Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Review

A feature-packed and high-performing 1911, the Springfield Armory Tactical Response Pistol (TRP) walks a fine line between the semi-custom and custom categories. This is no random assortment of upgrades thrown into a 1911 and priced accordingly.

The TRP was inspired by the Springfield Armory Professional, which the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team chose as its duty pistol. This newest family of TRPs adds just the right number of tactical touches while maintaining much of what 1911 enthusiasts expect.

Before we dive into the review, we’d like to thank Springfield for sending us this TRP. Now that we’ve had some quality time with it, let’s take a closer look at what makes the TRP stand out.

Table of Contents

First Impressions
Features
Specs
Reliability & Accuracy
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As I waited for the TRP to be delivered, I did plenty of research into the specs and features, so I had a solid idea of what I would be receiving. What I wasn’t aware of, though, was how insanely secure of a grip you can accomplish thanks to the 20 lines-per-inch (LPI) checkering. It almost borders being too aggressive, with “almost” being the key word.

The TRP fits like a glove with large or extra-large hands. (All photos: Ryan Domke/Guns.com)

Upon inspecting and holding the TRP, you quickly find it is well balanced and the finish is immaculate. My only real complaint was the lack of an optics-ready slide. I know it didn’t have one, though, so I wasn’t too disappointed.

In case the coyote brown finish isn’t your style, or you’re looking for something a little more compact and easier to carry, Springfield offers several variations of the TRP. From all-black models to 4.25-inch Carry Contour models, you should be able to find one suitable for almost any need.

FEATURES

As to be expected with a premium 1911, there is no shortage of quality features found on the TRP. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the coyote brown Cerakote finish and VZ Hydra Grips. The two pair beautifully, but it’s not all about looks. The G-10 grips provide strong purchase via the deep relief channels, and with the 20-LPI checkering, it’s almost impossible to lose your grip on this pistol.

The VZ Hydra Grips provide superb traction without being irritating.

Working our way from the top of the pistol to the bottom, the slide has serrations everywhere: in the front, rear, and even up top. At each end of the slide, you’ll find tritium night sights, a welcome upgrade. Nestled inside is a hammer forged match-grade barrel, providing a leg up with regard to performance.

Blacked-out and serrated rear sights featuring tritium are a heck of a combination.

The controls are relatively standard but have a few nice touches to note, such as a skeletonized hammer and an ambidextrous safety. The mag release feels disproportionately small, although I didn’t have any problems finding it.

There's a tritium front sight, too, and note the front slide serrations.

An accessory rail allows you to attach most of your favorite lights, so I’m sure you’ll see plenty of Surefires and Streamlights popping up in photos with the TRP.

Lastly, living discreetly at the bottom of the grip is a two-piece magwell with a substantial flare to help with reloads. Springfield did a great job of not making the magwell protrude obnoxiously while providing enough of a flare to aid in reloading.

SPECS

Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 39.2 ounces
Sights: Tactical rack 3-dot tritium

RELIABILITY & ACCURACY

In case you weren’t aware, these TRPs were only released a few weeks ago. While I haven’t had a ton of time with it, I’ve managed to put exactly 20 magazines through it. Each one of those magazines ran flawlessly and every round was fed, sent downrange, and ejected.

Range time with the TRP proved successful, as you can see from this grouping at 15 yards using 230-grain Blazer Brass.

I ran a mix of mostly 230-grain Blazer Brass FMJs and some 230-grain Speer Lawman TMJs. Unsurprisingly, there was no noticeable performance difference between the two, but it was smooth sailing through them all.

I am not ashamed to say that the Springfield TRP outshoots my abilities. While I was happy with my accuracy, one of the guys at the range took a whirl with the TRP and almost cut my groupings in half.

The excellent skeletonized trigger does not leave much to be desired.

The trigger was definitely not a contributing factor in my less-than-perfect accuracy. The skeletonized Gen 2 Speed Trigger has virtually no pre-travel, a crisp break, and a very short reset. I was able to maintain fist-sized groupings within 20 yards by the end of my second range session, which is adequate for my skill set.

PROS & CONS

Springfield Armory .45 ACP 1911 Tactical Response Pistol

Pros:

Forged carbon steel frame and slide
Beautiful G-10 VZ Hydra Grips
Accurate and reliable
Three-dot tritium sights
Hammer-forged match-grade barrel
Clean and crisp skeletonized trigger
20 line-per-inch (LPI) checkering
Flared magwell for quick reloads
Forward, rear, and top slide serrations

Cons:

There’s no beating around the bush – it’s pricey
No optics-ready models

FINAL THOUGHTS

After that lopsided pros and cons list above, it’s hard not to be a fan of the TRP. However, the lack of an optic cut and the high price are significant cons, in my opinion.

Rumor has it that optics-ready models are coming, so that is potentially a non-issue. But I think the price will need some tweaking eventually. Maybe I’m wrong and these will fly off the shelves; even a small 10-percent reduction in price would go a long way in tempting those on the fence.

That said, I do not think you’d be disappointed if you grabbed one of these Springfield Armory 1911 TRPs for your collection. It’s a great gun with great features, and it's a blast to shoot.