I noticed Springfield is releasing new TRP models. I'm not a big 1911 guy--most of my experience is with WW2 models, some newer Colts, and other stuff that other officers and friends have let me shoot at the range over the years. I've always been interested in the TRP specifically, but never got one. I pretty much lost interest in Springfield stuff back when they traded 2A rights in Illinois--I'm not sure if all is forgiven, but it sounds like the consensus is they've done all they can to redeem themselves in the years since.

Anyway, curious what others think about the original TRP, as well as what Springfield may have 'improved' with these new models?

If I were to get one, it would probably be the 4.25" with no rail, primarily for range fun.

Not a huge 1911 guy beyond the nostalgia aspect so I might be wrong in this statement so apologies if I am.

Doesn’t 2 grand put you fairly comfortably in DW territory and get you a gun with more tool steel parts vs MIM components. (I know well done MIM can be perfectly strong etc. but at that price point it’s a turn off).

I haven't seen the details on the new releases, but the old TRPs were good guns. Like cslinger said, though, if they're asking $2K for them, I'd pass and get a Dan Wesson. For $1k-$1200, the TRP is a good buy.

Both of my "1911s" are Springfields. I have a government-sized "Loaded" in .45, and an EMP4 in 9mm (I know, the EMP isn't a real 1911, hence the quotation marks). Both have been excellent and reliable guns that shoot more accurately than I can. I did swap the internals on the Loaded (and some of the EMP) for tool steel stuff from Harrison Designs and EGW, but that was more because I like to tinker and not because I had any durability issues with the factory MIM parts.

For what I paid ($700 for the Loaded and $1000 for the EMP) I'm happy with both of mine. IIRC the TRP was about $1200 at the time, and the DW Valor was $1600-$1800. $2000 seems like a pretty steep ask considering what else is available on the market.

From the looks of things, besides the new rollmark on the slide, the only differences on the Government model (any Commander TRPs are completely new) is they've dumped their "Armory Kote" for actual Cerakote, the G10 grips are different, different trigger with and they're using a GI Guide Rod instead of their terrible 2 piece design on the non railed versions.

The TRP has always been an excellent, well fitted gun for a production model. I have an unhealthy love for the 20 LPI checkering, but it is very sharp and stabs into your hand. The biggest issue with them is price. They've been creeping up in price and are now $2K sticker which is as much or more than the better in almost every way and MIM free Dan Wesson 1911 variants that cost the same or less.

Cslinger, I agree. The TRP is a great pistol but I don’t think it’s 2 grand worth of pistol. I haven’t bought a DW in years but I’d be surprised if they are over the price of the TRP. Even if they are I’d still lean towards a DW.

quote:

and they're using a GI Guide Rod instead of their terrible 2 piece design on the non railed versions.

That is indeed an improvement. The 2-Piece thing was crap, and the very first thing I got rid of on my Loaded. I'd actually forgotten all about it because it was gone within the first week, lol.

I bought the Garrison awhile back. Been great so far at about 500 rounds. Priced right at $700 or so.
The TRP guns look to me about 1K, not 2K.

Nice pistol.

I had both a Dan Wesson Valor and a TRP at the same time. I still own the TRP. It's every bit the shooter my Wilson is.

I did replace the guide rod with a GI guide rod, but I do that on all my 1911s.

Hilton Yam gives a great overview and evaluation here for any interested.

https://youtu.be/PeT1vOeY06Q?si=pJDQygUBvmatv5JK

I guess if you want somebody to talk to you about a 1911 you could do worse then Hilton Yam.

At $2k MSRP, I'd go Dan Wesson. Just my $.02

I want one of the original full rail operators, but I'm not willing to pay what they're going for right now.

quote:

Originally posted by Oaklane:
I haven’t bought a DW in years but I’d be surprised if they are over the price of the TRP.

Most of them aren't. But they have gone up noticeably. 30%-50% over the past 5ish years.

I bought my Dan Wesson Valor new in December 2018 for $1250. IIRC, MSRP was like $1500. The best price I can find on a Valor today is ~$1700 for stainless, with the fancier black finish ones closer to $2000. MSRP on these is currently $2000-$2300.

In that same time frame of 2018-2019, Dan Wesson's least expensive 1911 models used to sell for around $950, with a MSRP of like $1200. Currently, their cheapest models sell for ~$1500, with a MSRP of $1750.

