I have a itch for one of the new Colt rail guns. The black Cerakote model with the national match barrel really has me interested. I currently have a 2014 model TRP that I really like, but have considered giving it up for the Colt. Has anyone picked up one of these Colts recently and been disappointed with it? I’ve been hearing that they have really stepped up the QC on their 1911’s and they are getting back to the quality they were known for. Are these current models 70 or 80 series guns? Am I crazy for considering giving up a TRP for one?
Can’t comment on it vs the TRP because I have no experience with one, but I love my CRG. They are series 80. I bought mine three years ago so it’s not brand new, but have about 3500 rounds through it without any reliability issues. The front strap is not checkered, and the ambi safety is a bit weird. The lefty safety is bigger than the righty - I would’ve assumed it would be the opposite. Also, some have had minor discomfort with it - personally I didn’t have an issue until I put about 250 rounds through quickly and without gloves. It gave me a blister on the web of my hand so I had it switched for a Wilson BP one. I believe another member did some very minor filing and has been happy with it since. That was my only complaint - but I do love it.
I can’t comment on the CRG, haven’t shot one, only handled it. I did have an early generation TRP. It was a great shooter, super accurate (even for a factory gun), reliable and built like a tank. I don’t care for the rail and I don’t care for the series 80 internal safety mechanism on the Colt. If it were me, I’d keep the TRP and move along.
I personally love my TRP and would not sell it. Of course I rarely sell guns and have just gotten to the point that I add to the collection. Which reminds me that I need to start shopping for another safe. I wish Springfield would make a TRP like the non-railed model with a rail since I am not a bull barrel fan in a 1911. Still want a railed 1911 though, though I will likely stick with Springfield, though I have nothing against Colt, I own a couple Colt’s, justnot what everyone here pushes, lol.
As to the Colt Rail Gun. Have handled them, and they are pretty decent, the ones I have handled I thought the fit wasn’t quite as good as my TRP, though they didn’t cost as much as my TRP either, so perhaps a less than fair comparison.
As others have said, not a fan of the Series 80. Would rather go with a Springfield MC Operator, solid pistol and only extraneous safety is in the Mainspring Housing (MSH), I just swapped mine for one with a Mag well and called it a day. Only thing I would like to add is front strap checkering.
FWIW, I’m having a 1911 built by Steve Morrison of MARS Armament. He strictly works on Colt pistols. He told me the level of quality Colt has been producing as of late is phenomenal.
I will say I’ve regretted selling any firearm. Even my Kimbers. Still wish I would have held onto everything.
Sell a refined work horse for an unrefined base gun? Sure, if you want to pay another couple hundred to $1500 to a gunsmith to get it feeling and running like a TRP!
So, you’re just looking for a rail? The CRG as well as the MC Operator are downgrades from your current 1911, and the only thing those guns have that the TRP doesn’t is a rail.
It’s your money, do what makes you happy, but you will regret selling the TRP. Keep it, and save for something else.
FWIW, I did a lot of reading on Springer v. Colt before I bought mine - it seemed about a 60/40 split in favor of SA. Almost everyone said their overall fit and finish is just marginally better. I only went with Colt for the brand. I think the series 70 v. 80 thing is played out, but that’s just me. I too have regretted selling any firearm though - and really would not recommend it at all unless it was a gift you really didn’t want or something.
My gut tells me the same thing many have said in their responses, “you will regret getting rid of the TRP.” That’s the very thought that has kept it in the safe this last year.
Yes, I would like a railed model this time around. The TRP rail model doesn’t interest me, as I’m not a fan of the bull barrel or the adjustable rear sight.
The CRG frame is one thing that really draws me to that gun. I like the high cut front strap. I much prefer it over the standard cut on the SA frames. I think shooting a buddies WC CQB spoiled me on that high cut front strap.
I have the TRP, Mc Op and CRG. All good. The TRP is the best. Save money and buy the new MC Op with Checkering. AND KEEP THE LEGENDARY TRP. I just sold my MC Op. Probably will the buy the new version at some point, it is sweet.
I have the MC Operator and a Rail Gun, and would consider the Rail Gun a downgrade from the MC Operator, let alone the TRP. I spent a good chunk of change on the Colt getting rid of the plastic mainspring housing, poorly fit grip safety, slide stop with crappy tooling marks, and having the front strap EDM cut to fit a checkered insert since the material was too thin for checkering. Sure it’s decent now, but compared to any of my other 1911s it was a POS with a pony on the side. I still have more work left to do, but here it is with the first round of mods.
