Posted: 1/7/2010 7:21:28 AM EDT
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I'm getting ready to add another 1911 to the safe.
My choices are: Les Baer TRS (blued model) or a Springfield TRP. I'm, of course, leaning heavily towards the Baer TRS due to all forged internals and lack of bling (which I don't care for on a 1911). But I can get a NIB TRP (black model) for $1,150 and use the saved cash to replace MIM parts. The LB TRS will run me ~$1600-1700. The TRP I'm looking at has "Tactical" on the dust cover and is the non-railed model. Pros for me include: solid pistol for lower price, high cut front strap, checkering, forged frame and slide, night sites, decent track record. Cons: ambi-safeties, MIM parts usage, "3-hole" trigger, magwell funnel. My questions to the 1911 gurus are thus: Is there a list of all MIM parts used in the TRP (other than slide stop, FCG parts which I'm aware of)? Would replacing the MIM parts eat up the majority of my $450-$550 initial savings? Are TRPs still a solid choice and/or have there been any major changes to the pistol? Thanks for any and all help, Rob |
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If you can get an Armory Kote TRP for that price, jump on it.
About the MIM, the TRP must not use standard MIM parts because even with it in there, TRP part breakages are rare. They are a great pistol....I just can't afford one right now. That said, the LB will not disappoint. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I have a TRP Armory Kote no rail and I have changed nothing on it. If you are looking for a pistol without the MIM parts go for the Les Baer. The reason I say this is because everything on the TRP comes fitted to the pistol and you will just be wasting your money replacing the parts when you can just get into the Les Baer to begin with.
The other issue is when you change parts you will have to have them refinished after you do the fitting, which will bring you up to or above the Les Baer in price. My opinion get the Les Baer you will not be unhappy or get the TRP and shot it as is. Either way they are damn fine pistols that you cannot make a bad decision on. |
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If you can get an Armory Kote TRP for that price, jump on it. About the MIM, the TRP must not use standard MIM parts because even with it in there, TRP part breakages are rare. They are a great pistol....I just can't afford one right now. That said, the LB will not disappoint. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile They must take pic from the good ones and then send the crappy ones off for the Loaded models. 
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If you can get an Armory Kote TRP for that price, jump on it. About the MIM, the TRP must not use standard MIM parts because even with it in there, TRP part breakages are rare. They are a great pistol....I just can't afford one right now. That said, the LB will not disappoint. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Good to hear about the TRP MIM parts. I had a bad experience with an older Kimber (external extractor TLEII)-thumb safety snapped in two and my gunsmith had to order a new sear for it-both problems atributed to MIM. That pistol saw a ton of use in IDPA matches, but I've been turned off ever since. I've got an older Wilson CQB I bought used so I 've got another "semi-custom" pistol. I've always wanted a TRS and am hoping I won't have the "should've bought want I wanted" buyer's remorse if I get the TRP. When I was looking at TRPs some years ago I had read glowing reports. Just curious if they're still making them the way they used to (for example: they're not using two-piece barrels in them are they?). thanks for the info... |
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I have a TRP Armory Kote no rail and I have changed nothing on it. If you are looking for a pistol without the MIM parts go for the Les Baer. The reason I say this is because everything on the TRP comes fitted to the pistol and you will just be wasting your money replacing the parts when you can just get into the Les Baer to begin with. The other issue is when you change parts you will have to have them refinished after you do the fitting, which will bring you up to or above the Les Baer in price. My opinion get the Les Baer you will not be unhappy or get the TRP and shot it as is. Either way they are damn fine pistols that you cannot make a bad decision on. TRP receives fitted parts? I thought only the Professional model had that level of attention. |
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TRS is built better, and I like the checkering- not as sharp. Not sure on LB customer service because both of my LB 1911's, including a TRS, have always worked. TRP has a tougher finish and nicer grips. Springfield has excellent customer service. Yes, I have had to use it. I would look for a slightly used TRS. I have seen them in the $1300 range. |
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I have a TRP Armory Kote no rail and I have changed nothing on it. If you are looking for a pistol without the MIM parts go for the Les Baer. The reason I say this is because everything on the TRP comes fitted to the pistol and you will just be wasting your money replacing the parts when you can just get into the Les Baer to begin with. The other issue is when you change parts you will have to have them refinished after you do the fitting, which will bring you up to or above the Les Baer in price. My opinion get the Les Baer you will not be unhappy or get the TRP and shot it as is. Either way they are damn fine pistols that you cannot make a bad decision on. TRP receives fitted parts? I thought only the Professional model had that level of attention. As tight as my TRP is it has to be. Their is more attention given to the TRP line over Loaded/Operator series. Maybe I am wrong on the small parts but you can tell the frame was fitted to the slide for sure same with the barrel/bushing. |
