Every time a sub-$2k 1911 recommendation thread gets started the TRP pops up as a top choice, along with the CZ Valor. I don’t have a Valor, but I do have a TRP is pieces, so I thought I’d take a few minutes to show what you get when you buy a TRP.
(The other frame, for comparision, is a 2000 vintage CQB)
(0.250 radius jig next to the 0.220 radius frame)
Left to right: Ed Brown Hardcore, SA TRP, Colt RG
Left to right: Baer, SA TRP, Colt RG
Parts are of good, serviceable quality. Far from perfect, but it is a great starting point.
thanks for all the detail in this thread.
the TRP is on my short list for a year end purchase and I’m sure my LGS wouldn’t approve of me detail stripping a demo on the counter (assuming they even have one.)
efforts are much appreciated.
My Springfield TRP has become one of my favorites to shoot for sure. I’ve had a trigger job done on mine but even stock, they are excellent 1911’s.
Thank you for taking the time to put this together. It is very interesting to see the side-by-side comparisons.
So, a quick look at the MIM stuff.
Nothing below 40 on the Rc scale. In fact, 42 to 44 was the range, be it extractor or slide stop or sear. All the materials were exactly the same, that is a chrome steel (not sure what exactly yet).
Great breakdown so far. Thanks for putting this together. I look forward to seeing where else you go with it.
I don’t hear about very many lemon TRPs. Mine has been a champ in all respects.
One bad experience I read about was clearly owner error. He had tightened his overtravel screw, thinking it was for adjusting the trigger pull weight. He then expressed fury at Springfield for ending up with a chipped sear nose, citing their awful quality control. They gave him all new ignition parts at no charge, with quick turnaround, but he complained some more after that.
In all likelihood, the chipped sear nose was 100% due to his messing with the overtravel screw.
Don’t be that guy. Know thy 1911’s workings, my friends, including how to check for your overtravel screw not being over-tight.
TRPs are terrific 1911s for the money.
Mine was superb for the 2200 rounds I owned it. Ran that with 2 cleanings and a little lube just as reliable as my outstanding Glock 9mm.
Wish I’d held onto it.
Mine has been nothing but impressive. I don’t know whether I lucked out or its just standard but people always think my TRP has been tuned and it hasn’t. Pat McNamara handled mine at a course I took and asked me “who did the work on it?” If he’s asking that question you know something is up with the gun.
mine just arrived today. a few thoughts from a guy with little 1911 experience:
I bought a Taurus pt1911 as my first handgun about 4 years ago. i have been through the good and the bad with it in that time, and shot around ~1500 rounds. i loved the trigger, the classic 191 looks, and the accuracy of it. I what i would consider decent reliability from it, and being a gun I only shot at the range, that was fine. I broke an extractor, disconnector, and my rear sights just fell out. I knew i could send it back to Taurus for replacement parts, but I took the opportunity of having an inexpensive gun to replace most of the parts with aftermarket upgrades, which is where it sits today. It works well okay, except for grip safety and shoots well.
Now in comes the TRP.
this gun has ruined the last four years of 1911 ownership in just a few hours. I had no idea that a 1911 shouldn’t rattle, or that the hammer wasn’t supposed to fall to half-cock when dropping the slide. The barrel fits so tight in the bushing, the trigger is perfectly predictable and the fit and overall finish is immaculate. Im sure that someone who has handled a wilson combat or an ed brown would have a similar experience to what I’m going through now, but i don’t see there being an equal amount of quality to be gained jumping for this to a full custom gun as what i experienced going from an entry level gun to this. Im thrilled, and i haven’t even shot it yet.
its dark out now, so ill have to wait until the weekend to shoot, but I’m pumped
I will say the TRP does have some shortcomings (two piece mag well, two piece guide rod, non-pinned ejector). However, for its price what it delivers. I regularly debate purchasing one; everyone I’ve handled I’ve had the same experience. I’ve walked away going “You know, X amount of dollars isn’t that much for that”.
ETA: I’d also listen to Bill Riehl. He obviously can afford 1911’s in any price range. That will spoil you for results. The fact he still insists on the TRP’s quality says a lot to me.
Also, the glued ejector is no big deal. They are easier to replace, and even if broken/loose they have kept guns running.
Didn’t know about the glued ejector, interesting. I don’t mind the guide rod as is, I have a Wilson GI replacement recoil system in the tool box just in case anyway. I’ve shot it with both systems and prefer the full length guide rod. I think it provides a smoother operation and less muzzle flip but that could just be me. Mag well hasn’t been an issue either, but that’s replaceable as well.
I have one north of 5k through mine. It’s shoots great, never malfunctioned. Love the grip. I’m nerdy and want
My Armory Coated carbon steel TRP was the best buy in a 1911 I ever made. Got it for $1000 because it was on closeout due to it having wooden grips.
it will shoot sub 2" groups from a bench at 25 yards and I don’t recall it ever failing. Put a GI recoil system, replaced the mussy ambi thumb safety and installed a S&A Magwell and I’m very happy.