My First 1911
 

I finally purchased my first 1911! Initially I was thinking of a commander sized gun, but was open to a full sized 1911 as well. I wanted this as an HD gun, so I decided on full sized. There were models that I really liked in the Colt, Dan Wesson and Springfield models. My budget made Les Bear, Wilson and Nighthawk out of the question. I wanted NIB so I went searching local gun stores, online and a gun show. I scored a really good deal on a new Springfield TRP, which I found too difficult to let pass, so it came home with me. It just felt really good in my hands and the size & weight felt perfect. The fit & finish were more than acceptable for a first timer like myself.

Before taking it to the range, I stripped it down and cleaned/lubed it. Now, I may piss-off some purists, but I'm a fan of Froglube, so I treated the Springer per the FL instructions. I also changed-out the full length 2 piece guide rod and replaced it with a standard length GR from Wilson Combat, and installed a recoil spring plug from 10-8 Performance. I went to the range and fed it the following:

250 rounds of WWB 230 grain FMJ
100 rounds of Sellier & Bellot 230 grain FMJ
20 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 220 grain +P Flexlock

The TRP ran absolutely flawlessly and I had zero issues with functionality of the gun or the mags. The weight and steel made the recoil manageable and pleasant to shoot. In fact, my wife came along and shot the TRP better than any other gun she's ever shot. Her preference had always previously been 9MM.

The only things I should also mention are:

- I found the stock night sights a bit difficult to pick-up due to my eyesight. I'm thinking fiber optic sights might be better for me, but I'd appreciate the opinion of others.
- Speaking of sights, The TRP shoots well when holding at the 6 o'clock position. I prefer a truer POA, so I guess I'll need a different height for the front sight.
- One of the grips (left side) came a little loose. I noticed this when I cleaned it after the range session. I don't know if it was loose before shooting it or not, so I'll keep an eye on it.
- Any other mods/upgrades I should consider?

I've definitely caught the bug and will add at least one more in the future. It may not be anywhere near the quality of the customs, but it's mine and I really like it. I also shot a Glock 19 and a S&W M&P afterwards. I must admit that after shooting the TRP, these other guns literally felt like toy guns in my hands. I better get a second job, cause I think this is going to get expensive. Lots to learn for sure :eek:

Below are a couple pictures of the first 2 mags I shot through it. The distance was 7 yards, aimed, slow-fire.

First Mag 7 Rounds/7 Yards

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/jf...tml?sort=3&o=4

2nd Mag 14 Rounds/7 Yards

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/jf...tml?sort=3&o=3

Here are some pics of the TRP itself:

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/jf.../TRP1.jpg.html

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/jf.../TRP2.jpg.html

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/jf.../TRP3.jpg.html

Obviously screwed-up on how to post pics. Can anyone help? I clicked on the insert image icon, then pasted a Photobucket URL.

Just go to photobucket and copy the link url and paste in your post. You do not have to hit the image icon.

And so it begins. 'Bout damn time too. :D

Best of luck and enjoy it!!

Using photobucket, left click on the ‘IMG’ code to copy and then paste into your post.

BTW, VERY nice !! :cool:

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First Mag 7 Rounds/7 Yards

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...get7Rounds.jpg




2nd Mag 14 Rounds/7 Yards
http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...et14Rounds.jpg




Here are some pics of the TRP itself:
http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...firpi/TRP1.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...firpi/TRP2.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...firpi/TRP3.jpg

Nice gun, its a shooter and so sir are you. Nice targets. thanks for the post and the report. I bet you have another 1911 very soon.:)

Thanks Rich…I knew I was doing something wrong. :rolleyes:

No problem my friend ! ;)

Congratulations,you will love the 1911 pistol.

Nice pics. Congrats.

you...will...never...be the same. As far as the loose grip, go to Lowe's or Home Depot, plumbing section, and get some rubber o rings...size 0 I think. Put the screw through them through the grip, acts like a lockwasher. It works
As far as sights, I'm thinking of switching the ones on my Wilson to the Battlesight U notch with the gold bead front.

Home Depot / Danco #96774
Standard:
#60 O-Ring
1/4" OD x 1/8" ID x 1/16"

McMaster - Carr #926K119
Metric:
1.5mm width x 3mm ID

yup, #60. Just looked in my possibles box

nice shooting sir!

Very nice! Now you are infected.

addicted. He has a pistol, not the clap :D

Nice!
 

Nice Shooting! Nice 1911! I have owned a TRP before, Very Upper End Springers! They DO like the 6 O'clock sighting at SA.
So you are Now an Addict. It will be 1911 after 1911 from now on.
You won't be able to stop. Get your hands on a Dan Wesson Valor and you'll Be able to shoot with sights that are POA=POI. I REALLY Like the Heine Sights Dan Wesson Valors come with. And I am 55+ and have old eyes
Trifocals helped Me. A LOT! :)
Congrats on a Fine 1911!

OK, Addicted! You will find allot of enablers here.

Congrats, TRP's are nice!! Great shooting too.

Nice shooting! That is a nice 1911 to start off with, congrats.

A true pistolero.......no booze problem or the clap.....

Thank you, I will add the O-Rings for sure.

Thank you all for the kind words. I would say I'm definitely addicted and possibly a little infected. :D And XBonz, you bring up a real good point, I've got no idea what took me me so damn long. I was most surprised at how much my wife liked it. When she held a Glock afterwards, she said, "Damn, this feels like a piece of shmit".