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If you can get an Armory Kote TRP for that price, jump on it. About the MIM, the TRP must not use standard MIM parts because even with it in there, TRP part breakages are rare. They are a great pistol....I just can't afford one right now. That said, the LB will not disappoint. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Good to hear about the TRP MIM parts. I had a bad experience with an older Kimber (external extractor TLEII)-thumb safety snapped in two and my gunsmith had to order a new sear for it-both problems atributed to MIM. That pistol saw a ton of use in IDPA matches, but I've been turned off ever since. I've got an older Wilson CQB I bought used so I 've got another "semi-custom" pistol. I've always wanted a TRS and am hoping I won't have the "should've bought want I wanted" buyer's remorse if I get the TRP. When I was looking at TRPs some years ago I had read glowing reports. Just curious if they're still making them the way they used to (for example: they're not using two-piece barrels in them are they?). thanks for the info... My TRP has been SOLID I can attest to that. I am just upset with the price I paid for it after you telling me the price you found one for. I got a Grand Raptor II for that price and it has the same fit as my TRP but the TRP is a superior pistol by far. One complaint I have is the locking MSH on the TRP I do not like it. |
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If you can get an Armory Kote TRP for that price, jump on it. About the MIM, the TRP must not use standard MIM parts because even with it in there, TRP part breakages are rare. They are a great pistol....I just can't afford one right now. That said, the LB will not disappoint. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Good to hear about the TRP MIM parts. I had a bad experience with an older Kimber (external extractor TLEII)-thumb safety snapped in two and my gunsmith had to order a new sear for it-both problems atributed to MIM. That pistol saw a ton of use in IDPA matches, but I've been turned off ever since. I've got an older Wilson CQB I bought used so I 've got another "semi-custom" pistol. I've always wanted a TRS and am hoping I won't have the "should've bought want I wanted" buyer's remorse if I get the TRP. When I was looking at TRPs some years ago I had read glowing reports. Just curious if they're still making them the way they used to (for example: they're not using two-piece barrels in them are they?). thanks for the info... My TRP has been SOLID I can attest to that. I am just upset with the price I paid for it after you telling me the price you found one for. I got a Grand Raptor II for that price and it has the same fit as my TRP but the TRP is a superior pistol by far. One complaint I have is the locking MSH on the TRP I do not like it. Not an issue, I'll just change it out for smith/alexander unit. Price-wise, I consider the shop owner and his workers as good friends. I've brought them alot of business and helped out when I could. Sticker on it is 1299 if that makes you feel better.
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TRS is built better, and I like the checkering- not as sharp. Not sure on LB customer service because both of my LB 1911's, including a TRS, have always worked. TRP has a tougher finish and nicer grips. Springfield has excellent customer service. Yes, I have had to use it. I would look for a slightly used TRS. I have seen them in the $1300 range. I've spotted a few, but they go quick. Buying the TRS, I won't have to replace a thing. It's built like I like a 1911. A TRP requires pulling the ambi-safety and the 2-piece FLGR at minimum. I'd also prefer a solid trigger. Decisions decisions. Good to know that Springfield hasn't begun to cut corners with the TRP. |
| See I like the ambi safety because I shoot both right/left, the guide rod does not bother me I have both GI and 2 piece. I hate single piece FLGR though that my Kimbers came with my Grand Raptor will be getting a GI rod soon and a Ed Brown Chain link MSH I have a black metal one in their right now to get the polymer one out. |
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See I like the ambi safety because I shoot both right/left, the guide rod does not bother me I have both GI and 2 piece. I hate single piece FLGR though that my Kimbers came with my Grand Raptor will be getting a GI rod soon and a Ed Brown Chain link MSH I have a black metal one in their right now to get the polymer one out. I wouldn't mind it if: It didn't bump my knuckles on a gripping hand and have the potential to get snagged on something or bumped off-safe when I'm carrying. |
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I'm getting ready to add another 1911 to the safe. My choices are: Les Baer TRS (blued model) or a Springfield TRP. I'm, of course, leaning heavily towards the Baer TRS due to all forged internals and lack of bling (which I don't care for on a 1911). But I can get a NIB TRP (black model) for $1,150 and use the saved cash to replace MIM parts. The LB TRS will run me ~$1600-1700. The TRP I'm looking at has "Tactical" on the dust cover and is the non-railed model. Pros for me include: solid pistol for lower price, high cut front strap, checkering, forged frame and slide, night sites, decent track record. Cons: ambi-safeties, MIM parts usage, "3-hole" trigger, magwell funnel. My questions to the 1911 gurus are thus: Is there a list of all MIM parts used in the TRP (other than slide stop, FCG parts which I'm aware of)? Would replacing the MIM parts eat up the majority of my $450-$550 initial savings? Are TRPs still a solid choice and/or have there been any major changes to the pistol? Thanks for any and all help, Rob Where did you find the TRP for that price? I will buy one tomorrow if I could find that price. The best deal I have found so far on a TRP brand new is $1450. |
