsc classic. EGW magwell wilson mag release wilson stainless front strap checkering panel (most people can't tell it's not just a checkered front strap) pinned grip safety changed main and recoil springs and firing pin runs very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 BB, where did you find that? I don't see a Loaded 9mm on the web site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Absocold Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Of the two listed, I'd go SA - but I'd get the stainless model. If I wasn't in a big hurry, I'd heavily debate saving up more and get the Pointman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 The looks of the rear sight on the Bul looks very similar to the old Kimber sight. If it is the same dovetail, a few extra cuts and a Bomar type sight can be installed with very little work by a good smith. Check the dimensions, it sure looks very close. The reason I mention this is that I had built a couple of the old model Kimbers in the day, the dovetail was right and it only needed a couple of cuts and you had a Bomar cut. Is the Bul lower stainless or plated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) The one Beer Baron is talking about is possibly an older version of the Springfield Loaded sold here in Australia, I know back a few years ( 05-06) they were selling 9mm stainless loaded with the LPA adjustable rear sights fitted This is the version is still available here in Australia. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY PI9134LP1911 LOADED STAINLESS9MM, Edited February 26, 2016 by terrydoc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 If it is stainless, it is easy to finish if anything is done to the frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerattix Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 I got an RO in 9mm and it's a nice piece. Very accurate. Slide to frame fit is better than the 2 Trojans I have. I put some skateboard tape on the front strap, got an ambi safety, a FO front sight , the Hogue grips that make a magwell and a trigger job and it was ready to rock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimpy_ak Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 The Range Officer it is. I've got a techwell already and I'm going to order mags, a Dawson front fiber, and some bullets to feed it with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimberacp Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I would get the RO Operator!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) ,Just be aware the Techwell may require some fitting. I had to 'fit' mine to my Springfield Loaded but they fit straight on to my Nighthawk and also the STI Spartan I had previously. There are sometimes slight dimension differences between manufacturers. Edited February 26, 2016 by terrydoc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoracer Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) I have owned 2 Bul M-5s, one in 9x23mm and one in 9mm (Commander). The 9mm was just OK (not as good as my DW single stack 9mm) while the full sized 9x23 was out of the Bul Custom Shop (and not an import) built as an IPSC Limited 10 gun and has the best trigger of any single or double stack I have ever owned (including my custom STI open gun). I am currently having it converted to .40 S&W so I can again use it in Limited Major (so I can swap back to 9x23 if needed). They are great guns. However they can only use mags designed for the Para P18 because of the shape of the mag tunnel in the grip (Para or Mecgar). STI mags will hang up in the grip(not sure about SVI mags). And with limited availability its hard to get any mags over 140mm if you need them. In mine I generally use Mecgar mags w/Arredondo +3 basepads to get 20 rd. mags as that gets them to the size limit. Also have to raise the mag release notch in the mag a couple of millimeters. Most M-5s come from the factory with a polymer mag release which is too easy to damage I think. RHT in South Africa sells a stainless steel replacement that works very well and has the shelf cut to the same height as the OEM one. Bottom line from me is if you can find a Bul M-5 Competition model like the IPSC then go for it. If not its easier to build it from something built here. Edited February 26, 2016 by photoracer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 He is looking at single stack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeerBaron Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 BB, where did you find that? I don't see a Loaded 9mm on the web site. This one: http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-loaded-9mm/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 (edited) There seem to be an issue on their website, if you look all they have is the .45 loaded no 9mm, but clicking on your link brings up the 9mm. and if you type in loaded target 9mm or Loaded 9mm it comes up, got me buggered, Edited February 27, 2016 by terrydoc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 Right, they are missing a direct link. Thanks BB. If the OP hasn't already ordered the RO, the Loaded 9mm gives him everything he asked for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalmBeach1 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Not sure why the link is working. AFAIK, the Loaded 9mm is not being made any longer. You may be able to find one, but will come at a premium price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I didn't think they were either Palmbeach1, the importer here get's them but no idea where from or how old they are. I know then we got screwed by our govt in 04 we were lucky to fet much and it was a slow trickle indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalmBeach1 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I didn't think they were either Palmbeach1, the importer here get's them but no idea where from or how old they are. I know then we got screwed by our govt in 04 we were lucky to fet much and it was a slow trickle indeed. Possible it is a special makeup for the distributor. Sorta like Lipsey's here in the States having specials done for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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