Posted: 10/1/2012 9:42:19 AM EDT
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What does the TRP have over the lightweight operator?
I'm looking at about $1300 vs. $950 price point for the TRP over the operator. Kind of like the idea of the lighter weight in the operator for carry. Any suggestions on which and why? |
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TRP probably has more hand work done on it. I think both will run great, just a personal decision for you to make. I have a MC operator and love it, I like the TRP but wanted a rail, but don't like the looks of the full rail.
I would probably spend a little extra and get the TRP, its more gun and will have higher re-sale if you have to move it later. a debate is already afoot, lol http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_34/129514_Is_the_Loaded_accuracy_the_same_as_the_MC_Operator.html |
| From what I can see on the website, the Operator does not have a checkered front strap. Also, it looks, to me, that the Operator isn't fitted as nicely as the TRP. I can just make out the extractor sticking out of the back of the slide, like my old Loaded was. Functioned fine, but the lack of it being fitted flush always bothered me. |
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I have a TRP and a MC Operator and I can't see any accuracy difference between the two. The MC Operator is just as tight and well made as the TRP, it just doesn't have as many features like front strap checkering and as much hand fitting. They both are very nice pistols, but I actually like the MC Operator a little better.
I never have liked aluminum alloy framed 1911s due to the feed ramp issues with metal follower mags but if you use Wilson 47D mags you should not have any problems. They can save some weight so that could be a plus when you carry. I looked at a Lightweight Operator when I was searching for a MC and I was impressed with the build quality so you won't go wrong if you buy one. Along with the TRP and MC Operator I also own a GI, a Champion and a Range Officer and I have been happy with all of them. |
| I just picked up a LW operator here about a month ago. I was hesitant to go with it after reading the pro's and con's of the aluminum frame. But after talking with springfield and seeing the quality of this gun i dont have a doubt that the frame will handle what i can throw at it. And if it dont i can send it back with the lifetime warranty. I have not shot any trp's, but the build quality on the operator is by far more than anything i expected. I also think the LW frame is a huge advantage for ccw....especially when carrying for hours upon end. The ONLY thing i really wish this gun hand was the checkered front strap....but that can be added later. A side note with the frame....i have a sig229 with aluminum alloy frame with almost 10,000 rounds through....and still no frame issues. Dont let the aluminum sway you. |
| I have a 4 inch Champion Operator that I purchased for CCW. Since owning I have changed the mainspring housing to a S&A thin flat with the attached magwell. Added thin VZ grips and had the front strap checkered. I was looking at the Dan Wesson Guardian hearing that it was a much better weapon than the Springfield. I shot the Guardian and compared it to my Operator and could not find that the Springfield was fitted any less than the Guardian. After shooting both I shot better with my own. I could not justify the cost difference between the two. I am left handed so I would have added the amp. safety that added additional cost over my Springfield. The S&A MSH was roughly $70.00, VZ grips and screws $75.00 and the cost to have the gunsmith install the parts and do the checkering was $200.00. I purchased the Springfield for $800.00 plus $350.00 in work and parts put me at $1150.00. I use Tripp 8 round magazines and have fired around 2000 rounds with no malfunctions. This is a keeper for me. |
| As the others have said fitment is just a notch above the operator. My TRP feels like the rails glide over glass, my friend has an operator and we both can feel the difference. Also I have the TRP Light rail in Armory Kote, so the sights are different and I have a bull barrel. From a standard TRP the checkering, grips, frame and fitment give you the difference. Forgot to add the magwell is also not standard on the Operator and the trigger is also a tad heavier than a TRP they are set to between 5-6lbs on a TRP they are set to 4.5. |
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The LW operators are of course aluminum framed although they may not have any difference where accuracy is concerned (according to other posts). That eats some of the cost, but the main difference it the amount of work that goes into each pistol. The TRP is limited production Semi-custom and the Operator is a full production model, where the operator is hand assembled the TRP is hand fit by the custom shop. So your extractor Barrel, bushing fame and slide are all hand fit to match perfectly the smith number will be engraved on the barrel extractor and the frame.
There are minute differences 20 LPI checkering and more MIM parts, army koate etc. but to me that is irrelavent. 950.00 And 1500.00 you can get a TRP railed version for less than that and they no longer make them to my knowledge in the Full rail version. IMHO the TRP is worth the extra cost. |
