Annihilator
Emissary
I know for a fact that I had issues with my RO Operator in 9mm, it’s recoil spring was a 9 pound according to Springfield, I replaced it with a 12 pound spring like my Kimber 1911 9mm had, problem solved.
First Look: Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy 9mm
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
mountainman
Alpha
I see it on the website...
FIRSTLINE - Springfield Armory
With an emphasis on reliability and performance, Springfield Armory forges superior firearms built to the standards that every law enforcement professional deserves. Find out where to purchase your Springfield Armory firearms for law enforcement here.
www.springfield-armory.com
Well I was able to contact Springfield first thing when they opened today after the holiday weekend, I must say they were very polite and I explained all the issues I have had with both my Prodigy models. I was provided an RMA # and a FedEx Express return label to ship them both back to them so they are headed out via FedEx today and should have them before the end of the week. Was told 2-4 weeks turn time so we will see once I get them back if they function and will run without the FTFs and other issues.
I have heard a lot of good things about Springfield and their customer service/warranty honoring and repairs. I hope that remains the case as when they shoot, they are very accurate and a pleasure to shoot when not clearing malfunctions.
One thing puzzles me - why didn't SA take the opportunity to update the barrel and locking system? Eliminate the locking lugs and lock up on the chamber like most modern pistols and eliminate the swinging link like virtually every modern pistol. If nothing else, seems like they would save on machining time and costs. Still planning on getting one when I can afford it, though.
mountainman
Alpha
Does anyone know the height of the front sight? I'm not a big fan of fiber optic sights, and if I should happen to become an owner, most likely the 4.25-inch model, I'll want to replace at least the front sight with a tritium one.
BET7
Ronin
Interesting talk between Tom Gresham and Rob Leatham on "Gun Talk" about the making of the Prodigy (2 years in the making), and among other things, the possibility of future models in different calibers (due to size in magazine), and Compact versions. Duration 12:11:
www.guntalk.com
The Springfield Armory Prodigy! | Gun Talk Radio
Rob Leatham of Springfield Armory joins the show to discuss the new Prodigy - the double-stack 1911 that exploded onto the scene recently. Rob walks through...
www.guntalk.com
Interesting talk between Tom Gresham and Rob Leatham on "Gun Talk" about the making of the Prodigy (2 years in the making), and among other things, the possibility of future models in different calibers (due to size in magazine), and Compact versions. Duration 12:11:
The Springfield Armory Prodigy! | Gun Talk Radio
Rob Leatham of Springfield Armory joins the show to discuss the new Prodigy - the double-stack 1911 that exploded onto the scene recently. Rob walks through...
So, the size of the magazine will work for anything from 9mm to 10mm and 45. And therein lies its downfall as a candidate for an ideal carry gun. Whatever capacity of 9mm you shorten the grip to accommodate, it will always be bigger than it needs to be. Bigger than a comparable pistol that is designed from the start specifically for 9mm.
If they made a Prodigy with a shorter grip and a 10 round capacity, I would still choose to carry my DW Guardian (a 1911 bobtail Commander) in 38 Super. The butt of the gun would be slightly longer on the DW, but way less bulky at the bottom, where it would be of concern for printing under a shirt. I believe even a short, 10 round, Prodigy would print more than a full-sized, bobtail single stack. Plus, 10 rounds of 38 Super > 10 rounds of 9mm. And, a full-sized single stack grip is also going to more comfortable for most people to shoot than a subcompact double stack grip of the same capacity.
Sorry to hear about the teething issues some folks are having. I’m a bit peeved at Springfield right now. Simply because they released this gun literally two months after the mag ban went into effect in my state. So now we’re limited to 10 rounds. Had it been a few months earlier I would of bought this in a heartbeat. I know staccato makes 10 rounders and I think this gun would accept staccato mags if I read that right. However the cost of the gun to only get 10 rounds isn’t worth it. Hell my 1911 run the Wilson combat 10 rounders no problem. Hopefully the mag ban goes away. I was saving for a staccato C2 but might save the 500 bucks or so cause I really like this gun. The staccato is likely better, assuming based on price but I doubt I would notice the difference much. Plus all my Springfield have just been fantastic.
