Springfield Operator
From the Metal Gear Wiki
The Operator is one of several handguns used by Old Snake during the events of Metal Gear Solid 4.
[edit] Overview
The Operator series of pistols is a range of customized M1911A1's built by Springfield Armory and chambered in .45 ACP. Springfield is one of several companies that were contracted to build government-issue M1911's and M1911A1's during and after the World Wars and has produced several customized versions of the venerable handgun for military and civilian use.
The Operator series of pistols are available in a wide range of customizations and sizes. The general differences between the basic Operators and a standard M1911A1 are; an enlarged and beveled ejection port, extended beavertail, ambidextrous thumb safety, a long, skeletonized trigger (similar in length to the M1911), a skeletonized hammer, flat mainspring cover, and combat sights (either BoMar-style adjustable or Novak's low profile). Operators come with 8-round magazines, but can accept standard 7-round M1911A1 mags. The slide and frame can be made of aluminum alloy or steel (forged or stainless), the frame can have an integral rail system and various different grips are available to suit the user. Springfield also allows for a wide array of customizations for their standard models; including tighter tolerances between parts and specialized barrels, grips, finishes and sights.
[edit] In MGS4
Old Snake receives this weapon, along with a suppressor and ammo upon meeting up with the Metal Gear Mk. II in Act 1 in the Red Zone, close to the militia hideout. The Operator Snake receives is most similar to the TRP Operator, with BoMar-style sights and a diagonally-cut dustcover. It is equipped with a threaded barrel for suppressors, and a rail system for a tactical light. The suppressor can only be used for a limited number of shots, but Snake can stock up to 99 of them. The suppressors and flashlight can be purchased from Drebin. The pistol supports balanced stats in MGS4, balancing R.O.F. (rate of fire) with reloading speed, and accuracy with sheer damage. However, it does not shine in any specific area when compared to such handguns as the Five-seveN, with its large ammo capacity, or the D.E., with its high damage stats. The gun is also available in Metal Gear Online, with the same stats as in MGS4.
