Posted: 10/5/2009 5:18:17 PM EDT
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Im new to the 1911 world but i have been thinking about getting my first one. Im looking for a accurate gun and relatively inexpensive (under $1500). I was looking into Kimber and Springfield because they seem to be in the price range. But recently Kimber's reputation has been going down so i think im going to stick with a Springfield. But i have a big problem. I cant tell the difference between the various different models.
What is the difference between the GI, TRP, Operator, etc? Im looking for a full size and black finish. Can someone please help. |
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The Springfield website www.springfieldarmory.com does a reasonable job of laying out the differences. A quick summary would be:
G.I./Mil-Spec ––> Styled after their military cousins. Basic 1911s, with the Mil-Spec having some nice features. Stainless or parkerized. Price range $500––$650 Loaded ––> Several models in this category. All have selected features depending on the model. Beavertail, nightsights, ambi safety, etc. Stainless, parkerized, or Armory Kote (I think) Price range $800––$1100 TRP (+ Trophy Match) ––> Four models for this top-of-the-line production pistol. Standard extra features––magwell, nightsights, beavertail, deluxe finishes. Extra hand fitting which lowers trigger pull and improves accuracy Price range $1300––$1500 Operator ––> Either a Loaded or TRP with a rail for an accessory light. Operator is really a feature and not a distinct model. |
| I love my TRP. That said, buy a MC Operator. The TRP can be expensive (though the price TT found is good). The MC Operator can be had for less than $1000 used and it has most the features of the TRP. If you can find a used TRP they will run $1000-$1300 (SS are usually the cheaper ones). |
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Quoted:
The Springfield website www.springfieldarmory.com does a reasonable job of laying out the differences. A quick summary would be: G.I./Mil-Spec ––> Styled after their military cousins. Basic 1911s, with the Mil-Spec having some nice features. Stainless or parkerized. Price range $500––$650 Loaded ––> Several models in this category. All have selected features depending on the model. Beavertail, nightsights, ambi safety, etc. Stainless, parkerized, or Armory Kote (I think) Price range $800––$1100 TRP (+ Trophy Match) ––> Four models for this top-of-the-line production pistol. Standard extra features––magwell, nightsights, beavertail, deluxe finishes. Extra hand fitting which lowers trigger pull and improves accuracy Price range $1300––$1500 Operator ––> Either a Loaded or TRP with a rail for an accessory light. Operator is really a feature and not a distinct model. I'm a little confused in the springfield website the TRP has railed and non railed versions. And the operator seemed like a different firearm all together. |
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I'm a little confused in the springfield website the TRP has railed and non railed versions. And the operator seemed like a different firearm all together. The half-railed TRP is a bushingless bull barrel and the non-railed TRP is a standard bushing barrel. The Operator TRP is a bull barrel with a full length rail. I think one of them only comes with adjustable target rear sights. I wish Springfield made a bushing barreled TRP in a half-rail. Closest you can get is a MC Operator or a Springfield Pro with half rail. |
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I'm a little confused in the springfield website the TRP has railed and non railed versions. And the operator seemed like a different firearm all together. The half-railed TRP is a bushingless bull barrel and the non-railed TRP is a standard bushing barrel. The Operator TRP is a bull barrel with a full length rail. I think one of them only comes with adjustable target rear sights. I wish Springfield made a bushing barreled TRP in a half-rail. Closest you can get is a MC Operator or a Springfield Pro with half rail. bushingless? bull? what? Remember im a newbie in this area.... |
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I'm a little confused in the springfield website the TRP has railed and non railed versions. And the operator seemed like a different firearm all together. The half-railed TRP is a bushingless bull barrel and the non-railed TRP is a standard bushing barrel. The Operator TRP is a bull barrel with a full length rail. I think one of them only comes with adjustable target rear sights. I wish Springfield made a bushing barreled TRP in a half-rail. Closest you can get is a MC Operator or a Springfield Pro with half rail. bushingless? bull? what? Remember im a newbie in this area.... Bull barrel (ie bushingless): 
Normal bushing setup: 
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I have a Target and a Mil Spec. Love them both. Just got my Mil spec back from
Springfield they did a few up grades on it from the Custom Shop, and wow it is like a brand new pistol. It is like they hand fitted the slide which is something i did not pay for but I think they did it. They deburred it but a beaver high grip safety and skeleton hammer, novak trijicon rear and front sights, trigger is 4 pounds, re parked it and the extractor is perfectly alligned at the rear now. And I put my laser grip back on. Looks perfect can't wait to shoot it and post pictures. You can't go wrong with Springfield they do great work and have lifetime warranty. 
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I'm a little confused in the springfield website the TRP has railed and non railed versions. And the operator seemed like a different firearm all together. The half-railed TRP is a bushingless bull barrel and the non-railed TRP is a standard bushing barrel. The Operator TRP is a bull barrel with a full length rail. I think one of them only comes with adjustable target rear sights. I wish Springfield made a bushing barreled TRP in a half-rail. Closest you can get is a MC Operator or a Springfield Pro with half rail. bushingless? bull? what? Remember im a newbie in this area.... Bull barrel (ie bushingless): http://sgcusa.com/images/supporting_images_large/Guncrafter_Industries_Model_1_GI50_Muzzle_A.jpg Normal bushing setup: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso65a3/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/011_7287.jpg Is one superior to the other?? |
Unlike the other posters here I do not have experience with the TRP and Operator models, just GI and loaded. They are excellent guns in either bull barrel or standard (w/bushing) configuration. I have been shooting them for the last 20 years. Make sure you get some good quality magazines, Wilson 47Ds are great, and a holster that works for you. You will not regret this purchase.
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Some will probably disagree with me, but.......
If I were you (being totally new to the 1911) I would get the Springfield GI or Mil-Spec model. The reason being you are not going to know what extra doodads and extras you will personally like. Starting out with the basic of basic models will let you familiarize with the platform. Get comfortable with shooting, cleaning, assembly, disassembly, etc. While youre getting to love your new 1911 start researching and looking and talking with other shooters about what extras they like on their 1911's. Little bit of this, little bit of that. I have a Lightweight Operator that I love to death, but my most favorite 1911 was a GI model that I spent the time and effort to truely customize with what I liked and not what Springfield thought I would like. Just a thought baloon for you to consider. As for mags, I've had great success with Chip McCormick Shooting star mags. They function great and are always on sale from Midway. I hope this helped a little bit. Regards, Pat G 
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Operator The "Operator" suffix is just a designation that the gun has a light rail on it. It's not a distinct gun on it's own. The TRP Operator with the full rail, the TRP Operator with the half rai, the MC Operator, the Loaded Operator. EDIT: I totally forgot my suggestion! lol I'd suggest the TRP as it'll be just under your price range. Either the standard, or the Operator version depending on if you want a light rail or not. |
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I was in your position once, several years ago. I knew I wanted a 1911, but I didn't know which one. I ended up purchasing an SA Mil-Spec (I had a limited budget), and although it was utterly reliable right out of the box, I regretted not spending the extra coin and getting the Loaded model, because I really wanted the Novak sights and beavertail grip safety (I got a lot of hammer bite, and I cut myself on the blade sights doing clearance drills).
OTOH, if I bought one of the Loaded models, I wouldn't have been able to justify the purchase of a Les Baer 6 months later. 
IMHO, once you get past the Loaded models and into the TRPs, the money is better spent on a semi-custom gun like a Les Baer or Wilson Combat, or the Springfield Professional (SA's full custom line). The TRPs are still production guns, despite the semi-custom price. |
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check out my "calling all operators" thread:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=49&t=83538 |