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See I like the ambi safety because I shoot both right/left, the guide rod does not bother me I have both GI and 2 piece. I hate single piece FLGR though that my Kimbers came with my Grand Raptor will be getting a GI rod soon and a Ed Brown Chain link MSH I have a black metal one in their right now to get the polymer one out. I wouldn't mind it if: It didn't bump my knuckles on a gripping hand and have the potential to get snagged on something or bumped off-safe when I'm carrying. That is understandable but I have never had either of those issues. The other reason I carry with an ambi safety is if my right arm is taken out of the fight I can still drop the safety with my other hand. Plus I shoot ambidextrously so it makes for convenience. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I have a TRP Armory Kote no rail and I have changed nothing on it. If you are looking for a pistol without the MIM parts go for the Les Baer. The reason I say this is because everything on the TRP comes fitted to the pistol and you will just be wasting your money replacing the parts when you can just get into the Les Baer to begin with. The other issue is when you change parts you will have to have them refinished after you do the fitting, which will bring you up to or above the Les Baer in price. My opinion get the Les Baer you will not be unhappy or get the TRP and shot it as is. Either way they are damn fine pistols that you cannot make a bad decision on. TRP receives fitted parts? I thought only the Professional model had that level of attention. As tight as my TRP is it has to be. Their is more attention given to the TRP line over Loaded/Operator series. Maybe I am wrong on the small parts but you can tell the frame was fitted to the slide for sure same with the barrel/bushing. It is my understanding that the TRP series has fitted parts, but not to the degree of the Pro series. My TRP has a slide and barrel that are serial matched to the gun. |
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Having owned both and shot the crap out of them. If the money isnt an issue go with the Baer TRS. It has a high cut front strap, the TRP doesnt. It also doesnt having the rolling billboard look. There seems to be a good fit but as far as any hand file work on the TRP its only in the lower barrel lug. Bottom line is the Baer is a better pistol, no ones going to argue about that. By the time you replace all the MIM in the TRP you will have as much money in it as a TRS. |
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Having owned both and shot the crap out of them. If the money isnt an issue go with the Baer TRS. It has a high cut front strap, the TRP doesnt. It also doesnt having the rolling billboard look. There seems to be a good fit but as far as any hand file work on the TRP its only in the lower barrel lug.
Bottom line is the Baer is a better pistol, no ones going to argue about that. By the time you replace all the MIM in the TRP you will have as much money in it as a TRS. I agree with this and I own a TRP. Pick up a TRP and pick up a Baer you will feel the difference like going from a Camaro SS to a Corvette ZR1. |
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Having owned both and shot the crap out of them. If the money isnt an issue go with the Baer TRS. It has a high cut front strap, the TRP doesnt. It also doesnt having the rolling billboard look. There seems to be a good fit but as far as any hand file work on the TRP its only in the lower barrel lug.
Bottom line is the Baer is a better pistol, no ones going to argue about that. By the time you replace all the MIM in the TRP you will have as much money in it as a TRS. I agree with this and I own a TRP. Pick up a TRP and pick up a Baer you will feel the difference like going from a Camaro SS to a Corvette ZR1. That's a pretty good analogy. I like my TRP a lot, but I did get crazy and replace the fcg with non-mim parts because I fell for the mim is bad hysteria. It's a nice gun, but the TRS is a bit better. I might get one some day. With an ambi safety added since I'm left handed. I do like my Professional though, better than either! But I got lucky and picked up a used (probably had just a couple hundred rounds through it, I know the seller and he has like six of them!) Pro for a good amount off the retail and without the 14 month wait. |
| My brother owns a TRP and it's a nice pistol, but as you said it has MIM parts. I own a LB TRS. The fit and finish and parts used are above that which is used in the TRP. I would go with the LB TRS, you won't be disappointed. If you can find a used one the money won't be an issue. If you have to replace MIM parts, you'll be spending the same anyway. |
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I'm getting ready to add another 1911 to the safe. My choices are: Les Baer TRS (blued model) or a Springfield TRP. I'm, of course, leaning heavily towards the Baer TRS due to all forged internals and lack of bling (which I don't care for on a 1911). But I can get a NIB TRP (black model) for $1,150 and use the saved cash to replace MIM parts. The LB TRS will run me ~$1600-1700. The TRP I'm looking at has "Tactical" on the dust cover and is the non-railed model. Pros for me include: solid pistol for lower price, high cut front strap, checkering, forged frame and slide, night sites, decent track record. Cons: ambi-safeties, MIM parts usage, "3-hole" trigger, magwell funnel. My questions to the 1911 gurus are thus: Is there a list of all MIM parts used in the TRP (other than slide stop, FCG parts which I'm aware of)? Would replacing the MIM parts eat up the majority of my $450-$550 initial savings? Are TRPs still a solid choice and/or have there been any major changes to the pistol? Thanks for any and all help, Rob Where did you find the TRP for that price? I will buy one tomorrow if I could find that price. The best deal I have found so far on a TRP brand new is $1450. charlehorse794 said: I just bought a TRP Operator with the Armor-Kote and non railed for $1100 from CDNN brand new. Not sure if they have more but you anyone interested may want to give them a try.
