MC Operator vs TRP Operator?

[savasyn]

My next 1911 will either be an Springfield MC Operator or a TRP Operator. What are the differences between them? I know the TRP has a full length dust cover/rail and adjustable sights while the MC has a short rail and fixed night sights, but other than that, what'd different internally that has the TRP be roughly $400 more new?
I know that TRP Ops are harder to come by these days while the MCs are still available new so I'm factoring that in as well. I've seen enough of the TRPs go on sale in the sales forum, that I'm not too worried about not being able to find one when I'm ready to buy(which unfortunately, isn't now.)

Thanks!

[wilshire1412]

I am not familiar with every detail that seperates the two but I think the TRP guns have a checkered frontstrap and maybe a little more attention done to the fitting of some parts. The MC Operator is shipped with rubber grips that cover a smooth frontstrap. Thats all I can say, my .02c/YMMV

[ccwguy]

My next 1911 will either be an Springfield MC Operator or a TRP Operator. What are the differences between them? I know the TRP has a full length dust cover/rail and adjustable sights while the MC has a short rail and fixed night sights, but other than that, what'd different internally that has the TRP be roughly $400 more new?
I know that TRP Ops are harder to come by these days while the MCs are still available new so I'm factoring that in as well. I've seen enough of the TRPs go on sale in the sales forum, that I'm not too worried about not being able to find one when I'm ready to buy(which unfortunately, isn't now.)

Thanks!

The pistols are very similar, both were available with full length covers, newer ones are not. My only add on was a 1 piece guide rod. The "operator" i have IS a tack driver with a 3# switch. Definately my favorite in the safe.

[SVRider]

The TRP's are supposed to be a production gun that goes through the Custom Shop for some of the fitting work. The MC Operator is fully a standard production gun and as such is built to production specs. You are paying for someone of more experience to do some of the fitting more carefully by hand....

[Overkill]

This has been discussed at length on the 1911 forum. Basically, the concensus is to go with the MC operator over the TRP. While the TRP gets a wee bit more hands-on attention, the parts used are the same MIM components. Essentially, it boils down to the fact that the TRP has a checkered frontstrap while the MC does not. Considering the price difference, the MC is the way to go.

If you are willing to spend "TRP Money" on a 1911, I'd consider a Les Baer instead. While you can't get a railed model, the Baers are much better pistols for about the same price. I just paid $1300 for a like new Baer premium model with a 1.5" at 50yd group guarantee. The TRPs can't match that- even at their higher price.

[Exiledviking]

If you are willing to spend "TRP Money" on a 1911, I'd consider a Les Baer instead. While you can't get a railed model, the Baers are much better pistols for about the same price. The TRPs can't match that- even at their higher price.

+1

Once you are in the $1200+ range, Baer is your best bet. I had a Baer TRS and I regret selling it everyday.

If you want to stay below $1200 just buy the regular MC Operator for now and then send it back to SA and have their Custom Shop work it over to your specs if you find it necessary.

And for the record, I have a full-rail TRP Operator.

[DrjonesUSA]

The TRP is by far the better gun.

It gets much more hand-fitting than the more "mass-produced" guns, and it shows.

It does have a checkered front strap, with nice, aggressive 20LPI checkering.

The TRP has a bushingless bull barrel, and the older models have a full-length rail - the current production models do not.

As far as the advice to buy a Baer, I could not disagree more. The Baers I have handled were so tight that I literally could not rack the slide on them, and it is commonly known that they require about 1,000 rounds to begin to break-in. They remain extremely tight even after thousands of rounds.

I personally think that such a tight gun is a joke - you know how frustrating it is to not be able to work the slide? Try it for yourself.

Buy the TRP Operator - I've got two of them and love them.

[Black Majik]

I'd go for the TRP Operator simply because to me; 1) it's a better gun, 2) I prefer the full length dustcover, and 3) it's no longer available.

They pop up in the classifieds from time to time, but not very often. If they do show up, it's for top dollar, and it sells. A TRP Operator will hold it's value better than the MC Operator at this time IMO.

[Kruzr]

The TRP's are supposed to be a production gun that goes through the Custom Shop for some of the fitting work. The MC Operator is fully a standard production gun and as such is built to production specs. You are paying for someone of more experience to do some of the fitting more carefully by hand....

Not quite. The word from the horse's mouth:

The Professional models are completely hand assembled by the top gunsmiths in the Springfield Custom Shop. The TRP Operator is a factory pistol assembled on the factory assembly line, with the same degree of fitting & tuning as the factory Trophymatch and TRP models. The Custom shop does not have anything to do in the assembly and fitting of the TRP, TRP Operator, or Trophymatch.

Deb, Custom Shop Coordinator
Springfield Custom
Springfield Inc.

[RRangel]

I was just searching around. I always can't stand the fact that I see "Wayne Novak" sights on the older models. You don't see them on the newer models. I'll quite down now.

The pistols are very similar, both were available with full length covers, newer ones are not. My only add on was a 1 piece guide rod. The "operator" i have IS a tack driver with a 3# switch. Definately my favorite in the safe.

[The SoCal Gunner]

I'd go for the TRP Operator simply because to me; 1) it's a better gun, 2) I prefer the full length dustcover, and 3) it's no longer available.

They pop up in the classifieds from time to time, but not very often. If they do show up, it's for top dollar, and it sells. A TRP Operator will hold it's value better than the MC Operator at this time IMO.

Even compared to your Baers?

[Black Majik]

Even compared to your Baers?

No.

[///D]

Both very nice models. I personally like the TRP for it's adjustable night sights, magwell, checkering, and 4.5lb trigger vs the Operator's 5-6lb. It's also one of the better looking 1911's I own. It's a definite "must-own" for a collector

As for the Les Baer hype, I have a couple as well, very nice and cannot go wrong. But the way Baer advertises their "tighter than average" fit is kinda an overkill. I'm more of a believer in barrel to slide tightness than anything. Like everyone else I also prefer an all around tight gun....but then again, I also have an old 70 Gold Cup that rattles like no other but shoots as accurate as the best of them.

[JMB1911]

I have the TRP with the full length dust cover and have a loaded Champion. from what I understand all loaded S.A. 1911s have 5 - 6 lb trigger pulls, the TRP is rated at 4 - 5. Mine comes in at exactly 4 lbs according to my Lyman trigger pull gauge with just the slightest bit of creep. My Champion loaded comes in at about 5 lbs. The TRPs internals are polished where the ignition parts are, the loaded's isn't. When considering the MC vs TRP Operator, I think it's a matter of personal preference. Want a basic 1911 with the bushing, heavy trigger, and no checkering? Then the MC is your choice. But if you plan on upgrading with all the trimming later on, you might be better of with the TRP to begin with and just leave it as it is.

[psk145]

i have a trp operator with the short rail, and I LOVE it!