TRP Operator or Kimber TLE II/RL

[OceanView]

Gents,

The kimber to me seems less heavy and easier to shoot, especially for a class, extended periods.

Anyone have an opinion on why one would purchase one vs the other?

Thanks!

[BoJackUSMC]

Most members will side along with SA 1911 on this thread...

[Maddawg46]

TRP hands down. SA has a great reputation the last few years. AKimber is a hit or miss. Get a good one, you'll be in heaven. Get one that doesn't work, and you'll be in Kimber warranty hell. They are rated as one of the worst Customer Service. You have an above average chance they will never fix it.

[Trapdude86]

I had the TLE/RL II, my dad TRP Operator full rail. I would shoot them both together many times. The kimber was still a great pistol, but it would never match up to the TRP.

[trigger945]

The only thing I dislike about the TRP Operator is the bushingless barrel, which requires a pin to field strip. You can get a Dawson Tool-less guide rod to replace it though, if so wished. Everything else, especially the lifetime warranty, I will pick Springfield over Kimber, without a doubt.

[Cody]

Springfield. Better gun. Better customer service.

[Drok512]

You can assume that Most that will tell you not to get a Kimber or that they suck etc are basing it on what they read on the Internet. They are both great guns, my opinion is such that you should feel them out both and let your heart choose ......

[E92335i]

SA TRP

[Andyman562]

SA TRP all the way

[WRXKid]

TRP has alot of craftmanship behind it. It's essential a Customshop gun that is higher production than a true custom shop. The kimber does not come close. I have shot both (newer kimber and 1k rnd TRP) and the TRP felt tighter and the fit and finish was solid still. I would put it up again the les Baer, but maybe not a nighthawk.

[Marktallica]

I don't personally own a TRP, but everyone I've ever met who does loves theirs.

[steel30]

I owned a TLE/RL and it was a great shooter with no issues. I sold it to fund some other purchases, but never had any problems with it.

[bwhited]

Have owned many Springfields and a couple of Kimbers.
Only Springfields from now on!

[Mot Mi]

I have many Springfield and the top for a production level gun is worth it I MO, unless you're considering a dN wesson.

[XDJYo]

TRP has alot of craftmanship behind it. It's essential a Customshop gun that is higher production than a true custom shop. The kimber does not come close. I have shot both (newer kimber and 1k rnd TRP) and the TRP felt tighter and the fit and finish was solid still. I would put it up again the les Baer, but maybe not a nighthawk.

Regarding the custom-gun craftsmanship of the TRP, here is an article on the TRP and it's heritage from the Springfield Professional. http://www.tactical-life.com/combat-...eld-trp-45acp/

And, no request for an opinion on a gun can be complete without a few words from our favorite Uncle, Hickok45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03oXMTKRfnU

Here's an 'urban' review of the TRP Operator. You'll have a hard time ignoring that background music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_R94LstfZg

I dig the half rail version of the TRP (not on the Calif Roster) over the full rail operator version (Is on the Calif Roster). The lines are much nicer, but I like a plain, regular 1911 over a railed version.

A budget version of the TRP Operator would be the Springfield MC Operator.

But, to answer your question re: Kimber vs. Springfield...Springfield. Take it from the combined experiences on this board. Springfield is head and shoulders above Kimber and many other gun companies for that matter, in respects to warranty, customer service, speed in addressing issues, custom work etc. They just know how to do it right.

Happy shooting and be safe.