Post by AKService on Oct 21, 2004 3:30:54 GMT -5
Let me start this review with some of the most grounding comments that I have ever placed in such a review.... This firearm is my favorite non-war 1911 varient EVER produced. The pistol I am talking about of course is the Springfield Armory TRP Operator, and it has become my combat pistol of choice as well as my operator pistol of choice.
Contrary to other reviews up to this point, I will start this one slightly different. Let me give you a list of the features and characteristics of this fine pistol.
-20LPI checkering on mainspring housing and front strap
-Wide mouth magazine well
-Match 5 inch bull barrel and bushing
-Grit grips
-Full length accessory rail
-Tuned adjustable trigger (4.5 - 5lbs)
-Adjustable Novak tritium sights
-.45 ACP
-High hand beavertail grip safety
-Ambidextrous safety
-Carry bevel treatment
-Torx head grip screws (tight fit with allen wrench)
-Internal locking system
-2 magazines with slam pads
-Black armory kote
-Delta lightweight hammer
-Front AND rear cocking serrations
-Lowered and flared ejection port
-Loaded chamber indicator
-Lifetime warranty!!!
WHEW! Quite a list... and needless to say this isn't an average Springfield "loaded" pistol. One of the main features on this pistol that seperates her from many other competitors is the full length accessory rail that is forged into the frame. As far as I know they may be the ONLY manufacter to actually make a full length guide rail built into the frame.
Before I go much further lets talk about a few pros and cons. Keep in mind that these opinions are based upon the fact that this pistol will be used as a combat firearm possibly in a tactical situation. If the company didn't want this pistol to be used in a combat or hazerdous environment but rather match shooting then they shouldn't have put words such as "tactical" and "operator" on the frame.
Pros
1) Accessory Rail
2) Accurate with bull barrel and bushing and adjustable sights
3) Weight reduces recoil
4) Tritium sights for low light conditions
5) Large magazine well for insertion of magazines during combat conditions
6) Adjustable trigger pull length
7) Tight frame to slide fit
Cons
1) Some edges could become snags during high stress combat
2) Grips are contraversial
3) Slightly more heavy as compared to other 1911 models
4) Cannot be field stripped or maintained
The designers of this pistol seem to have mixed a little insanity with ingenuity into the concept of this pistol. Some may consider adjustable sights irrelevant on a combat pistol, as many operators learn to reflex shoot rather than actually aim their firearm, but yet they are there.... To those that think that, lets remember the adjustable sights on the wonderful (yet big) H&K23 that our special forces use. While many pistols with adjustable sights place them at the very edge of the frame, the maniacs in charge of the TRP Operator realized that in this position they simply would be more prone to non-user adjustments (AKA, bumping) and placed them several centimeters inwards on the top of the slide.
On another somewhat contraversial note there is the addition of a match bull barrel and bushing. Because of this fine feature, the takedown of the pistol is somewhat similar to that of a micro-compact or many other non-full sized framed 1911's. Pistols of this type require a small pin and/or tool to be placed inside the bushing while the slide is back, thus disallowing quick and easy field stripping of the firearm. For a regular field soldier this may not be such a wonderful idea, but for the operator or persons engaged in close quarters combat situations this is negated by the fact that you simply don't have time to field strip your SECONDARY firearm during an engagement. Ask yourself when a SWAT operator has time to break down his 1911 while deployed?....also most teams take good care of their equipment while they are in the shop.
One should also consider that this pistol could become a snagging disaster. The rail is slotted and creates several edges, along with the adjustable sight. I think practice could easily overcome the problem, especially if you actuall utilize the rail system.
Probably the last and most contraversial part of this firearm is the grips. They are basically a light wood with a special solution mixed with a type of fine sand paper coating. This makes for a very aggressive yet attractive grip that fits almost too securely in your hand. Many people often switch the grips out to match their own style. As for the original grips, from what I hear if you remove them during cleaning and keep solutions from working their way into the original grips you won't have the problem of the material coming loose and getting all over the firearm. I have and use the original grips and remove them every time for cleaning... I have yet to have any problems nor have I seen any of the sand paper type material come off onto the gun. The grips are held in by "hex" type screws that allow a very tight fight to frame and fix the problem of loosening screws from firing sessions.
