My first impression: I shoulda got one of these a long time ago. The TRP was always on one of my back burners but, I go thru phases and another full-size 1911 wasn't really high on my list of priorities.
Something I learned during my Internet research and shopping is that there are two different models of TRP's. The standard TRP (no rail) and the TRP Operator (rail). The standard TRP has a two-piece guide rod, while the TRP Operator has a one-piece guide rod. Both guns have Tritium night sights. The TRP has fixed Novak combat sights, and the TRP Operator has a fully adjustable rear sight. Both come with two seven-round stainless steel mags with slam pads, both have their frames made out of forged steel, and the same goes for the slides. Both have similar G-10 grips, and both have five-inch match grade stainless steel barrels. The TRP weighs 42 oz., while the TRP Operator weighs 45 oz., due to the Picatinny rail. Actually, there are very few differences at all between the two guns. The barrel on the TRP Operator is a heavier bull barrel, as opposed to a standard diameter barrel on the TRP. Most owners report about the same performance in accuracy between the bull and standard barrel, though. It might be fun to do a side-by-side comparison sometime.
If you like adjustable sights, the TRP Operator is the way to go. If you like fixed sights, the standard TRP is what you want. If you want that Picatinny rail for mounting lights and lasers, then the TRP Operator is your choice. Other than that, the guns are pretty much the same in all the areas that count.
The first 25! 10 yards, Geco 230gr FMJ
Geco ammunition always seems to perform well in my other 1911's and the TRP was no exception. I always seem to shoot more accurately at 10 yards than 7 (which is weird, I know) but the front sight lines-up better at that distance for me using a standard six-o'clock hold on the target's red dot. The trigger is really nice on the TRP, too. It's neither alarmingly-light nor overly-heavy. I guesstimate somewhere in the 4.5-5 lbs. range. It has nearly zero take-up and is crisp as most of us would want on a duty gun.
25 rounds, 7 yards, S&B 230gr FMJ
One of the things I like to do at 7 yards is see how many out of 25 I can land within the X ring. Considering it was my first time out and it was an indoor range with kinda crappy lighting, I'll take it but, I'm not completely satisfied. I know the TRP is capable of much better. I'm eager to take it outside and have some fun with it.
What else did I learn from the TRP? Well, I thought the front strap checkering on the frame would be more abrasive than it was. Felt good! My shooting hand was no worse for the wear after 100 rounds of factory FMJ and 7 Federal Hydrashok 230gr +P that I tested for functionality and POI.
The TRP is absolutely the tightest-fitting 1911 I've ever owned. No rattles, no looseness whatsoever, yet, the slide cycles silky smooth like a lot of custom-fitted 1911's I've handled in the past. There's no way I'm getting the barrel bushing loose without a barrel bushing wrench, though, and I can't seem to find where the heck I put mine at the moment.
Anyway, if you've been riding the fence about a good 1911 for <$1500, I'll recommend the TRP without any reservations.
