springfield 1911 operator

[pulserifle99]

Hello guys, im looking to get one of these bad boys. Does anybody have any first hand experience with this handgun. Pros and cons? Can anybody point me in the right direction where i can get one for the best price?

[220RR]

i luv mine..they are hard to find these days(full rail). hate the sand paper grips

[m1371]

Hello guys, im looking to get one of these bad boys. Does anybody have any first hand experience with this handgun. Pros and cons? Can anybody point me in the right direction where i can get one for the best price?

You know there are technically three different full-size "Operator" models, right?

Marine Corps Operator (PX9105ML)


TRP Operator (PC9105L)


Loaded Operator (PX9015L) - Not being produced anymore, drops off the DOJ list 06Sept06.


As for locating one..... You might snag a good deal off GunBroker if you're lucky. Otherwise, track down a local FFL and see what kind of price they can get you.

[rorschach]

I recently put some rounds through a friends TRP, and although it functions flawlessly, I felt the frontstrap checkering was a bit too sharp for my tastes. After 30 rounds or so, it actually became uncomfortable and I had to use a glove. Other than that, I'd say its a fine weapon, but I would personally dress up the checkering lightly with some emory sticks.

[SES50]

I have a PX9105ML. I put an surefire laser light on the front of it and it shoots great. It sounds like I had the same issue with the sharpness of the front strap as everyone else. I replaced my grips with a hogue grip for $20 and that made a big difference.

I have shot PPC with the pistol and does not hold as tight a group as another 1911 pistol I have been using that had a bunch of work done to it but I was still hitting body shots at 50 yards.

I got mine from Impact Guns. They had really good prices and shipping was reasonable.

[thekwyjibo]

I bought one of the full length rail kote operators a bit ago and after shooting it I bought a second one to box away. The gun shoots flawlessly and is extremely accurate. The added weight of the rail helps keep the recoil better in check as well. All in all it is an excellent firearm although the new one with the 3/4 rail is a step down IMHO (springfield rep said that they did it because it was believed to look better).

[ohsmily]

If 20 LPI checkering on the front strap is too much for your hands, you should shoot your pistol more often...

[slick_711]

TRP Operator (PC9105L)

This is the new TRP Operator, they also make it without the rail, in both black & stainless. The original TRP operator with the full lenth rail and (poor quality) sand paper feel grips is no longer made, so you would have a very hard time coming by one of those. The current TRP operator is of the same quality though, it's an excellent pistol. The G10 composite grips are much more comfortable, while still aggressive for retention. They also don't erode and gunk up your slide the way the original TRP grips occassionally did.

As to you ladies who have trouble with your frontstrap checkering, this is after all a combat oriented pistol, it was designed for use by an operator wearing gloves (thus the name "Operator"). Shoot it with gloves, or get a Kimber Gold Match.

(no offense intended of course, just pokin at you guys a bit)

[ohsmily]

As to you ladies who have trouble with your frontstrap checkering, this is after all a combat oriented pistol, it was designed for use by an operator wearing gloves (thus the name "Operator"). Shoot it with gloves, or get a Kimber Gold Match.

I disagree, 20LPI is not necessarily designed for people wearing gloves. If it were, then why would Springfield put 20 LPI on their trophy match and trophy match long slide pistols (among other models)? Those are competition guns where gloves are not often worn and yet they wear 20 LPI.

20 LPI is a great texture for really getting a hold of the gun...you don't need gloves. Go shoot more, get your hands a little tougher, and you will appreciate how well the gun stays put.

[rorschach]

I disagree, 20LPI is not necessarily designed for people wearing gloves. If it were, then why would Springfield put 20 LPI on their trophy match and trophy match long slide pistols (among other models)? Those are competition guns where gloves are not often worn and yet they wear 20 LPI.

20 LPI is a great texture for really getting a hold of the gun...you don't need gloves. Go shoot more, get your hands a little tougher, and you will appreciate how well the gun stays put.

I agree, I had Kings cut 20 LPI frontstrap on a Colt 1991 a few years back, and its great. But it has never chewed my fingers up the way that TRP did.

I shoot plenty, and my hands are quite tough. I just didn't like the sharpness of the checkering. Obviously some guys do. Just my opinion. Thats all.

[10K2HVN]

http://springfield-armory.com/CS.pdf

S.A. offers "Hand" checkering and "Machine" checkering. That maybe the difference in sharpness you feel between a Professional-type and TRP-type 20 lpi checking...

[Robf]

I just recently received my TRP. After waiting and checking local dealers found that Springfield was back ordered for this pistol. Finally found one for sale at a good price on Gunbroker. It's a solid 1911 and I like the heavy weight compared to other 1911's. I'm not sure if I really like the bushingless design but it's not hard to field strip as long as I have a pin or paper clip.

I also didn't like the 20lpi on the front strap. Added a Hogue and it's really nice.



Rob

[SES50]

That is the same Hogue grip I replaced mine with and the pistol does not move around it my hand at all. I actually think it gives me a more repeatable grip and it is more comfortable.

The 20 LPI just was not comfortable. Doing metal working and machining all the time I would not say I have soft hands. Just ask my wife.

[Robf]

That is the same Hogue grip I replaced mine with and the pistol does not move around it my hand at all. I actually think it gives me a more repeatable grip and it is more comfortable.

The 20 LPI just was not comfortable. Doing metal working and machining all the time I would not say I have soft hands. Just ask my wife.

I agree, I found that the 20lpi was good holding the gun in the store but once I rented it, the recoil would start to rub my fingers too much. I may switch back to the plastic grips if I was using gloves but for now the Hogues are great.

Rob

[Sheldon]

I checkered my pistol myself with the 20 lpi and when left sharp it was annoying, so I dulled the tips a bit and like it just fine now.