Smith & Wesson 1911PC versus SA TRP Operator

[meyerlemony]

I finally picked up a 1911 .45 at the range about 2 weeks ago, and was shocked at how much more accurate the thing was than my 9mm. I had an amazing time shooting it (this was a Colt Government model), and so a week later I went up and checked out a rental gun (Kimber Custom II) and played with that. Again, I had a great time.

So...I've been shopping for my own 1911. My uncle, who is pretty well qualified (has won some matches, NRA RO, all of those certifications...) is voting for the SA TRP Operator. Looks like those are running between $1600 (if you're really lucky) and $2200.

Another RO friend of mine pointed me at the S&W 1911PC. This looks like something I might like, and I do love my S&W M&P Pros....of course, this would have to come in under SSE so there isn't a good chance of me getting to play with one first.

I also picked up the Nighthawk T3, but that only seems to come in a 4.25" barrel, and I definitely would like a 5". I really liked the feel of that Nighthawk, too.

Does anyone have any experience, and, if so, can you help me compare the two? Thanks!

[Cool Custard]

Why not get a colt xse? Fantastic gun that doesn't need sse and has all the features of the two you described with a lower initial cost so you could upgrade or buy more ammo.

[IPSICK]

I own a TRP Operator and love it, but at its current price level I would suggest a Dan Wesson (better components to begin with, i.e. no or less MIM).

Budget or value, a Springfield Loaded or Range Officer (SSE). Or get a Springfield Mil-Spec as a base for a full house custom build.

[meyerlemony]

Interesting. I probably should have thrown a budget number in there...I'd probably go as high as $2500 if I really need to, but I would really rather stay in the sub-$2k group.

[Sdquattro]

Ran into this dilemma a month or so ago when trying to narrow down my choices for my first 1911... Knowing myself, I'm better off getting whatever it is I want, rather than settling and upgrading down the line. Based on feel, performance, reliability, reputation of manufacturer and warranty provided... and of course aesthetics, I went with this and haven't looked back since! Good luck in your search!

BTW, found this pistol on here! Less than 500 rds fired, mint condition, two factory mags, case, etc., 10-8 grips, Dawson Precision Tool Less Guide Rod and 200 rounds of WWB factory FMJ for $1600! The deals are here, but you to stay glued to the classifieds! LOL

[meyerlemony]

For comparison to the two I already mentioned, would it be the Dan Wesson Valor?

ETA: I'm with you, Sdquattro - I'd really rather only do this once. I don't mind spending a little extra $$...those pics look great!

[Sdquattro]

Thanks brother! This is still available and I'm sharing this in hopes you buy it so that I can't! haha Happy New Year, bro!

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=871404&highlight=specialist

For comparison to the two I already mentioned, would it be the Dan Wesson Valor?

ETA: I'm with you, Sdquattro - I'd really rather only do this once. I don't mind spending a little extra $$...those pics look great!

[meyerlemony]

HA! Happy New Year to you too! I saw that one, as well as a few TRP Operators in the $2k range. I'm trying to see if any rental shops in the LA area have a TRP Operator, and maybe a Dan Wesson for me to play with.

My uncle is also talking to Evan's to see if they can help me out...so we'll see!

[82lightfighter]

If you're in the 2K range, Dan Wesson makes some awesome 1911's that a few places SSE (the Specialist is a great gun that I'd like to add to my stable at some point, FYI I'm partial to 1911's with rails), I've got a TRP Operator and love it (but about to let it go as I'm trading my SA Pro for a railed Pro) -- but my Ed Brown Special Forces is hands down my favorite 1911 to shoot. Now if only I could find one with a rail...
All the above companies have great warranties and make excellent 1911s.
Just be warned, 1911's are more addictive than any other weapon!

[redcliff]

If you're looking at spending $2k then I'd certainly consider Les Baer as well as Dan Wesson.

[tinman1975]

This is a pretty nice deal also, but if you don't mind stainless and the angled dust over .....I'd prolly go with that specialist.....assuming you are leaning towards the railed variety of 1911. Personally I would spend the extra money you are going to pay for a light rail and just put it toward a nicer 1911, then if you want a railed 45.....buy a m&p 45. If you are thinking of customizing...I like the springfield loaded as a base model.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=869138

.

[9mmepiphany]

In that price range I'd look at a Dan Wesson or Les Baer too.

If you are looking at a SSE transaction anyway, an excellent value is the STI Trojan...plus I like their front strap texturing better than that on the Ed Brown

I generally really like Springfield Armory, but I'm less than enamored with 1911s without barrel bushings

[Hank15]

Go $2500 and get a full house custom.

I know I am going to sound like a broken record, but for $2500 you can get something close to this:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=820748

[Vin63]

Why not get a colt xse? Fantastic gun that doesn't need sse and has all the features of the two you described with a lower initial cost so you could upgrade or buy more ammo.

Another vote for the Colt XSE line. One of the better production line of pistols available in the price range.



...a couple of weeks ago with the O1980XSE (blue) - 12 yards, 16 rounds standing 230 gr FMJ reloads (2 x 2 inch square). This is about the best I can do at my age these days, but the pistol is far more accurate than I am. I wouldn't benefit in any additional accuracy from a custom pistol.

[sirgrumps]

If you're looking at spending $2k then I'd certainly consider Les Baer as well as Dan Wesson.

I suggest a Baer as well