This pistol shoots wonderfully and has a great balance which adds to its "pointability". Due to the increased weight of the firearm and many of the interesting features added to her, she shoots much along the line of a smaller caliber gun and not a .45 ACP. This feature enchances your ability to double tap and allows other types of follow up shots do be done without much effort. All of the control surfaces are serrated and there is a positive and aggresive function to most of them. Some may complain of the 20LPI checkering along the front strap and mainspring housing, but it serves a good purpose to those operators whom use gloves or are in damp environments. Don't get me wrong though, the heavy serrated edges can tear you up after a day at the range. (Build up pads on those fingers... you hear me soldier?!) With match ammo you should EASILY be able to shoot 2 inch groups at 25 yards.
I have yet to suffer a FTF or any type of malfunction from this pistol of which I have fed as many types of ammo as I can find. Reliability is superb, and unquestionable in my opinion.
The safety is stiff but very positive and is contoured to the natural shape of your thumb to accomdate those 1911 shooters that like their thumbs on the frame. The magazine release button is standard and somewhat of a dissapointment for the type of pistol that this is supposed to be, in that you will have to move the gun somewhat cockeyed in the hand to release the magazine.
Pulling the firearm out of the box and moving the slide backwards you realize that the tolerances of this gun are much higher than many other types of guns you may have used. At first until you break her in the slide to frame fit is very tight. You may also find that moving the slide requires quite a bit of "umph" until either you get used to it or she breaks in a bit more. Many of you Colt users out there may also notice that the grip safety is a bit heavier than what you may be used to. This requires you to fully grip the firearm before you utilization and it seems standard in most Springfield Armory pistols.
The wide mouth magazine well gives the magazine a sure feed into the handle and allows a bit of sloppy handling from the operator. Along with the slam pads which are added to the magazines included with the firearm, you can neatly abuse the loading process. Some people may require both thumbs to release the slide catch as with many tight fitting pistols but I don't find this much of a problem myself with my small whimpy hands. One of the features I would like to note is that the mainspring housing is pinned and screwed in due to the addition of the internal locking system and the extra length (actual additional part) needed by the wide mouth magazine well.
The finish seems to have been parkerized prior to them putting the Armory Kote on, and it seems very rust resistant and durable. The lettering is fine and plain with the nice addition of the letters "TRP" on the back of the slide and the Springfield Armory emblem forward the ejection port. One truly has a hard time looking at this firearm and not thinking it is beautifully made.
Overall the pistol is a great package for someone looking for a customized type or combat style pistol. For the price it has many of the features you may find yourself adding to a higher priced gun. This will be one of the last pistols to leave my safe.... SO HANDS OFF!
Contrary to other reviews up to this point, I will start this one slightly different. Let me give you a list of the features and characteristics of this fine pistol.
-20LPI checkering on mainspring housing and front strap
-Wide mouth magazine well
-Match 5 inch bull barrel and bushing
-Grit grips
-Full length accessory rail
-Tuned adjustable trigger (4.5 - 5lbs)
-Adjustable Novak tritium sights
-.45 ACP
-High hand beavertail grip safety
-Ambidextrous safety
-Carry bevel treatment
-Torx head grip screws (tight fit with allen wrench)
-Internal locking system
-2 magazines with slam pads
-Black armory kote
-Delta lightweight hammer
-Front AND rear cocking serrations
-Lowered and flared ejection port
-Loaded chamber indicator
-Lifetime warranty!!!
WHEW! Quite a list... and needless to say this isn't an average Springfield "loaded" pistol. One of the main features on this pistol that seperates her from many other competitors is the full length accessory rail that is forged into the frame. As far as I know they may be the ONLY manufacter to actually make a full length guide rail built into the frame.
Before I go much further lets talk about a few pros and cons. Keep in mind that these opinions are based upon the fact that this pistol will be used as a combat firearm possibly in a tactical situation. If the company didn't want this pistol to be used in a combat or hazerdous environment but rather match shooting then they shouldn't have put words such as "tactical" and "operator" on the frame.
Pros
1) Accessory Rail
2) Accurate with bull barrel and bushing and adjustable sights
3) Weight reduces recoil
4) Tritium sights for low light conditions
5) Large magazine well for insertion of magazines during combat conditions
6) Adjustable trigger pull length
7) Tight frame to slide fit
Cons
1) Some edges could become snags during high stress combat
2) Grips are contraversial
3) Slightly more heavy as compared to other 1911 models
4) Cannot be field stripped or maintained
The designers of this pistol seem to have mixed a little insanity with ingenuity into the concept of this pistol. Some may consider adjustable sights irrelevant on a combat pistol, as many operators learn to reflex shoot rather than actually aim their firearm, but yet they are there.... To those that think that, lets remember the adjustable sights on the wonderful (yet big) H&K23 that our special forces use. While many pistols with adjustable sights place them at the very edge of the frame, the maniacs in charge of the TRP Operator realized that in this position they simply would be more prone to non-user adjustments (AKA, bumping) and placed them several centimeters inwards on the top of the slide.
