Sidearms & Scatterguns Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

5RWill

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  • Oct 15, 2009
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    I'm looking at the SA MC operator for my first pistol. We have a S&W 9mm at the house but i've always wanted a 1911. Reviews for the MC so far have been good. Just wanted to get everyone's opinion.

    Its between the SA MC operator or a Colt Rail gun.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    Springfield has the nicest factory built 1911s in the business IMO and their customer service is second to none. The mc model is fairly hard to come by tho unless you already have one sourced. The lightweight operator is easier to find just any fyi.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I'm on my phone and can't check that link but I will later. As for the MC usually the ones you see pop up on gunbroker are over pric ed for example. I wouldn't pay more than 1050 tops new. Usually the lw operator co.es in for under 1k new. Anything more its makes better sense to for the trp value wise. I was looming for a mc prior to buying my trp operator since i had planned on having some work done. But i have since sold the trp in favor of ordering a professional model.

    If you have any specific questions shoot me a pm.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    Springfield 1911's are some of the best factory 1911's. I especially appreciate not having an "extra" safety system (firing pin safety).

    I love my MC Operator and think it is a reasonably priced option.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    Is it true that the base Springfield's are made & assembled in Brazil but the higher up models like the MC operator, TRP, etc. are made here in america?
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it true that the base Springfield's are made & assembled in Brazil but the higher up models like the MC operator, TRP, etc. are made here in america? </div></div>

    MC Operator is not a "higher up" model and is most likely not assembled in the USA. I believe it is in the "loaded" part of the lineup, which, while offering a nice bundle of features for not much more money, the fit is no better than the cheaper guns.

    TRP & Professional = assembled in America.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I assumed due to price that it was around the same class as the TRP. Just looked at prices it's around a 500$ difference.

    To be clear though all parts are manufactured Brazil? Just curious.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it true that the base Springfield's are made & assembled in Brazil but the higher up models like the MC operator, TRP, etc. are made here in america? </div></div>

    MC Operator is not a "higher up" model and is most likely not assembled in the USA. I believe it is in the "loaded" part of the lineup, which, while offering a nice bundle of features for not much more money, the fit is no better than the cheaper guns.

    TRP & Professional = assembled in America. </div></div>

    Almost 100% right, although the MC Operator is a "loaded" model it is not one of the loaded models that is made in Brazil.

    Easy way to find out if your springer is a USA Made one is by the serial number.

    WW & N prefix = Brazil ( all ww guns, some milspec & standard loaded models)
    NM & CRG prefix = Final machineing and fitting done in USA on Brazil Forgings ( MC Operators, TRPs, ETC, PROS)
    LW & EMP Prefix- These are also USA assembled, not to sure where the frames come from but I if I Read/remember correctly the frames are USA as well. ( these are all of your aluminum frame guns)
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I have a MC Operator and a TRP Operator.

    I got both used but the MC Operator has a tighter fit than the TRP. Mine is the older style with the end of the dust cover cut square, not angled like the newer ones. Both NM prefix, production dates in 01 and 03 IIRC.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine was stamped 'Brazil" right under the grips; don't know where it was assembled. </div></div>

    If you have a NM prefix then it was assembled here in the USA. The forging come from Brazil and are stamped as such.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hunter121</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it true that the base Springfield's are made & assembled in Brazil but the higher up models like the MC operator, TRP, etc. are made here in america? </div></div>

    MC Operator is not a "higher up" model and is most likely not assembled in the USA. I believe it is in the "loaded" part of the lineup, which, while offering a nice bundle of features for not much more money, the fit is no better than the cheaper guns.

    TRP & Professional = assembled in America. </div></div>

    Almost 100% right, although the MC Operator is a "loaded" model it is not one of the loaded models that is made in Brazil.

    Easy way to find out if your springer is a USA Made one is by the serial number.