These Springfield TRPs have a MSRP of $1900-$2000, which means street price will probably be something like $1600-$1700. Similar street price as the stainless Valor, and a bit more than the other DWs.

So if the choice is between a Springfield or a Dan Wesson for the same price, the Dan Wesson is a no-brainer. It'd still be a no-brainer even if the Dan Wesson was a few hundred more than the Springfield.

Springfield would do better to stick to the $1000 and under 1911 market. For example, their ~$700 Ronins and Garrisons are some of the best "bangs for the buck" in the entry level factory 1911 world.

Glad to see the intro of a TRP commander version.

I just got a DW Valor Stainless a week ago, and like it so much I found a V-Bob Stainless that I got yesterday.

I tried a Wilson ACP that I got a great price on last summer, and thought I'd be OK with the "talon" texturing but it just felt weird to me. They make the front strap "bigger" to give extra meat to machine the deep "talon" grooves.

The fine front and back strap checkering on the Valor and V-Bob along with the undercut trigger guard and the beveled grips that sort of blend regular and thin profiles make both feel great in the hand. The TRP cheese-grater checkering has always been a turn-off.

The DW flat triggers are fashionable too, but I'd be fine with a medium trigger. And the G.I. style vertical serrations on the Valor/V-Bob are retro cool, along with no front serrations, which I hate on a 1911.

That said, Springfield is doing a really good job on the sub-$1000 guns like the Garrison and Ronin. I see them a lot in stores and they are generally well fitted and finished. Much better in than years past. But the stainless guns continue to use various hard chromed carbon steel small parts instead of stainless, and all Springfields are filled with MIM parts.

But I really can't understand why almost no 1911 builders use Nitron/Melonite finishes on stainless. Cerakote, Armory Coat, Armor-Tuff, and EB Gen 4 coatings are still spray and bake finishes that do wear off.

My TRP is my favorite pistol. Love the front strap checkering.

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:
But I really can't understand why almost no 1911 builders use Nitron/Melonite finishes on stainless. Cerakote, Armory Coat, Armor-Tuff, and EB Gen 4 coatings are still spray and bake finishes that do wear off.

I'm going to guess it's because they can't do nitriding in house although Staccato and Nighthawk do DLC as standard.

I’m not familiar with the 1911 platform, but I am interested in buying one.

Can all of the mim parts on the new TRP be replaced with better parts? Would it be necessary on a range Gun?

Thanks.

quote:

Can all of the mim parts on the new TRP be replaced with better parts? Would it be necessary on a range Gun?

Yes
Absolutely not.

If previous TRP’s are an indicator these will be excellent pistols and well done MIM is not a problem. Everybody from SIG to HK use it.

quote:

Originally posted by Ironmike57:
I’m not familiar with the 1911 platform, but I am interested in buying one.

Can all of the mim parts on the new TRP be replaced with better parts? Would it be necessary on a range Gun?

Thanks.

On a range gun, you won't need to replace anything unless you don't like it. Most of the small parts are easy to swap in and out, but things like barrels, slides, and other that require fitting aren't something to do unless you're a good gunsmith or have access to one.

All of the MIM parts are replaceable as there's no part made that is a brand only exclusive. Here's a video from Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance that's the best resource on MIM parts in a 1911.



In addition to making parts, he's also a former member of the FBI HRT that issued the Springfield Professional 1911 to SWAT teams in the 90's and 00's. There's no one better person to ask advice for setting up a 1911 for duty use.

Thanks.He is a wealth of knowledge. I actually squadded with him a couple of times at a local steel challenge.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:

quote:

Originally posted by Ironmike57:
I’m not familiar with the 1911 platform, but I am interested in buying one.

Can all of the mim parts on the new TRP be replaced with better parts? Would it be necessary on a range Gun?

Thanks.

On a range gun, you won't need to replace anything unless you don't like it. Most of the small parts are easy to swap in and out, but things like barrels, slides, and other that require fitting aren't something to do unless you're a good gunsmith or have access to one.

All of the MIM parts are replaceable as there's no part made that is a brand only exclusive. Here's a video from Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance that's the best resource on MIM parts in a 1911.



In addition to making parts, he's also a former member of the FBI HRT that issued the Springfield Professional 1911 to SWAT teams in the 90's and 00's. There's no one better person to ask advice for setting up a 1911 for duty use.