AO Review: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP – Coyote Brown Finish

Exciting news has been pouring over the internet today as Springfield Armory made the announcement that they unleashed 6 new iterations of the venerable 1911 TRP. A handgun with a legendary reputation for being a former FBI contract pistol, and now available to the general public, the 1911 TRP is known as being a Tactical Response Pistol that can moonlight as both a surgically-accurate defensive pistol as well as a crush all your friends in your local gun club’s pistol league as well. It was roughly 3 – 4 years ago that Springfield Armory’s 1911 TRP seemingly dried up. Shooters were not sure if it was softly discontinued or if COVID dramatically killed the production of this stalwart workhorse. Regardless, the 1911 TRP is back with a vengeance and we are here today to review the 1911 TRP .45 ACP in a Coyote Brown Cerakote colorway (PC9125LRCB| MSRP $1,999). Join us as we assess if this newest iteration lives up to its legendary fame, exceeds it, or potential falls short. Let’s dive in!

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Specifications: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP – Coyote Brown Cerakote

With 6 new models of the 1911 TRP debuting today, the precise vintage we will be reviewing is the 1911 TRP Rail 5” Coyote Brown .45 ACP | PC9125LRCB| MSRP $1,999. This Coyote Brown Cerakote model deploys a lot of the features and attributes that we have come to know and love with the addition of some newer traits that shooters, operators, and enthusiasts are looking for. The complete listing of specs can be read below as provided by Springfield Armory:

Cartridge: .45 ACP
Finish: Coyote Brown Cerakote®
Barrel: 5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match-Grade, 1:16″ Twist Rate
Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Coyote Brown Cerakote®
Frame: Forged Carbon Steel, Two-Piece Magwell, Coyote Brown Cerakote®
Sights: Tactical Rack 3-Dot Tritium
Recoil System: 2-Piece, National Match, Full Length Guide Rod
Grips: VZ Grips® Hydra™ G-10
Magazines: (3) 8-Round
Weight: 39.2 Oz
Length: 8.6″
Height: 5.5″
MSRP: $1,999

The foundation of our 1911’s is built upon our unwavering commitment to crafting them from the finest materials. The TRP™ 5” in Coyote Brown Cerakote® finish is built from a forged slide and frame, hand-selected for fit. The combat-driven feature set is enhanced with an accessory rail for adaptability. Typically reserved for custom firearms, the TRP features 20 line-per-inch (LPI) checkering for a firm grip as well as top slide serrations for reduced glare and faster sight alignment.

While we are checking out the Coyote Brown Cerakote 5″ model today, Springfield has gone on to craft both 5″ as well as 4.25″ models that are better suited for concealed carry. The 3 main models are Black, Coyote Brown, and Classic available in 5″ (full-size) and 4.25″ (Carry Contour) configurations. All of their names, part numbers, and associated price points can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

Geneseo, Illinois – January 18th, 2024 – Based on the Springfield Armory® Professional 1911 chosen by the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, the TRP™ family of pistols was created to deliver a premium, hard-use 1911 platform. And now, the line has been refreshed to offer six new .45 ACP models with a wide range of impressive new features.
The TRP offers fully featured platforms specifically designed and built for demanding 1911 enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from the Springfield Armory Professional 1911, TRP pistols undergo meticulous hand fitting for both form and function. And with these six new models, shooters have a modern take on a proven classic.
“The TRP has long been one of the most respected 1911 pistols not only in the Springfield line but also in the broader 1911 community,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With these new TRP variants, Springfield Armory is taking a proven classic into the 21st century.”

Field Use: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP – Coyote Brown Cerakote

So, how does the new 1911 TRP perform?… Well, I gave it the ol’ ice box test. Being as I live in Minnesota, it is absurdly cold right now and it makes for a terrific (and miserable) proving grounds for these new handguns. The day I had available to send rounds down range with this handgun it was -5°F outside with a -25°F wind chill. Quite lovely for this time of year. Even in this deplorably cold weather the pistol functioned flawlessly with zero issues.

Hammer Forged 5″ Stainless Steel Barrel – Manufactured from hammer forged stainless steel, the pistol features a match-grade 5” barrel for durability and performance
Two-Piece Magwell – The TRP™ comes with a two-piece magwell that is both extended and flared to ensure ultra-fast reloads
Hydra™ VZ Grips® – The VZ Hydra™ series brown burl grips employ an aggressive texture that provides solid purchase without being abrasive against skin or clothing

This handgun – by my estimation – deserves the moniker of being “spooky accurate.” I attempted to shoot free-standing, unsupported groups at 15 yards and got roughly 1 1/2″ groups through repeated 8-round magazines. This might sound uninspiring, but bear in mind the weather (-25°F wind chill), shooting free-hand (no bench or vice), and 15 yards is far beyond legal self-defense distances that your personal attorney would advise you to be engaging “unscrupulous characters” at. What was more impressive was when I tried a bit of run-n-gun for fun by shooting 15 yards, then sprinting laterally 15 yards, engaging the target again, and sprinting back to where I started. I would do this until a magazine was empty and with mildly rigorous activity in a balmy -5°F outside, my groups only opened up to 4″ – 5″ at best. So, slightly under duress, sprinting, and moving and I could still hold lethal groups with this former FBI contract model.

I must admit that this pistol has gripping dexterity as well yet it does not cut or “cheese grater” your hands. When my hands were essentially numb shooting it, I still had ample purchase and confidence in my ability to manipulate it at all times. To me, this is paramount. Whether it is comically cold or horrifically hot, you need to be able to command control of your firearm at all times.

Finally, I like the modern accoutrements like Tactical Rack 3-Dot Tritium sights, 20 line-per-inch (LPI) checkering, a hammer forged stainless steel, and a Picatinny rail for accessories. Whether it is for duty, home defense, serious recreation, or competition, the new 1911 TRP is methodically crafted package that will serve you well.

Final Thoughts: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP – Coyote Brown Cerakote

So, what are my final thoughts on the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP in a Coyote Brown Cerakote colorway?… Overall, my thoughts can be summed up pretty plainly: we’re glad they’re back. This is a phenomenal pistol, and if you are spending $1,000+ on a 1911 this is assuredly the best-buy that you can make. The more expensive 1911s that are truly boutique with price tags that are $3,000 – $5,000 or more do not offer more value. The 1911 TRP has always been the king in my mind, and it further cements that reputation with these newest iterations.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP in a Coyote Brown Cerakote colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP in a Coyote Brown Cerakote colorway is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy one for hunting? Take it with you camping or hiking? Deploy it for home defense? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak