They're Back! Springfield Armory Launches New Family of TRP 1911s

It’s no secret that Springfield Armory of Geneseo, Illinois, has been overhauling its catalog of 1911 pistols during the past few years. Springfield tackled the entry-level and mid-tier categories first, unifying its well-appointed pistols into trim packages to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. Legacy offerings like the Range Officer model were replaced by whole families of guns under the Mil-Spec, Garrison, Ronin, Operator, and Emissary banners. The company stretched its wings a bit further, too, developing the Prodigy double-stack 1911 and entering the growing category for high-capacity, 9mm single-action pistols.

At the same time, however, Springfield’s well-regarded hard-use 1911s — including its Custom Shop, Loaded, and TRP offerings — were consolidated down to just a few models. To 1911 observers like me, it seemed as though Springfield Armory, maker of the FBI’s legendary Professional Model 1911, was ready to concede the duty-ready market to its competitors.

That trend ends now, with the re-introduction of the Springfield Armory Tactical Response Pistol. New for 2024, the TRP is back, and not just with one model, but a total of six configurations to choose from.

The TRP 1911s trace their roots to the Professional model. After a particularly grueling durability- and accuracy-based trial that pit the biggest names in 1911s against each other, Springfield’s bid was adopted in 1998 by the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team and other tactical units. Whereas the Professional was a fully custom-built 1911, the TRPs were launched a year later to offer professional users and armed citizens a semi-custom option with similar features at a more affordable price. The hallmarks of the original TRP series were match-grade parts, tritium-powered night sights, frontstrap checkering, an extended magwell, and the option for a dustcover accessory rail.

The new guns adhere to the recipe that made the TRPs great, and while also offering a few updates.

All of the six new-model TRPs are chambered for .45 ACP and will share certain features, starting with the forged slide and frame. What really makes the new guns distinct from other Springfield Armory 1911s is the handwork going into each gun. These are semi-custom builds, not production line assemblies. The slide and frame, along with the barrel, bushing, and other key parts are mated to each other early in the build process, as evidenced by the hand-etched numbers on these critical components. The fit of each part is tested throughout the build and tuned as necessary to deliver best performance.

Three-dot tritium night sights are another common feature, but unlike the original TRPs, these use a tactical rack rear, rather than low-profile sights. There are also length-wise serrations on top of the slide between the sights to cut down on glare and guide the eyes forward. Slide cocking serrations, front and rear, are standard, as are the Hydra-pattern G10 stocks from VZ Grips, 20 lines-per-inch frontstrap checkering, and the two-piece extended magazine well. Finally, controls include a skeletonized trigger, ambidextrous thumb safety, and beavertail-style grip safety with memory bump.

When looking at the new lineup, you can break the six guns down into pairs. First up are the Classic pistols. The Classics are available as full-size, 5-inch guns or commander-size pistols with 4.25-inch barrels. They are finished in a uniform black Cerakote, sport stainless barrels and skeletonized triggers, wear mottled black-and-green stocks, and do not include an accessory rail.

For those who want to mount a light or laser, your best option is the full-size standard TRP models. Both are 5-inch-barreled guns with ample rails on the dustcover. The standard models have black barrels and triggers, but the overall finish comes in two flavors: blacked out or Coyote brown. The former wears black Cerakote and black stocks while the latter is tan with tan-and-black stocks.

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Finally, the Carry Contour (CC) models are offered in the same colors options as the standard guns, and also include accessory rails. Where they differ, though, is in their 4.25-inch barrel and slide configurations, as well as their distinct bobbed frame. Chopping the back corner of the frame makes the guns more concealable for everyday carry. Because of the carry cut, the TRP CCs do not include the extended magazine well. These guns are fully featured yet designed for discretion.

Prices for the new handguns range from $1,899 to $1,999, which is a good value considering the feature set and additional gunsmithing each pistol receives. I, for one, can’t wait to get these guns on the range.

For more information about the new 1911 TRPs from Springfield Armory, visit springfield-armory.com. And make sure to stay tuned and keep your subscription up to date for the latest reviews from Guns & Ammo.