On another somewhat contraversial note there is the addition of a match bull barrel and bushing. Because of this fine feature, the takedown of the pistol is somewhat similar to that of a micro-compact or many other non-full sized framed 1911's. Pistols of this type require a small pin and/or tool to be placed inside the bushing while the slide is back, thus disallowing quick and easy field stripping of the firearm. For a regular field soldier this may not be such a wonderful idea, but for the operator or persons engaged in close quarters combat situations this is negated by the fact that you simply don't have time to field strip your SECONDARY firearm during an engagement. Ask yourself when a SWAT operator has time to break down his 1911 while deployed?....also most teams take good care of their equipment while they are in the shop.
One should also consider that this pistol could become a snagging disaster. The rail is slotted and creates several edges, along with the adjustable sight. I think practice could easily overcome the problem, especially if you actuall utilize the rail system.
Probably the last and most contraversial part of this firearm is the grips. They are basically a light wood with a special solution mixed with a type of fine sand paper coating. This makes for a very aggressive yet attractive grip that fits almost too securely in your hand. Many people often switch the grips out to match their own style. As for the original grips, from what I hear if you remove them during cleaning and keep solutions from working their way into the original grips you won't have the problem of the material coming loose and getting all over the firearm. I have and use the original grips and remove them every time for cleaning... I have yet to have any problems nor have I seen any of the sand paper type material come off onto the gun. The grips are held in by "hex" type screws that allow a very tight fight to frame and fix the problem of loosening screws from firing sessions.
This pistol shoots wonderfully and has a great balance which adds to its "pointability". Due to the increased weight of the firearm and many of the interesting features added to her, she shoots much along the line of a smaller caliber gun and not a .45 ACP. This feature enchances your ability to double tap and allows other types of follow up shots do be done without much effort. All of the control surfaces are serrated and there is a positive and aggresive function to most of them. Some may complain of the 20LPI checkering along the front strap and mainspring housing, but it serves a good purpose to those operators whom use gloves or are in damp environments. Don't get me wrong though, the heavy serrated edges can tear you up after a day at the range. (Build up pads on those fingers... you hear me soldier?!) With match ammo you should EASILY be able to shoot 2 inch groups at 25 yards.
I have yet to suffer a FTF or any type of malfunction from this pistol of which I have fed as many types of ammo as I can find. Reliability is superb, and unquestionable in my opinion.
The safety is stiff but very positive and is contoured to the natural shape of your thumb to accomdate those 1911 shooters that like their thumbs on the frame. The magazine release button is standard and somewhat of a dissapointment for the type of pistol that this is supposed to be, in that you will have to move the gun somewhat cockeyed in the hand to release the magazine.
Pulling the firearm out of the box and moving the slide backwards you realize that the tolerances of this gun are much higher than many other types of guns you may have used. At first until you break her in the slide to frame fit is very tight. You may also find that moving the slide requires quite a bit of "umph" until either you get used to it or she breaks in a bit more. Many of you Colt users out there may also notice that the grip safety is a bit heavier than what you may be used to. This requires you to fully grip the firearm before you utilization and it seems standard in most Springfield Armory pistols.
The wide mouth magazine well gives the magazine a sure feed into the handle and allows a bit of sloppy handling from the operator. Along with the slam pads which are added to the magazines included with the firearm, you can neatly abuse the loading process. Some people may require both thumbs to release the slide catch as with many tight fitting pistols but I don't find this much of a problem myself with my small whimpy hands. One of the features I would like to note is that the mainspring housing is pinned and screwed in due to the addition of the internal locking system and the extra length (actual additional part) needed by the wide mouth magazine well.
The finish seems to have been parkerized prior to them putting the Armory Kote on, and it seems very rust resistant and durable. The lettering is fine and plain with the nice addition of the letters "TRP" on the back of the slide and the Springfield Armory emblem forward the ejection port. One truly has a hard time looking at this firearm and not thinking it is beautifully made.
Overall the pistol is a great package for someone looking for a customized type or combat style pistol. For the price it has many of the features you may find yourself adding to a higher priced gun. This will be one of the last pistols to leave my safe.... SO HANDS OFF!