I have used and deployed the Springfield Armory TRP since their introduction. Over the years my duty and concealed carry holster has seen several. Working off duty at a Springfield Armory dealer I was just not willing to carry my Professional on duty so when the TRP was introduced it was put to work immediately. Popular at duty qualifications several officers moved to a TRP. Not nearly as refined as my Pro model but it was as smooth, nearly as accurate, fully featured and about half, or even a third the cost at the time. The TRP legacy is well defined as the best buy on the market for a duty level, nearly semi-custom 1911 pistol. Their latest, the COA mates the TRP with what looks to be one of the best PMO (Pistol Mounted Optics) available, the Aimpoint COA
Springfield Armory TRP COA
Attention to detail and quality on the TRP has more in common with custom 1911 pistols than anything off the shelf. Frame and slide are Forged Carbon steel, the standard in a 1911. Barrel is match grade Forged Stainless steel. Slide to frame fit is excellent, overall fitment of small parts is smooth with no sharp edges. Trigger is crisp, predictable, usable for duty, and maintains that level for years.
Grips are VZ Hydra G-10 providing a solid grip with an ergonomic fit. Recoil system uses a National Match bushing and 2-piece full length guide rod. Cocking serrations sit at both the front and rear. Top of slide has serrations to help with the glare. Mainspring housing and front strap are checkered at 20 lpi (Lines Per Inch), perfect for gloves or inclement weather. Magazine release is slightly extended along with tactical safeties on both sides. Ships with two eight round magazines.
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COA Red Dot
Since its introduction the Aimpoint ACRO has been seen as one of the most rugged and reliable PMO on the market. Strong, fully enclosed, with a battery life measured in years make it a favorite amongst the LE world. While ACRO’s are great they have suffered criticism for their size and bulky design, especially on the 1911. Aesthetics can be important, and they just look too big for the narrow slide. Along with their look the mounting system is not everyone’s favorite outside a direct cut and those can be problematic on the 1911.
Enter the Aimpoint COA. Optimized for “carry” pistols they are fast becoming the choice for any pistol. The new mounting system is resistant to recoil, mounts firmly and lower on the slide allowing it to be used without sights the height of a radio tower. Sights on this TRP are standard height and co-witness just fine. Screen size is the same as an ACRO just in a slimmer, more compact, and visually pleasing design. Battery life is 5 years making it perfect for duty pistols. Early availability was limited but they are starting to catch up on production making this a popular move for many manufacturers on just about any pistol.
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Range Time With The TRP COA
Springfield Armory’s TRP is known for its accuracy, and this one was no exception. Accuracy on every TRP owned or tested rivaled custom pistols at three times the cost. Shooting from a bench using a bag my best group measured just outside an inch at 25 yards using Barnes TAC-XPD 185 grain +P. Nothing grouped outside two inches and in every case was more about my breathing than the pistols accuracy. Honestly, it is as accurate as the platform gets outside a tuned competition model.
Most of the close work was accomplished using Wilson Combats 200 grain HAP practice load. Velocity is 770 FPS out of a 5” barrel and is perfect for long range sessions or classes. This is my go-to for practice, events, classes, or teaching at Gunsite Academy. The TRP handled it just fine, locked back on last round and functioned without a stoppage, it will be used again at an upcoming event in August. Performing typical Gunsite drills at 3,5 and seven yards it created one ever growing single hole and stayed on target while moving. Like most 1911’s, it just feels right in your hand.
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Testing Of The COA
Just completed a test using the COA on a different pistol and really liked it, nothing changed. The screen is much the same size as an ACRO but does not seem like it on the range. Picking up the dot was faster; just did not seem as compressed or cluttered. BUIS were about “normal height” and they were steel with a serrated front. Battery life is 50K hours or 5 years, you are unlikely to see it fail with a yearly swap. Front lens is hardened with a closed emitter; external battery replacement requires no removal. Completely sealed from the elements in a 7075 aluminum housing it should be all but indestructible. It is probably still a bit tall for my aesthetic taste, but so much better than most you see on a 1911.
Unlike most mounting footprints the sight is wedged into the ‘”A-Cut” and held down using the rear sight. In theory this is more reliable and less prone to shooting loose than current systemsand has proven to be so far. We still see pins snap and screws come loose on most everything, including the ACRO during classes. Given my limited testing time it was not an issue but so far the A-Cut has proven to be the least prone to shooting loose of any design to date, again, about perfect for a 1911 chambered in 45 ACP
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Bottom Line
Primary holster was a Palmetto Leather rig picked up at Wilson Combat for use on some prior tests on full sized 1911’s with a dot. PMO are gathering strength on the 1911 platform, especially 9mm double stacks, but leather is still hard to find. Their leather is amongst the best you can buy and worked perfectly. Fit is snug and tight to the body making it suitable for concealed carry. Testing was also completed in a simpler IPSC style Kydex holster attached to my working rig. Although a tad tight it was smooth and fast.
Clearly I am a long time unabashed fan of the TRP in most any shape or form. Since they were introduced they have proven rugged, reliable, accurate, suited for duty out of the box, and a fan of officers and agencies. When it comes to a mid-range 1911 it remains very hard to beat.
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Adding the COA was a bonus, but a good one. Big enough to be useful it is not like adding a chunk of “stuff” to the top of your 1911. Nor does it seem to alter the timing, not true of all PMO mounted to your 1911. Looking for an out of the box duty 1911 with a PMO, this should be top of the list. Mounting is solid with an enclosed emitter built by a proven manufacturer making it about as good as it gets. With a retail of $2,424 including the optic it is priced fairly.
Specifications: Springfield Armory TRP COA
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Action: Single Action Semi-Automatic
- Finish: Forged Steel Slide and Frame
- Grips: VZ Hydra G-10
- Sights: Serrated black Front, A-Cut black rear
- Barrel: 5.0″
- Length: 8.6”
- Weight: 39.2 ounces
- MSRP: $2424.00
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