The Newest 1911 On The Block: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP

The Springfield Armory Tactical Response Pistol (TRP) was inspired by the Springfield Armory Professional, which was the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team’s choice for a high-performing, hard-use 1911. The TRP is a semi-custom 1911 with similar performance and modern features that make it very appealing.

Its forged frame and slide provide superior durability and strength, while the .45 ACP chambering delivers a powerful punch. Whether you’re a 1911 enthusiast with dozens of them in the safe or a first-time gun owner, you’ll probably find several features you’re fond of on the TRP. 

Let’s take a look at some of those features that make the TRP stand out.

Fancy Features

As you’d expect with the higher price tag, you’ll find many high-quality features with the TRP.

Even from a quick glance, a ton of features will pop out at you, like the upgraded VZ Hydra grips, the skeletonized hammer, and the ambidextrous safety. Of course, it’s hard to miss the flawless coyote brown Cerakote finish. When I first took it out of its box, I could barely find even a smudge on the finish. Even now, after running it through a couple of range trips, there is barely a mark to be seen.

A ton of attention to detail was spent on the slide. Not only are there front and rear slide serrations, but you’ll also notice there are top serrations that run the length of the slide. The top serrations supposedly offer enhanced light diffusion, but it’s hard to tell by how much. I’m a huge fan of front slide serrations for press-checking purposes, so the fact that Springfield added them is a huge plus in my book.

At each end of the slide are tritium sights, with the rear being serrated for quick target acquisition and reduced glare. I know many people that argue night sights, whether tritium or fiber optic, are a waste, but I disagree…I’d prefer to have them on every one of my pistols. Any advantage you can have in low-light situations, the better.

You could easily miss some of the finer details, like the 20 lines per inch (LPI) checkering on the front strap. This type of checkering provides an excellent grip, almost bordering on too much…but not quite! While I didn’t have any lengthy extended range sessions with the TRP yet, I could potentially see the checkering being slightly irritating if you were shooting all day. 

Another detail, which you won’t necessarily be able to see right away, is the hammer-forged match-grade barrel. When you pair the barrel with the Gen 2 Speed Trigger, you can expect to have superior accuracy. 

Lastly, the trigger is very clean, as expected. There is very little take-up, a light and crisp break, and a quick reset that allows fast and accurate follow-up shots. 

Specifications

Caliber	.45 ACP
Capacity	8+1
Barrel Length	5 Inches
Overall Length	8.6 Inches
Weight	39.2 Ounces

Other Models Available

Just in case you aren’t digging the coyote brown or want a more compact model, there are several other TRPs available. 

Without boring you and listing each individual model, just know that there are options without an accessory rail, in a few different finishes, and with a 4.25-inch barrel as opposed to the five-inch which I opted for. Oh yeah, and there are a couple of California-compliant models. 

The 4.25-inch Carry Contour Models feature a lightweight forged aluminum alloy frame and have a bobbed portion of the frame to help reduce printing. I was on the fence about getting one of these models but ultimately decided I probably wouldn’t carry it often due to capacity, so I opted for the full-size model.

The Carry Contour Models have a unique grip to reduce potential printing. Source: springfieldarmory

Pros & Cons

As you’re about to see, the pros far outweigh the cons. However, the cons can be relatively substantial, especially if you like to run an optic on your pistol.

Pros

• Hammer forged match-grade barrel
• 3-dot tritium sights
• Rear, forward, and top slide serrations
• 20-LPI checkering and beautiful G-10 VZ Hydra grips
• Accessory rail
• Flared magwell
• Reliable and accurate
• Crisp and clean skeletonized trigger

Cons

• Hefty price tag
• Not optics-ready

Range Report

With the TRP just being released, I’ve only been able to put 20 magazines through it, or 160 rounds. However, all 160 of those rounds ran flawlessly. I shot a mix of 230-grain Speer Lawman TMJs and 230-grain Blazer Brass FMJs, with no noticeable difference in performance between the two. Whether I was shooting slow and methodically or dumping a few mags in a row, the TRP never skipped a beat.

As far as accuracy is concerned, this gun can definitely outshoot my abilities. Above is a common grouping I had around 15 yards, and while I did tighten them up a bit, one of the guys at the range put a magazine through the TRP and had a grouping about half that size. Therefore, I knew it was me and not the gun yielding those not-extremely-impressive groupings.

I look forward to getting some more range time with the TRP and seeing just how accurate I can really be with it!

Final Thoughts

From a performance and aesthetic perspective, I didn’t find anything with the TRP to complain about. It ran beautifully, it looks great, and it’s as accurate as you are. 

However, as I mentioned earlier, there is a high price tag that comes with it. In addition, in a world where many of us have become accustomed to shooting with optics, it feels strange to not even have the option with the TRP. There is a rumor on the street that optics-ready models are coming, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. 

All in all, the Springfield Armory TRP is a great pistol that I’m glad is part of my collection. We’ll see if the price drops over time, but either way, I don’t think you’d be disappointed if you had a TRP in your collection, too. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.