Posted: 7/28/2004 12:50:22 AM EDT
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Howdy all. My first post to this page, though I have lurked here for a bit to try to fix my Gold Cup (alas, the pistol was sold and profits put towards an AR..) Anywho.... My brother is over in the sand box with the 2/2 Marines and is looking for ways to spend his hard earned and tax free money. I have him sold on a RRA AR, and it looks like he is going to have a genuine M-40 built up through one of his Scouts. On the pistol side, he was dead set on a Sigarms GSR until I filled him in on some of the growing problems they have had: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=14&t=9464 I almost had him going towards an HK Tactical, but he has asked me to research the Springfield Operator models. Right now I see a great variance in both price and features. The main questions are as follows: Half vs. Full rail: What is the real benefit of the full rail? From what I can see accessory wise, I have yet to see something that cannot be mounted on the half rail, and putting the light/laser farther foward would probably put the controls out of reach. I can only think of perhaps slight inclease in accuracy and reduced muzzle flip from extra weight... Is the full rail available new out side of the custom shop, and a model that is not the TRP? Is the bushingless TRP barrel that much better than the non TRP model? How much should one expect to pay retail? How about a used pistol in the 95-99% range? Thanks for your time and help! -Redfoot |
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I've got a Loaded Operator(PX9105L). The "half rail" is available on the MC Operator(PX9105ML). The full rail is available on the Loaded Operator(PX9105L), Custom Operator(PC9112) and TRP Operator(PC9105L). I tend to agree with you about the longer rails not having any advantage over the half rails, however, the MC Operator is in the $1000 range while the Loaded Operator is right around $700 after tax and BGC. The Loaded operator has everything I want and nothing I don't for a great price. I've only got around 500 rnds through it but it hasn't had any faliures of any kind and is more accurate than I am. |
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The Loaded Operator is kind of hidden on thier site and they have no specs or info, just a pic. Heres a link if you're interested... www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PX9105LLarge.jpg |
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I've got all three (UPS, Loaded Operator, ML Operator). The USP really is an excellent weapon (to me) but since we've ruled it out, I'll give you my impressions on the two Operators (PX9105L) and PX9105ML) They are both the tightest .45's I've ever owned. I couldn't really tell you that one shoots better than the other. Some days I can SHOOT one better than the other, but that's the operator, not the Operator. Cosmetically I think they both look cool as hell, though different. I have fooled around moving my Surefire up and down the rail on both guns. It is possible that if you were going to use a remote switch (I don't but they make 'em so somebody must), you might, for whatever reason, want to posisiton your light further down the rail. It's also possible that there is some gizmo out there that I don't know about that would require the longer rail, but for practical purposes (assuming a light or light/lasar), either one will do the job perfectly. As an editorial, the light desighed for the USP (typical of H&K) is a better thought out design than either of favorites available for the 1911's. It is actuated with either of your index fingers (one way is permanent on, and the other way is momentary) insetad of your thumb, and therefore does not require any modification in the way you hold the weapon. Fo me, I had to get used to using the SureFire on my Operator. The USP felt like it was as natural as the trigger placement or the safety. It also has an ambidextrous magazine release which can be actuated with either index finger, eliminating the need to change your grip on the weapon to change magazines. Which has nothing to do with your question. Both of the Springfield Operators are excellent shooters and for $700 (assuming that's what you're longing for) you can not lose. |