    WW & N prefix = Brazil ( all ww guns, some milspec & standard loaded models)
    NM & CRG prefix = Final machineing and fitting done in USA on Brazil Forgings ( MC Operators, TRPs, ETC, PROS)
    LW & EMP Prefix- These are also USA assembled, not to sure where the frames come from but I if I Read/remember correctly the frames are USA as well. ( these are all of your aluminum frame guns) </div></div>

    Thanks. The only Springfield I have is the EMP, which is, based on the fit, obviously made in America.

    The Springfields that are assembled in Brazil are noticeably sloppier.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Newguy2k3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a MC Operator and a TRP Operator.

    I got both used but the MC Operator has a tighter fit than the TRP. Mine is the older style with the end of the dust cover cut square, not angled like the newer ones. Both NM prefix, production dates in 01 and 03 IIRC.</div></div>

    I read the MC operator had a "tight fit" how do you like yours?
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Newguy2k3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a MC Operator and a TRP Operator.

    I got both used but the MC Operator has a tighter fit than the TRP. Mine is the older style with the end of the dust cover cut square, not angled like the newer ones. Both NM prefix, production dates in 01 and 03 IIRC.</div></div>

    I read the MC operator had a "tight fit" how do you like yours? </div></div>

    Mine is one of my favorite handguns to shoot and accurate as anything else I have.

    If I had to get rid of one it would likely be the TRP. The only thing it gives up to the TRP is the 3.5(trp) vs 4.5lb trigger and I really like the front strap checkering on the TRP.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I ordered a professional last year . And should be in anytime now. My TRP is a blast to shoot, very accurate as well with my reloads. I'm very excited to get the Pro soon!
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Newguy2k3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

    Mine is one of my favorite handguns to shoot and accurate as anything else I have.

    If I had to get rid of one it would likely be the TRP. The only thing it gives up to the TRP is the 3.5(trp) vs 4.5lb trigger and I really like the front strap checkering on the TRP.</div></div>

    Reliability wise no problems either?
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    Good to hear i emailed springfield about sending mine (whenever i get it) in for a refinish on the lower. They said it would only be around 80$ plus shipping and handling. Not bad. Ought to look great all black as well.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    Found a picture of what it looks like with an all black armory coat i like it much more like this.

    109.jpg
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I would go with the MC. I have been torn between what 1911 I want. I have made up my mind between a TRP, then a Baer, then Wilson, looked at a Nighthawk but for my needs I think that I am going to go with the TRP run the shit out of it and then someday buy my dream gun. However I might just go full custom like a Volkmann or hopefully Bob Miller will be building them again by then.....
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    If i had the time and money to drop and was on my second 1911 it would be between wilson and nighthawk, then go full custom sometime after that. Since it's my first pistol, and 1911 i've stuck with the MC. I've also given though to the TRP many times. I like the TRP alot, just dislike the sights and the fact it runs a full length guide rod. The fact that the MC operator is around 300$ or so on average cheaper, has the near same aesthetics when all black, and has a GI guide rod and recoil plug sealed my decision. There is still one standing problem though the MC is indeed hard to find. Gotta get around to talking to my smith to see if he could contact springfield and just get it made Black or get one and then let them go ahead and apply the 80$ refinish on it.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    The Springfield MC Operator is a great choice. I have 2 TRPs (one full-rail operator, one standard) and also a loaded and an EMP. They have been very reliable and I have dealt with the custom shop a few times for some modifications and they do wonderful work.

    The MC Operator is only available in the two tone OD/Black. There was one LEO agency in California that ordered a special run of "Long Beach" Operators which were all black armory kote.

    I prefer the checkering on the front strap for a better grip, thus I got the TRPs (also my loaded and EMP have both been checkered).

    Compared to some of the higher end semi-custom manufacturers the Loaded Operator and TRPs fair very well IMHO. I also have a Les Baer which is definitely the tightest fit of my 1911s. For the money you cant go wrong with the higher end production Springfields or any of the Baers.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I read about the "long beach" operator but i figured i'd be easier to just get a regular and send it to the custom shop for a refinish.
     
    Re: Springfield's 1911 MC "operator"

    I Just got the email back from sales@springfield armory and the MC is said to be manufactured in U.S. all she said was manufactured though there was no detailed explanation.


    "This model is of US manufacture." was the response i got.