What's Springfield Armory doing?

[Doctawho]

I've noticed that its been harder to find S/A's higher end pistols like TRP, MC Operator, Loaded Black Stainless models anywhere. There might be one shop out of 10 in the Bay Area that has one of these in stock. Is S/A shifting all their attention to the XD line and mil-spec/GI 1911s? I don't want to have to settle for a Kimber.

[ehair]

I've noticed the same thing in the LA & OC area shops. Not sure of the reason. Is it tight inventory control by the shops or springfield. Probably the latter as there are plenty of other high end pistols of other brands in those shops.

BTW, i bought my first kimber (its in jail)....i finally get to compare first hand to my TRP & loaded black stainless target.

[jptopz]

They are producing what sells. A lot of new gun owners can't wrap there mind around a 1911 that costs $1600. They on the other hand will buy a $700 G.I and spend $1000 in parts and Smith work to get what they really want. Sucks for those who want a high end Springfield from the custom shop, but good for there bottom line.

[XYZ]

The only places I've found them are online at gunsamerica and gunbroker. Too bad because I'd actually want to see one in person.

[B Strong]

The higher end pistols are more labor intensive, and have a lower profit margin.

SA is building what they can sell at a price point that moves fast, and has a good profit margin.

Business 101.

[Zartan]

Saw a TRP in the Target Masters cabinet last week.

[ehair]

I don't think its as simple that. MC operators sell off the shelf as soon as they get in at $1200-1300 at stores in LA & OC, why wouldn't SA or the store want to sell more even if the margin on the MC is lower than on a GI model. On the TRP, I might agree.

BTW, this assumes the margins are worse on the higher ends guns, which I disagree with. The TRP, MC, etc are not customs & not that labor intensive. I wouldnt be surprised the margins as better.

[zfields]

TRPs , operators etc made in america (well, sorta, brazilian frames I belive on quite a few models)
XDs made in croatia.

It has nothing to do with switching production time into building what sells, considering they are two completely seperate facilities, one of them not owned or staffed by springfield employees

[maddoggie13]

Many, many S/A in stock at Triple A's Sporting Goods in Vallejo... It even have EMP...

[pMcW]

I have wondered about this too. Unsubstantiated speculation in another thread wondered whether SA might be filling government orders for 1911s... That seems at least plausible to me, based on some things that I have recently read.

[Recession]

I spoke with Springfield customer service last week, and the lady told me that they were "backlogged" and that any orders placed right now will ship in about a year.

[echan1911man]

you should invest a little bit more and go with a les baer... if you add the upgrade that guarantees 1.5" groups at 50 yds, the pistol will most likely excel past your own shooting capabilities!

[kahai808]

i think that everyone just buys them up. most time when you do see them they say."we just got it in today" and next thing you know its gone!

[socal425]

i think that everyone just buys them up. most time when you do see them they say."we just got it in today" and next thing you know its gone!

I wonder if the 1911's 100th anniversary coming up next month adds to their appeal? Somewhat did for me.

[redcliff]

Springfield Armory only produces annually about 1/10th the amount of 1911's as Kimber does.