View Full Version : Springfield MC Operator vs. TRP?
So after much reading I thought I had settled on getting a MC Operator but it's still not quite how I would really want it, mainly just because I want some front strap checkering as well as color etc.
Looking at the TRP though, it has everything I would want in a 1911 and I keep hearing great things about them.
But im getting conflicting info reading articles from people like Hilton Yam and Larry Vickers who say to stick with a standard barrel & bushing.
I also know that adjustable sights are not preferred for serious use guns and I don't have any problem running them till they break, but what are some of the upgrade options for the TRP in the event that they do break?
Basically I'm wondering if getting the TRP would be worth it over the MC OP after I've done all of the modifications that I want on it.
FYI this will be a hard use gun, I don't have a need for range toys, and I understand the implications of choosing to use a 1911.
Thanks.
The 20 LPI checkering on the TRP is pretty sharp. Have you held one before?
I have owned both guns in the past. I personally preferred the MC Operator. The rail soaks up a bit more recoil, as that gun is heavier.
I also like the Pachmeyer grips on the Mc operator. So much so that I have them on my 2 current 1911s, despite them having texturing on the front strap (chainlink on 1, and 25 LPI hand checkering on the other)
NCPatrolAR
05-21-10, 06:44
I was in the same boat as you several years ago and went with the TRP Operator. While the TRP is a good gun; I would have been better served getting the MC Operator instead. I replaced the factory bull barrel with a Kart NM setup with traditional bushing, FLGR with a GI setup, replaced the ambi-safety, replaced the fire control group, changed the stocks, and installed an extended mag release. While I was able to sell the barrel and FLGR off; if I had gone with the MC Operator, I would have saved money in the long run.
If you are not tied to having a rail, there is a version of the TRP that uses a standard barrel and bushing.
NCPatrolAR,
Why did you end up replacing everything? Were you having issues with the bull barrel?
Also, having the rail is one of my requirements. I have a old Kimber TLE II that I bought 5 years ago and since have figured out what I want in a 1911. I've never held a gun with 20lpi frontstrap checkering so I'll have to give it a try. If I was to go with the MC Op, I'd have either 25lpi or 30lpi done to it. I would assume that the frame would also need to be refinished so id get that done in armorykote black. As for the grips, I'm thinking a pair of gunner grips would fit the bill. I think the pachmyer grips would be to "squishy" for my tastes. Other than that, I'd also need to get a magwell fitted.
NCPatrolAR
05-21-10, 11:40
NCPatrolAR,
Why did you end up replacing everything? Were you having issues with the bull barrel?
No issues with the bull barrel; I just prefer a barrel with a bushing. As for the other things; they were all personal preference......they gun worked fine as it came from Springfield.
If you want or need a rail go with the MC Operator. I doubt the front strap checkering is really that important and the TRP's is too sharp anyway. I don't like Pachymar grips and I used them for years on USMC issued pistols. I also don't like the TRP barrel/bushing setup at all. There are TRP with adjustable sights but also with standard Novak or Novak style sights. Plenty of people are happy with their TRP's but at that price range I would be casting a wider field. Les Baer for one. MC Operators are pretty hard to find so hopefully you have a handle on where you can get one.
If you want or need a rail go with the MC Operator. I doubt the front strap checkering is really that important and the TRP's is too sharp anyway. I don't like Pachymar grips and I used them for years on USMC issued pistols. I also don't like the TRP barrel/bushing setup at all. There are TRP with adjustable sights but also with standard Novak or Novak style sights. Plenty of people are happy with their TRP's but at that price range I would be casting a wider field. Les Baer for one. MC Operators are pretty hard to find so hopefully you have a handle on where you can get one.
Yup.
I unfortunately had to recently part with my MC Operator.
It was a great handgun, went through several classes and always performed 100%.
The checkering on the TRP's is waaaaay too sharp.
I had a set of Gunner grips on mine and believe me, I didn't need the front strap checkered.
I think you'd probably be best served with the MC Operator. There are very valid reasons that the top 1911 guys in the world don't recommend the bushingless bull barrel systems.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Springfield%20Armory%20M1911A1%20MEUSOC/P1020803.jpg
Ack. Even though I have sworn off buying any new 1911's if I were to run across one of those in a shop I would probably snag it. Used to see them all the time here in Phoenix but not for awhile now. I think demand has way outstripped supply. But I practically trip over all the TRP's I see in shops. I'm puzzled that Springfield has not figure out that so many of their potential customers don't like the TRP barrel setup and change it.
Ack. Even though I have sworn off buying any new 1911's if I were to run across one of those in a shop I would probably snag it. Used to see them all the time here in Phoenix but not for awhile now. I think demand has way outstripped supply. But I practically trip over all the TRP's I see in shops. I'm puzzled that Springfield has not figure out that so many of their potential customers don't like the TRP barrel setup and change it.
They do make good eye candy, don't they.......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Springfield%20Armory%20M1911A1%20MEUSOC/P1020800.jpg
They also shoot very well with the barrel that Springfield supplies with them.....
:cool:
Ok. You can stop now before I start searching the auction sites for one.
It is very simple--purchase the MC Oper. Send it to the SA Custom shop to have those things changed that you desire different--checkering, finish, etc... Done deal. Then go shoot it--a lot.