RealReview
Alpha
I took my Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy (4.25") on the range today for the second time. Both times it jammed before I could get 60 rounds. Today's jam requires a gunsmith. For $1500 I expect reliability and performance - not a gun that can't run through three clips before jamming.
Annihilator
Emissary
Because the prodigy is based on the 1911, not any other design, this design has been used over 100 years. This is basically a 2011 pistol with Springfield’s touch.
SimonRL
Hellcat
What kind of jam do you have? Why a gunsmith? Can you post a picture?
RealReview
Alpha
SimonRL
Hellcat
Have you tried holding the slide in one hand firmly while you slam the web of your other hand against the grip safety. This is an acceptable way to unjam a 1911. Obviously make sure you keep your finger away from the trigger and the pistol is pointed in a safe direction. This is almost certainly what your gunsmith will do. I had my Prodigy jam twice while I was at the range while trying Sig V Crown hollow points. That is exactly the technique I used to unjam it both times.
Here is one of the jams. Look familiar? You’ll notice that my slide was a couple of millimeters out of battery like yours
RealReview
Alpha
I’ll give that a try- thank you. But mine jammed each of my two range days and yours jammed twice in one range day. Is this typical with 1911? It cost 3x as much as my Hellcat and I haven’t had a single issue with it.
+1 on what @SimonRL said. Exactly the technique to get it open, if you can.
And no, what y'all are experiencing is NOT typical ... of a QUALITY 1911/2011.
To be completely fair, a very high end 1911 might have a few jams when it's brand new, as it gets broken in. Those being due simply to very tight tolerances on surfaces that haven't "worn in" together yet. But, from the many reports and detailed analyses, it doesn't seem like what y'all are experiencing is super high quality, tight tolerances that just need a chance to wear in.
SimonRL
Hellcat
Mine jammed on JHPs which 1911s are known to be finicky with. I had 4 failure to feeds in the first 100 rds all from the same mag and since then it has been smooth sailing. Baby the Prodigy a bit, let it run in. I assume you’ve cleaned and lubed it. Cycle it and dry fire it while you are at home, let all it’s parts wear in.
Check out @xdman’a comments in this thread:
Prodigy Disconnector hanging up slide Dissertation
So I am in no way saying this is the fix for everyone, but several people, youtubers and others, have posted that they had burs on their mag feed lips. They posted vids and pics showing the rough feed lips and actually showing how they cut grooves into the brass casings. After smoothing them...
www.thearmorylife.com
No offense, but no one’s beating down the door for a Hellcat. Good luck with your Prodigy.
Btw, what ammo have you been using?
Sol-Invictus
Operator
Have you guys having problems tried a traditional weight recoil spring like 12 to 14 in the 5 and 14 to 16 in the 4.25?
RealReview
Alpha
I’m not by any means an expert but to me the magazine seems to be the issue. The ammo holds firm side to side but is very loose front to back. This is especially apparent when unloading to replace ammo. Sometimes bullets almost jump out of the clip, some rest in place in the back and others protrude. 20 round clip on 1911 too ambitious?
RealReview
Alpha
Remmington 124g FMJ brassMine jammed on JHPs which 1911s are known to be finicky with. I had 4 failure to feeds in the first 100 rds all from the same mag and since then it has been smooth sailing. Baby the Prodigy a bit, let it run in. I assume you’ve cleaned and lubed it. Cycle it and dry fire it while you are at home, let all it’s parts wear in.
Check out @xdman’a comments in this thread:
Prodigy Disconnector hanging up slide Dissertation
So I am in no way saying this is the fix for everyone, but several people, youtubers and others, have posted that they had burs on their mag feed lips. They posted vids and pics showing the rough feed lips and actually showing how they cut grooves into the brass casings. After smoothing them...
No offense, but no one’s beating down the door for a Hellcat. Good luck with your Prodigy.
Btw, what ammo have you been using?