Originally Posted by
sidewaysil80
Gonna catch shit for this but here is my take on the TRP. You are paying a premium for a bull barrel and/or the "tactical" name. They receive no hand fitting and use MIM. MIM isn't a bad thing but it is inferior to its alternatives and Springfield certainly isn't passing their manufacturing and production savings onto the consumer. I would get a Loaded model over a TRP any day of the week. Build quality wise they are both the same and only differ in some models in terms of features.
However, in the $1300-1500 range you can find a Dan Wesson which not only rivals, but in some cases even outperformed several of the "Semi-Custom Shop" 1911's. Unlike the TRP, the slide:frame, fire control parts, and barrel are actually hand fitted/adjusted. Dan Wesson parts are all CNC'd for an incredibly precise fit, but the critical areas I mentioned get even more attention. For that price point that fitting alone sets them light years ahead of their competitors. Additionally, they use no MIM parts whatsoever. Again, MIM parts aren't a bad thing (depending on who made them), but its nice that a relatively affordable 1911 like Dan Wesson didn't cut any corners.
If I you want to spend $1300 or less...go with a Colt Gold Cup or Springfield Loaded series. Willing to spend $1400-$1500, get a Dan Wesson; highest quality 1911 under $2200. However, depending on what you are looking for, I would suggest a Colt Rail Gun or the Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun (main difference in checkering). They can be had for around $1000 and $1300 respectively. Colt really does make a great 1911 and current versions of the Rail Gun are really nice and my number one recommendation for someone looking to get a nice mid-range 1911. Be advised, there are some parts that I would swap out immediately on the regular Rail Gun but they can be done by a total novice and its under $50-75 worth of parts. PM if you want to go that route.
A great site for all things 1911 is 1911addicts.com, that is where a lot of TOP 1911 smiths hang out and post. It's a really good group of guys and is basically the M4carbine.net of 1911's. Very friendly to beginners and a lot of the pros will chime in and help DIY'ers along with projects, great atmosphere. Stay away from the other 1911 site; fanboys, soap boxers, and wannabes.
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