The MC Op is a real sleeper. Of the two, it would be my easy choice.
I just bought a MC Operator last week and ran 100 rounds through it today and I’m really liking this gun. I’ve always admired 1911’s and my first one was a Kimber 5 years ago and luckily I didn’t have the problems I’ve read about (didn’t read much before the purchase)…I ended up selling that off to get the MC…I also own a Wilson Professional and I would like to know why some suggest upgrades are needed to the MC to make it reliable? I’m pretty new to what really seperates the good from the great in relation to the 1911 platform and I hope this question can start me on my quest to understand…
Mine is an unqualified opinion, as I don’t own either of these pistols. Still, IMO, when one buys a 1911 one would do well to buy the customer service reputation of the mfr. If it were me, I’d go SA.
I think I have decided on the SA MC operator. Couple things worry me though as I have done more research. I have read that the ejectors are not staked and can fall out, SA will fix this but you have to send it in and ask to have it staked. I have already order some parts that will go in this gun.
S&A Magwell
10-8 Extended mag catch
10-8 pin set
Cylnder and slide disconnector, sear, hammer
May I ask where you found MC Operators in stock?
Thanks,
Pat
i bought an MC operator from the M4 EE last year and loved it.
never had a single malfunction, even with high power loads.
go with the MC
You can find them on Gunbroker and GunsAmerica for sell. They pop up used on the various forums from time to time used. I am in no hurry my self (about 6 weeks out from buying one). Used I have seen them go for 870, new some are asking 1300 with an average at 1100.
Got it, thanks. I thought you knew of a retail location that had them in stock…Seems like all of the SA 1911s are very hard to find new in stock right now.
Pat
I’ve been having the same dilemma lately. I have the money for one railed 1911 and I am having a hard time choosing. I can find a TRP operator for almost the same price as the MC operator, and then there is the STI Duty one at $1170. Each has good, and less than ideal features. It’s a fun problem to have really.
I’ve decided to commit to TRP-range prices, and really like what the TRP has to offer. But everytime I look up the MC Operator, I get very tempted. At this point, I’d probably spend the same amount on an MC to get it up to snuff as I would on a stock TRP, though.
Hell, deciding is the easy part; finding one new, that’s what’s tough.
Pat
I have been completely immersed in the MARS thread on the WWI repro build. It got me thinking, by a Colt Rail, send it off to MARS and let him dehorn it, ceracote it in black, golfball it and the reliability works. It would be awesome…
KC
I saw some TRP’s on one of the "Broker’s for $1,200. I would be all over that for $1,200 over the MC, but it does not have a rail. And the railed TRP is a monster with bull barrel…If you need a rail, just wait and find the MC, its a good deal.
pb
I have seen a few operators on gun broker. I seem to have descent luck finding them when I was looking. They are a great gun and you cannot go wrong with the operator.
I guess we have similar taste as I was debating these exact two guns a few days ago. Came on here to ask and what do ya know, someone already has! You beat me to starting this post by only a few hours I bet!
Anyways, after scouring the net and talking to friends, asking friends to ask their friends and so on, most people were recommending both :suicide2: . Go figure right? Slight more people recommending the Colt but not enough to make a difference on their suggestions alone.
It came down to me going to the store and just fondling them for a bit. I ended up with the Colt. It was slightly tighter, fit and finish was great, a little bit smoother and the trigger was bit more crisp imo. It was a close call. I would not have :cray: if I had to buy the Springfield.
In the end try to compare the exact gun’s you are comparing. It helps to get hands on if you can.
Whatever you choose I feel you will be happy. 
What upgrades would you do to get it up to snuff? I asked this question earlier in the post and I didn’t get an answer. I just bought a MC Operator and I’ve shot a TRP so, i’m just curious…I also own a Wilson Professional and have owned Kimber’s in the past. I said earlier that I’m pretty new to the ins and outs of what makes a 1911 dead nuts reliable just, I’m genuinely curious…
I would, and did, get the Colt. It runs perfectly, I like it very much. 
Some of the things I have already purchased (just waiting to buy a gun):
C&S Hammer, Sear and Disconnector
10-8 Pin Set
10-8 Extended mag catch
S&A Magwell
Wilson Bullet proof extractor
Wilson Bullet Proof thumb safety
How can you leave the “looks” out. They are both beautiful. Since I am a history junkie, I would take the Colt. I am not crazy about the rail on a 1911, hence my purchase of a Colt “non” rail gun. If you gave me the Operator, I would not turn it down.