SA TRP w/Lightrail + armory Kote or SA Lightweight Operator - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Chapie+ · 05-11-2008, 08:02 PM

I have never owned a 1911. However, I've been shooting for 30 yrs and I really like my XD .45s.

So I am wanting to get a 1911. I've looked at Kimbers and the Taurus and a few others. This will be my first (and possibly only) 1911. I've narrowed down my choices to two Springfield Armory 1911s. The Lightweight Operator or the TRP with lightrail and armory kote.

What I am looking is for is a gun for duty / carry with a lightrail. I never had a gun with a lightrail prior to getting my XD. Now I love it. It is amazing how handy a weapon mounted light can be at night. I would also like it to have some other bells and whistles including ambi safety, adjustable sights, etc.

Suggestions? Should I be looking at Kimber. I can't even begin to afford Wilson, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, or Les Baer pistols. Any thoughts? I'm new to 1911s.

Chapie+

USMC 0802 · 05-11-2008, 08:23 PM

I have (5) SAs to include an MC Operator, and a TRP (full rail and bull barrel) and they have been perfect. My MC Op has a little over 5k rounds and the TRP only about 1K but I have NEVER had any sort of malf with either.
The MC Op will be easier on your wallet and has the features you seek (except adjustable sights, which I don't want on a duty gun) if you can deal with the black/green combo. It is just as accurate as my TRP and looks the biz...SA Custom did some serrations on top of my MC as well checkering on the rear of the slide to make it "mine." Good Luck.

Chapie+ · 05-11-2008, 08:33 PM

Here are the SAs I was looking at:
The Lightweight Operator with lightrail - not green:

The TRP with lightrail:

Those were the only size pics I could find for each. Would I need to get additional work done on either for reliability / accuracy. I am assuming not, but then I see where folks sink another $750 into a TRP. What else could one want / need on it?

Chapie+

USMC 0802 · 05-12-2008, 05:43 PM

Chapie+,
Gotcha on the black vice green frame, I was just putting another option out there for you (MC Operator) that has ambi safety, light rail, night sights.

No need to sink more money into either gun, they will function right out of the box and if for whatever reason it doesn't, SA will make it right.

I have a TRP with the full rail and adjustable sights like the one you posted, but wouldn't recommend the adjustable sights for a duty/carry gun. Once you adjust the "fixed" sights (if you need to), for your eyes/ammo you won't need to mess with them again. I have two SAs with those sights and during matches, they tear the hell out of my right arm while holstered. YMMV

Chapie+ · 05-12-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMC 0802

Chapie+,
Gotcha on the black vice green frame, I was just putting another option out there for you (MC Operator) that has ambi safety, light rail, night sights.

No need to sink more money into either gun, they will function right out of the box and if for whatever reason it doesn't, SA will make it right.

I have a TRP with the full rail and adjustable sights like the one you posted, but wouldn't recommend the adjustable sights for a duty/carry gun. Once you adjust the "fixed" sights (if you need to), for your eyes/ammo you won't need to mess with them again. I have two SAs with those sights and during matches, they tear the hell out of my right arm while holstered. YMMV

USMC 0802,

I appreciate the advice and the experience! Thank you! So couple of questions: is the TRP a heavy gun? I ask that when comparing with the SA Lightweight Operator? I haven’t handled either one, so I just don’t know. I’m trying to think about all day carry before I spend the money.

Chapie+

USMC 0802 · 05-13-2008, 05:20 AM

As far as weight goes, the TRP currently available is listed as 45oz, the LW Operator is 34oz. With the TRP you're talking a delta of at least 11 oz, which is significant for a CCW gun. For duty it's a tad porky as well IMHO but you likely have a stout duty belt, etc where it won't be as noticeable.

Depending on how much you plan on shooting it, I like the steel framed 1911s. I have about a dozen of 'em and only one aluminum frame (bobtailed Colt LW Commander) which is nice and light in the summer but has more felt recoil as it is lighter. I have no problem concealing/carrying my TRS or Wilson CQB for CCW. So it's back on you for preference!

Good Luck

Chapie+ · 05-13-2008, 10:46 AM

USMC 0802,

What do you think of the Taurus PT1911s for duty use? I'm thinking the one with the light rail. They have a lot of features and they are affordable. What's the catch?

Chapie+

USMC 0802 · 05-16-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chapie+

USMC 0802,
What do you think of the Taurus PT1911s for duty use? I'm thinking the one with the light rail. They have a lot of features and they are affordable. What's the catch?
Chapie+

Sorry I didn't get back sooner, been traveling for work...

PT1911-I shot one and thought it handled ok and was pretty accurate. Price is not as good as it used to be, the finish is one half step above Kryon, I can't stomach the "bill board" lettering on the slide, that God awful hammer lock thingy, etc. In addition, Taurus CS sucks (I know first hand) and think SA would be a better option for that reason alone, even you even need it.

Many folks on other boards that own them are very happy with theirs, but they're not my cup of tea.

ScottCocoaBeach · 06-07-2008, 07:33 PM

I just handled both in the store yesterday, the TRP is a very heavy gun - I carry full size 1911's on a daily basis without rails and don't mind the weight - but I chose the lightweight operator over the TRP - for a railed gun it is much lighter weight as someone indicated above. I would stay with Springfield over any other choice in the price range. You will be happy with either of these choices, but the weight is quite considerable if you will be carrying all day every day.

aeneas26 · 06-07-2008, 10:03 PM

You mentioned Kimbers as an option earlier, let me just warn you to be wary of any Kimber with an external extractor. I carried a Kimber with an external extractor for quite awhile, and just recently it started to give me problems. I consulted several people and the consensus was that I had a problem with the extractor. Apparently this is a fairly common problem. When I called Kimber to talk to them about it, I encountered some of the most rude customer service ever.

