Apples to Apples, which .45?

[OGmade]

So in my pursuit of choosing what .45 I want to get into, I did a lot of researching which lead me to either a Springfield Operator 1911 or Springfield TRP full rail. Both of which were chosen based on the fact I wanted a medium to higher end quality .45 handgun. I have shot lots of different pistols, HK USP, Ruger SR, M&P,etc. I do like the Sig Sauer P220 combat but have not shot one. I Own a Sig Sauer SP2022 so I know how they shoot but like I said, i wanted to start off with something a little higher in quality and different I suppose. So I am torn right now with the pro's and cons. I have shot the MC operator and love it but I can affrord to get the TRP but it has its cons. Heres just to list some -
Trp -
Pros-
Bull barrel
Match barrel and bushing, trigger
Fitted slide and frame
Mag housing

Cons -
price 1700$
Night sights are not novak
Front strap checkering iffy
Full guide rod need tool for take down
Mim internals
Full rail looks weird

Mc operator
Pros
Price - 1300$
Novak night sights
GI guide rod
Half rail
No front strap checkering
No tool for take down

Cons
No mag well housing (can upgrade)
No bull barrel, is it even a con?
Slide to frame fitment not smoothed but not big deal

I know most will probably say just buy the TRP one and done but if anyone can give me some good opinions on why or why not, it would help a lot.

[Paperchasin]

Go MC Operator and add the magwell of your choice. Get some VZ grips and you wont even notice that you don't have front strap checkering.

[trigger945]

The cons on the MC Operator look like things that can be added later on, except for the bull barrel, which may not be a con really. In this case, seems easier to add a feature than remove one (i.e. add a magwell to the MC Op vs remove part of the full rail on the TRP).

Btw, the TRP Operator has no barrel bushing being a bull barrel. I personally dislike bushing-less 1911's, but that's my preference.

Good luck!

[D.A.V.I.D.]

Get a les Baer

[559BearDown]

Buy a Colt. Accept no substitutes.

[Domingo]

Look at the Dan Wesson PM7

[Rhyyke]

MC Operator and add the features you want later. Magwell is a breeze and with a Springfield 1911 you'll want to de-ILS so you'll end up with a new mainspring housing anyway.

Front strap checkering can come later, when you're ready for a refinish. Slide/frame fit isn't as important as barrel/slide/bushing fit, which again you can have a gunsmith do for you.

[Soginator]

You can buy a Dawson Tool less guide rod for the take down of the TRP. Highly recommend it. Made my life a lot easier. Also, 1700 OTD right? You can easily find the TRP full rail for 1500ish + tax + dros

[Lead Waster]

The cons on the MC Operator look like things that can be added later on, except for the bull barrel, which may not be a con really. In this case, seems easier to add a feature than remove one (i.e. add a magwell to the MC Op vs remove part of the full rail on the TRP).

Btw, the TRP Operator has no barrel bushing being a bull barrel. I personally dislike bushing-less 1911's, but that's my preference.

Good luck!

The unrailed TRP (not on roster?) does NOT have a bull barrel, by the way.

[Lead Waster]

All I can add to this is that yesterday I took my TRP to the range, I had bought it used, it has no bull barrel (it's the non-railed one) and it had some issue with the slide not locking back. I fired three rounds and couldn't believe that I didn't even get on paper ... on closer inspection, all three rounds clover-leafed in the bullseye! I've NEVER shot that well (indicating that I'm a lousy shot and that the TRP is forgiving of crappy technique).

Also, I noticed mine has normal non-full length recoil rod, maybe the previous owner swapped it, or the non-railed TRP does not have full length recoil rod, but in any case, it is easily swapped out if you have one and don't like it.

Insanely accurate. I had the same experience with a friend's half-rail TRP (bull barrel). Those two TRPs were the most accurate I'VE ever shot (like I said, 1911's tend to mask user error) and more accurate than my RIA Tactical.

[trackcage]

Have you considered stepping up to some of the more boutique manufacturers? Baer, Wilson, Brown, Nighthawk, etc.?

[Soginator]

Have you considered stepping up to some of the more boutique manufacturers? Baer, Wilson, Brown, Nighthawk, etc.?

From his post, it seems like the amount for a TRP is on the upper end of what he feels comfortable spending. For Wilson or NHC he'd have to nearly double that amount.

[BoJackUSMC]

SA TRP...

[[Variable]]

TRP > (subjective on feature comparison) MCO >>> Colt

Go with a Colt and everyone will tell you not to shoot it. You'd also be paying the CA penalty plus looking for the upgrade parts and a gunsmith to get it up to par with the Springfields. I say go with the MCO and beat that sucker up (or try to). When you're comfortable with 1911's, get the TRP. I think Springfields still come with a discount card if you want upgrades like front strap checkering, etc. That way, when you send your MCO back for upgrades and a tune up, you can keep punching out center rings with your new TRP.

[heidad01]

Any of the Springfield's TRPs are great guns. Mag well can be added for another $100 or less by you. Rails on a 1911 are not my favorite item. get it if you have to mount a light. Bull barrels/bushingless looks cool and mean but does not add anything to your accuracy plus a bit inconvenient when field stripping the gun. Front strap checkering is over rated. You will not notice it after shooting the gun a few times but is nice to have if it does not cut into your hand.

TRP no rail or MC operattor are available under $1400 if you shop.
Dan Wesson PM7 is also available for under $1400.
Springfield's Loaded model can be had for under $850 and you can add a mag well for another $100.
Oh, and if you are not picky about the external extractors, look at Sig 1911s. For around $1000 give or take, you can get one that has night sights, front checkering and a beautiful fit and finish but no mag well.
Go with what the budget allows. All of these are good guns.