Kentucky Cop
05-21-10, 14:05
http://www.proguns.com/springfieldarmory-operator.asp
Everyone says that the MC Operator is awesome. Now, is the solid color blue operator on top the same as the MC below but just not multi-colored. I guess what I am asking is are they both the same gun with a different paint job. Same reliability and parts that everyone on here swears by?
Reason I am asking is if I wanted a MC Operator do I have to get the multi colored one or the same gun comes in blue also. After drooling on a new Professional that Buds had for sale ($2300) I think I need one. Umm, not a PRO $$$, but next best thing. A MC or TRP for me.
When they are in stock they seem like a good deal. http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/197/products_id/1906
Ky Cop
The one on top is the lightweight operator which has an alloy frame.
K guys thanks for the help. Looks like I'll hold out for a MC Op....... When I find one.
Kentucky Cop
05-21-10, 14:28
The one on top is the lightweight operator which has an alloy frame.
Oh, so the MC has a stronger frame?
Ky cop
Kentucky Cop
05-21-10, 14:33
K guys thanks for the help. Looks like I'll hold out for a MC Op....... When I find one.
NROSE! I found one for ya!;) http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411540169
Good luck with your search. They do appear to be hard to find.
Ky cop
82ndtrooper
05-21-10, 14:35
I recently purchased the MC Operator and I couldn't be more happy with the weapon.
1,500 rounds thus far with no failures, none, nada.
I'm using CMC Power 8's and Wilson Combat 47d magazines.
It's eaten up every brand, shape and size of ammunition that I have spit through her, and it's damn accurate to boot.
I really enjoy this pistola.
Personally I don't drink alot of the "Hilton Yamm" Coolaid, at least not as much as some people, but there is nothing wrong with a Springfield MC Operator. It's one helluva gun. The TRP Operator is a slight step up, but not much. IMHO
As for finding one, yes it's darn near impossible, it seems. I got lucky and stopped in the local FFL to purchase ammo one day and there sat an MC Operator NIB in the case. Needless to say I didn't think twice about leaving with it.
NCPatrolAR
05-21-10, 14:42
I dont mind the checkering on my TRP; I mean, I use VZ Diamondback stocks too :D
I'll take a SA Pro model (either PC9111 or PC9111LR if you want a light rail) any day of the week over an MC Oper, as in my experience, they have run much more reliably right out of the box and been more durable over the long term. Just about every MC Oper I have been around has needed additional QC work to function correctly. On the last one I personally had, the front sight fell off within the first 50 rounds fired, the one before that could not get through a magazine without a failure to feed. FWIW, SA has always been very good about getting them fixed and returned. As always, YMMV.
Of course, anyone would. There is the little issue of them costing over twice as much though. Like many others i have had high dollar 1911's with issues out of the box. At this point I wold rather buy something like an MC Operator, put 4 or 500 rounds through it looking for egregious issues, then send it in for reliability and fit check, change sights and a few other things.
82ndtrooper
05-21-10, 17:04
Of course, anyone would. There is the little issue of them costing over twice as much though.
You beat me to it. Sure, I'd take a Wilson too, but for $1200 the MC Operator is still one of the best buys in the 1911 genre, IMHO.
Of course, I'm no self proclaimed expert just because I read 10-8 forums or subscribe to Hilton Yamm word for word. :rolleyes:
the mc oper use to cost $800 when i was looking at them. should ve bought one.............
"Of course, I'm no self proclaimed expert just because I read 10-8 forums or subscribe to Hilton Yamm word for word."
Neither am I, although I have been lucky to have had assignments where I traveled around both our country and other parts of the world and was able to observe what other units and agencies used and assess how their weapon systems were functioning. In my experience, to date, the most mature, proven, and refined 1911 variant readily available to the public is the SA Pro model, as I noted earlier.
Assy Mcgee
05-21-10, 20:42
The 20 LPI checkering on the TRP is pretty sharp. Have you held one before?
I have owned both guns in the past. I personally preferred the MC Operator. The rail soaks up a bit more recoil, as that gun is heavier.
I also like the Pachmeyer grips on the Mc operator. So much so that I have them on my 2 current 1911s, despite them having texturing on the front strap (chainlink on 1, and 25 LPI hand checkering on the other)
+1.
the points of the 20LPI checkering on the TRP aren't taken down toa comfortable level (for me anyway). it's like mediaeval torture device :eek:
for about $1,100, it's hard to beat the value of the MC. :)
either one is a great choice though. it's just preference. i have a champion operator with a bull barrel, and it's the most accurate 1911 i've ever fired.
Holy thread resurrection Batman! I see why they state to use the Orange Search button and not the grey one..
I was in the same boat as you several years ago and went with the TRP Operator. While the TRP is a good gun; I would have been better served getting the MC Operator instead. I replaced the factory bull barrel with a Kart NM setup with traditional bushing, FLGR with a GI setup, replaced the ambi-safety, replaced the fire control group, changed the stocks, and installed an extended mag release. While I was able to sell the barrel and FLGR off; if I had gone with the MC Operator, I would have saved money in the long run.
Now to my question; did the Kart NM setup with traditional bushing drop right in? I'm asking because I'm looking at a TRP locally but would like to be able to install a standard barrel/bushing but couldn't find anywhere if the slide was cut to accept a bushing or not and from hours of google searching you appear to be the only person I could find that has replaced the barrel in their TRP.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.