I'm not going to go the CDNN route as I'd rather support my local gunstore (it's only$50 anyway). $1100 is pretty damn cheap. |
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Having owned both and shot the crap out of them. If the money isnt an issue go with the Baer TRS. It has a high cut front strap, the TRP doesnt. It also doesnt having the rolling billboard look. There seems to be a good fit but as far as any hand file work on the TRP its only in the lower barrel lug.
Bottom line is the Baer is a better pistol, no ones going to argue about that. By the time you replace all the MIM in the TRP you will have as much money in it as a TRS. yep, after doing a bit of research last night. Buying the parts and having them fitted correctly was going to eat up most of my initial savings. |
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This is a comparison I did awhile back. There is an error or two in it and some is painfully subjective (like accuracy). I know you're not considering a DW Valor, but this lists a lot of TRP specifics for reference.
Dan Wesson Valor_________________________ Springfield TRP Adjustable night sights__________________Drift adjustable night sights Forged slide and frame__________________Forged slide and frame Hand fit barrel / slide / frame______________Hand fit barrel / slide / frame De-horn______________________________De-horn Small parts polished and fitted_____________Dunno Trigger job 4-5 lbs (4.5 lbs reported)________Trigger job 4-5lbs (5.5 lbs reported in review) Single side EB thumb safety_______________Ambidextrous Springfield thumb safety EB thumb safety, slide stop, grip safety______Springfield thumb safety, slide stop, grip safety Greider trigger__________________________Springfield trigger Wolff springs___________________________Dunno DW match barrel and bushing______________Springfield match barrel 25 lpi checkering________________________20 lpi checkering Cerakote finish over stainless______________Stainless or Black Armory Koat Hand fitted / blended extractor (per review)___Hand fitted / blended extractor (per ARFCOMMER input) Undercut trigger guard____________________Regular trigger guard VZ Grips_______________________________Checkered cocobola grips or G10 No MIM (per review)______________________MIM slide stop, firing pin retaining plate, hammer, disconnector, sear and maybe the grip safety (per review) No front slide serrations___________________Front slide serrations Slide Markings: 'Valor'_____________________Slide Markings: Springfield Armory, TRP, TACTICAL, Coat of Arms, Model 1911A1 Cal .45 Frame Markings: Serial number______________Frame Markings: Springfield Armrory, Address, Serial No. Beveled magazine well____________________Two piece beveled magazine well No key safety___________________________ Key activated safety Best Gunwriter Accuracy: 1"@25yd_________Best Gunwriter Accuracy: 2.5"@25 yards Traditional bushing_______________________2 piece guide rod $1355 (what I paid w/o shipping)____________$1385 (Armory Kote, Budsgunshop) |
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This is a comparison I did awhile back. There is an error or two in it and some is painfully subjective (like accuracy). I know you're not considering a DW Valor, but this lists a lot of TRP specifics for reference. Dan Wesson Valor_________________________ Springfield TRP Adjustable night sights__________________Drift adjustable night sights Forged slide and frame__________________Forged slide and frame Hand fit barrel / slide / frame______________Hand fit barrel / slide / frame De-horn______________________________De-horn Small parts polished and fitted_____________Dunno Trigger job 4-5 lbs (4.5 lbs reported)________Trigger job 4-5lbs (5.5 lbs reported in review) Single side EB thumb safety_______________Ambidextrous Springfield thumb safety EB thumb safety, slide stop, grip safety______Springfield thumb safety, slide stop, grip safety Greider trigger__________________________Springfield trigger Wolff springs___________________________Dunno DW match barrel and bushing______________Springfield match barrel 25 lpi checkering________________________20 lpi checkering Cerakote finish over stainless______________Stainless or Black Armory Koat Hand fitted / blended extractor (per review)___Hand fitted / blended extractor (per ARFCOMMER input) Undercut trigger guard____________________Regular trigger guard VZ Grips_______________________________Checkered cocobola grips or G10 No MIM (per review)______________________MIM slide stop, firing pin retaining plate, hammer, disconnector, sear and maybe the grip safety (per review) No front slide serrations___________________Front slide serrations Slide Markings: 'Valor'_____________________Slide Markings: Springfield Armory, TRP, TACTICAL, Coat of Arms, Model 1911A1 Cal .45 Frame Markings: Serial number______________Frame Markings: Springfield Armrory, Address, Serial No. Beveled magazine well____________________Two piece beveled magazine well No key safety___________________________ Key activated safety Best Gunwriter Accuracy: 1"@25yd_________Best Gunwriter Accuracy: 2.5"@25 yards Traditional bushing_______________________2 piece guide rod $1355 (what I paid w/o shipping)____________$1385 (Armory Kote, Budsgunshop) Dan Wesson 1911s. My biggest question is: What has happened to their quality since being taken over by CZ? |