I am not bashing Kimber overall. If you get a Kimber, just get one with an internal extractor, and be forewarned that their customer service rep that I spoke to was terribly rude. All I asked for was an explanation of how they go about fixing these problems, and the rep became very beligerent.

After my experience, I won't give any more of my business to Kimber.

05-11-2008, 08:02 PM	#1
Chapie+ XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 624	SA TRP w/Lightrail + armory Kote or SA Lightweight Operator I have never owned a 1911. However, I've been shooting for 30 yrs and I really like my XD .45s. So I am wanting to get a 1911. I've looked at Kimbers and the Taurus and a few others. This will be my first (and possibly only) 1911. I've narrowed down my choices to two Springfield Armory 1911s. The Lightweight Operator or the TRP with lightrail and armory kote. What I am looking is for is a gun for duty / carry with a lightrail. I never had a gun with a lightrail prior to getting my XD. Now I love it. It is amazing how handy a weapon mounted light can be at night. I would also like it to have some other bells and whistles including ambi safety, adjustable sights, etc. Suggestions? Should I be looking at Kimber. I can't even begin to afford Wilson, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, or Les Baer pistols. Any thoughts? I'm new to 1911s. Chapie+

05-11-2008, 08:23 PM	#2
USMC 0802 XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stationed in El Paso, TX (North Mexico) Posts: 86	I have (5) SAs to include an MC Operator, and a TRP (full rail and bull barrel) and they have been perfect. My MC Op has a little over 5k rounds and the TRP only about 1K but I have NEVER had any sort of malf with either. The MC Op will be easier on your wallet and has the features you seek (except adjustable sights, which I don't want on a duty gun) if you can deal with the black/green combo. It is just as accurate as my TRP and looks the biz...SA Custom did some serrations on top of my MC as well checkering on the rear of the slide to make it "mine." Good Luck. __________________ Semper Fi, Matt Last edited by USMC 0802 : 05-11-2008 at 08:24 PM. Reason: SpElLiNg

05-12-2008, 05:43 PM	#4
USMC 0802 XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stationed in El Paso, TX (North Mexico) Posts: 86	Chapie+, Gotcha on the black vice green frame, I was just putting another option out there for you (MC Operator) that has ambi safety, light rail, night sights. No need to sink more money into either gun, they will function right out of the box and if for whatever reason it doesn't, SA will make it right. I have a TRP with the full rail and adjustable sights like the one you posted, but wouldn't recommend the adjustable sights for a duty/carry gun. Once you adjust the "fixed" sights (if you need to), for your eyes/ammo you won't need to mess with them again. I have two SAs with those sights and during matches, they tear the hell out of my right arm while holstered. YMMV __________________ Semper Fi, Matt

05-13-2008, 05:20 AM	#6
USMC 0802 XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stationed in El Paso, TX (North Mexico) Posts: 86	As far as weight goes, the TRP currently available is listed as 45oz, the LW Operator is 34oz. With the TRP you're talking a delta of at least 11 oz, which is significant for a CCW gun. For duty it's a tad porky as well IMHO but you likely have a stout duty belt, etc where it won't be as noticeable. Depending on how much you plan on shooting it, I like the steel framed 1911s. I have about a dozen of 'em and only one aluminum frame (bobtailed Colt LW Commander) which is nice and light in the summer but has more felt recoil as it is lighter. I have no problem concealing/carrying my TRS or Wilson CQB for CCW. So it's back on you for preference! Good Luck __________________ Semper Fi, Matt

05-13-2008, 10:46 AM	#7
Chapie+ XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 624	Taurus PT1911? USMC 0802, What do you think of the Taurus PT1911s for duty use? I'm thinking the one with the light rail. They have a lot of features and they are affordable. What's the catch? Chapie+

05-11-2008, 08:33 PM	#3
Chapie+ XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 624	Here are the SAs I was looking at: The Lightweight Operator with lightrail - not green: The TRP with lightrail: Those were the only size pics I could find for each. Would I need to get additional work done on either for reliability / accuracy. I am assuming not, but then I see where folks sink another $750 into a TRP. What else could one want / need on it? Chapie+

06-07-2008, 07:33 PM	#9
ScottCocoaBeach XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	I just handled both in the store yesterday, the TRP is a very heavy gun - I carry full size 1911's on a daily basis without rails and don't mind the weight - but I chose the lightweight operator over the TRP - for a railed gun it is much lighter weight as someone indicated above. I would stay with Springfield over any other choice in the price range. You will be happy with either of these choices, but the weight is quite considerable if you will be carrying all day every day.

06-07-2008, 10:03 PM	#10
aeneas26 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 280	You mentioned Kimbers as an option earlier, let me just warn you to be wary of any Kimber with an external extractor. I carried a Kimber with an external extractor for quite awhile, and just recently it started to give me problems. I consulted several people and the consensus was that I had a problem with the extractor. Apparently this is a fairly common problem. When I called Kimber to talk to them about it, I encountered some of the most rude customer service ever. I am not bashing Kimber overall. If you get a Kimber, just get one with an internal extractor, and be forewarned that their customer service rep that I spoke to was terribly rude. All I asked for was an explanation of how they go about fixing these problems, and the rep became very beligerent. After my experience, I won't give any more of my business to Kimber. __________________ "A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves ... and include all men capable of bearing arms." Richard Henry Lee - Senator, First Congress

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