I can’t talk about the MC Operator, all be it, I have heard it’s a fantastic platform. I own a TRP Operator, that I won at a match. It’s a fantastic handgun in and of it’s own… but, my GO TO (1911) gun, believe it or not… is a Taurus PT-1911. I shoot single stack with it and it drives tacks. I have over 3k rounds through it, zero issues. It feeds empty cases, from McCormick mags… not picky at all. My TRP stopped on me during a stage once… I never shot it again in a match. Not saying Taurus trumps a Springer, not by a long shot. But, in my experience, my Springer is MUCH more finicky than my PT1911…
But, if I had to chose a full sized .45… I reach for my G21 all day long. I shoot ESP with it… and it has NEVER failed me. Ever. Period.
I am not sure what your plan is for this pistol. If you think there is the possibility of it ending up as a defensive pistol I would really think about making sure it has a rail. I would argue the addition of the weapon mounted flashlight is probably one of the best things to have happened to handguns.
Lawdog-1, its great you had a lot of work done and I am sure it is a great pistol but it kind of defeats the purpose of his question. He wants to know how they run without any work. (I would still like to see pictures as it sounds pretty sweet).
As I stated earlier. If you are looking to use the gun hard send it back to get the ejector pinned (either model as they are both press fitted). Also ask them to bevel the guide rod so it does not hit the barrel lugs. If you do not have access to a decent gunsmith in your area have a second extractor fitted and a firing pin stop (both can serve as extras).
I would then get a different set of grips, because I hate the rubber Pachmayr grips and a handfull of good magazines.
I forgot to mention the magazines. I will not use the factory magazines. I have had at least 4 bust their spot welds while fully loaded and dump all the rounds on the ground. I have had good luck with Tripp mags, Chip McCormick Power Mags and the new Wilson Combat ETMs.
As for relying on a Glock 21… I had one that would light primer strike at least 1 every 200 rounds. Glock could never solve the problem. Not a hit on the 21 but just shows you that every gun is different and every one can have problems. The biggest reason you need to wring your gun out every once and awhile;to make sure it can keep up.
Train, Train and TRAIN what you have. No matter what you chose, train with it. Shoot it. Make sure it runs, reliably and accurately. Maintain it. Learn it. Ingest it and completely devour it. That is the ONLY way you will truly know your weapon.
An inferior technique that is TRAINED, will trump a superior technique that is UNTRAINED… every time.
Have a MC Operator that I have around 700 rounds thru. Not so much as a hiccup. I replaced the grips with some Striders and it feels almost perfect. Going to shoot it till it breaks!
I really want a TRP. I used to carry a tac-light on my 1911 but found that the added weight changed the balance of the pistol. That being said I still have a Surefire X200B on my Glock 22 and I like it.
Know a guy on our SWAT team and he was not happy with the MC Operator. The Gunkote they used on the frame came off. In the end both pistols are accurate and will serve their purpose.
I found that a 10 round mag will off-set the added weight of the Streamlight TLR-1 on my MC Operator as well as my Full Rail TRP.
If I had to do it over again, I’d get an M&P45 or Glock 21 depending on which I shoot better. 1911’s are an expensive habbit to have and I don’t think you’ll be able to have just one. I bought my first one a little over 7 or 8 months ago and have purchased four so far…
I went with the MC Operator after trying out a friends. Super tight fit, very accurate. Was lucky enough to find one NIB on gunbroker for $1025 + shipping, can’t wait for it to get here.
Another good option is to look for a lightly used Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. I have several friends who have gone that route and ended up getting very nice deals for around $1200.
I have an operator with the full length rail, and would not trade it for anything else. i have had several other 1911s and this has deffinitely proven to be my favorite.