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Dan Wesson 1911s. My biggest question is: What has happened to their quality since being taken over by CZ? Just my opinion but I think a lot of people would agree: they are now the best production 1911 available. I have a DW Valor and it is extremely well made, functions perfectly, and is a aesthetically flawless. |
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Dan Wesson 1911s. My biggest question is: What has happened to their quality since being taken over by CZ? Just my opinion but I think a lot of people would agree: they are now the best production 1911 available. I have a DW Valor and it is extremely well made, functions perfectly, and is a aesthetically flawless. I'm hearing this, just wanted to confirm. Have to be careful when one firearms company takes over another...even one as renowned as CZ. Saw a new DW 1911 on the cover of Combat Handguns. That is a fine looking commander. |
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While I'm not the crazy Valor fan that Spook is, the Valor is an excellent gun and the quality of DW pistols has only gotten better since CZ came into the picture.
I currently have a TRP and I love it, I would happily have tried a Valor had I been able to find one. |
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While I'm not the crazy Valor fan that Spook is, the Valor is an excellent gun and the quality of DW pistols has only gotten better since CZ came into the picture. I currently have a TRP and I love it, I would happily have tried a Valor had I been able to find one. Hey.. I would sell it in a heartbeat if.. umm.. wait.. let me think about that one. What's worse is they are coming out with a V-Bob. I don't even need a Commander. There's another $1700 unavailable for more pragmatic pursuits. |
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While I'm not the crazy Valor fan that Spook is, the Valor is an excellent gun and the quality of DW pistols has only gotten better since CZ came into the picture. I currently have a TRP and I love it, I would happily have tried a Valor had I been able to find one. Hey.. I would sell it in a heartbeat if.. umm.. wait.. let me think about that one. What's worse is they are coming out with a V-Bob. I don't even need a Commander. There's another $1700 unavailable for more pragmatic pursuits. That's the one featured on the magazine cover. Solid trigger, strong side only safety, chainlink frontstrap pattern, night sites. Appears to be a bake-on finish. If I wanted a commander, that'd be the one. |
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I would not stick my nose up at either, however if you set them both down in front of me and gave me my choice it'd be ...................... http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/Gun%20Pics/LesBaerThunderRanch.jpg Well...YEAH.  If I could get a TRS with a naked slide and without FCS I would TOTALLY pass up on either gun to have it. Those things are hard to find though...but awesome for the $1400 used prices when you do find them.
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I've got a TRS and having compared it to a TRP it makes the TRP feel like a piece of crap. The TRS is built from the frame up with quality in mind. The TRP is a loaded with more hand fitting and a few extra features That is a pretty bold statment there sport. The TRP is considred to be one of the best production 1911's out there. |
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I've got a TRS and having compared it to a TRP it makes the TRP feel like a piece of crap. The TRS is built from the frame up with quality in mind. The TRP is a loaded with more hand fitting and a few extra features That is a pretty bold statment there sport. The TRP is considred to be one of the best production 1911's out there. I am a TRP fan, but I wouldn't be so bold to call the TRP one of the best production 1911's out there...unless you mean production as in not including semi custom and custom guns. If you mean guns that come down the assembly line and see minor hand fitting (i.e. pretty much any gun that runs less than $1600) then I'd agree with you, the TRP would be one of the best in that category. |