If you had your choice which would you choose and why? Both are close in price range. Both offer rail which is something I want as I run a light on my guns. Both come from reputable companies. Let’s leave the “looks” out of the debate. The “Colt Rail Gun” roll mark does not bother me.
Colt Rail Gun (blackended)
or
Springfield MC Operator
Which would require the least amount of parts upgrades to get to a duty acceptable level.
The reason I bought my MC Operator because I only wanted the 70 series.
Springfield, I have a TRP I bought four years ago and it has been extremely reliable. I like the Colt also but it needs some serious dehorning. just loaded with rough edges and for a carry gun that can be an issue. SA also has some of the best customer service in the business second only to S&W IMO. The MC Operator has a well proven track history and rarely do you hear of any issues associated with one.
Same here and SA’s customer service is top notch.
On price, they’re going to come out looking very very similar. It’s going to come down to detail features, and how much smith work you feel is necessary to make it a duty capable weapon system.
Pricing both of them out through MARS Armament with reliability kits and new mainspring housings, too close to matter in terms of price.
I would say start hunting for good values of either, a screaming deal on one or the other, you’ll probably be happier with that one and spending the difference on better supporting equipment (X300, Safariland Holster, etc.). Availability will likely drive it, so you’ll probably end up with the MC Operator, but that’s hardly a reason not to look for a black railed Colt.
Found a Springfield Operator used for $625.00. The rail on this one goes to the end of the slide. Lower is mil spec . LNIB condition. Called Springfield with serial # . Lady who answered says a # of these were ordered in this configuration by a distributor. Also original price was $1200.00 on them. Trigger is sweet too.
So look around. Deals are out there.
I did see a MC operator go for 870 on gunbroker the other day. If you look at it that way the better deal is to go with the MC operator. You can find some SS Colt RG’s going for 899 but the black is too new to find good deals on. So I think it really comes down to a coing toss. You could almost throw in a used TRP but then you would have to add in reliabilty costs…Decisions. I’m about a month away from pulling the trigger on one.
Springfield MC Operator
Customer service is second to none and it’s a 70 series.
MC Operator, it is so much more refined IMHO.
SGC.com had a MC Operator in stock today. Only one. If you like, you better order ASAP, it wont make it through the weekend.
It might be to my chagrin to ask, but are these not going to be reliable out of the box? What do you change other than the mainspring housings to make them more reliable. I do not accessorize any of my guns, so I am just curious. Not talking about beveled mag well or polishing the feed ramp. Is there something else?
Yes indeed
I went with a MC Operator then had it personalized. I guess it’s now a “Semi Pro”.
SeaSoldier,
Would you mind sharing what work you had done on your MC Operator? Are you happy with it?
Thanks,
Pat
my choice
Any issues with your MC? I have been doing some more reading and it appears Doc Roberts is not a fan of the box stock MC operators. I assume the foundation is good, just need some parts changed and reliability package (which would also be done to the colt).
I only have 200 rounds of WWB FMJ through mine so my experience isn’t worth much but it has ran perfectly with only one failure to lock open on an empty mag which is almost certainly due to the mag or possibly me hitting the slide lock lever. I’ve used the same mag since and it hasn’t happened again.
Springfield. I dont buy stainless, I shoot a lot and they dont seem to “last” as long as carbon steel.
I was looking at the MC Operator and Colt Rail Gun recently, and went with the pony.
Having had five or six various Springfields over the years, and knowing that I would get a good quality product made me want to try something new just for the sake of newness. My current Springfield is a Loaded, on my hip as I type this. The new gun would have a rail for home defense/concealed carry.
I went with the stainless pony, because that’s what was available. I have to say, as I’m breaking this pony in, that I am impressed with the reliability. I’m also impressed with the various Springfields, and their reliability, so that’s a wash.
Customer service, what’s that? I haven’t had need of that from either company, but it’s nice to know that it’s there if issues arise. I have seen someone from Colt frequent other forums, and the issues that come up seem to be handled satisfactorily for all concerned. If this person is being paid to respond to internet post I applaud Colt for doing this. If this person is doing this becase he or she wants too, I applaud that also. It speaks of a love and commitment to the employer and product that is too often lacking in today’s world.
I don’t think one would go wrong with either choice, and they both will need the same basic stuff to get them up to par for Duty Carry, IMO. The one exception may be the sights on the Springfield, if you like three green dots, I don’t. The Colt will most definately need a change of sights unless one likes three white dots. As for sharp edges, I haven’t found the edges on my Colt to be all that sharp, but then again I use pine needles as toilet paper, to give you an idea as to the softness of my skin. 
One thing that pushed me in to the Colt camp over the Springfield was that I had no desire to disable the lock on the Mainspring Housing by changing the Mainspring Housing. The Colt doesn’t have the lock feature, but does have the Series 80 feature. Colt has been doing the Series 80 for quite a while, and I have not heard of issues with that feature regarding reliability so it was a non-issue for me. The bigger issue for me was being seen as someone reckless enough to disable a safety device on a firearm if I went with the Springfield.
I have a Springfield Loaded on my hip as I type this. It too has the lock feature, and hasn’t been an issue, but I don’t like it as it reminds me of political issues best forgotten in my opinion.
I currently have 500 rounds through my new Colt, with various rounds, and plan to put more rounds, 250 rounds, through it later this week with the TLR1 in place on it. After that I will continue testing it with my carry ammunition, 300 rounds total. That will put me over the 1,000 round mark. The way the pony has been running I don’t foresee any reliability issues coming up, but one never knows. I’ll post back if issues come up.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Colt Rail Gun or the Springfield MC Operator as duty guns and I’m coming to the opinion that guns need lights on them for serious use. You won’t go wrong with either one I think. Another issue that led me to the Colt was the relif cut under the Trigger Guard on the Colt. It works wonders on allowing one to obtain a very good grasp on the weapon, and that was the final selling point for me, as my range scores have shown.
Biker
Dude, you did WELL!
I’d vote Springfield too, the MC Operator has one major advantage over the TRP operator in my eyes and that is Novak Cut sights. I think with checkering and an action job, that MC would be the heat.
This is something I don’t understand. Why do the TRP’s with light rails come with what I would consider “match” style sights? I would imagine most people who want to mount a light on their gun don’t want target sights but more “robust” novak style sights.