When the FBI Hostage Rescue Team started looking for a new pistol, they turned to Springfield. The pistol that emerged from that project was the TRP (Tactical Response Pistol).  It established the performance and feature set required of a modern, hard-use 1911. Inspired by that collaboration, the TRP was developed to deliver the features and performance of the FBI’s custom pistol in the semi-custom category. Soon after its introduction, the TRP became a legend in its own right. The TRP has been a staple for serious shooters for years, and many have wondered if anything could be done to improve it. Springfield took up that challenge and has released the new Springfield TRP AOS 1911.

Improvement on Excellence – The Springfield TRP AOS 1911

The TRP became an entire line for Springfield. Before today, they offered nine different models. Drawing inspiration from the Springfield Armory Professional 1911, TRP pistols undergo meticulous hand fitting for both form and function. Whether you seek classic simplicity, light-bearing versatility, or a 4.25-inch model with a Carry Contour, each Tactical Response Pistol is built to the same exacting standards, focusing on premium quality and reliability. Now, the TRP is available in 9mm for the first time.

The model I received for testing had a good-looking Coyote Brown Cerakote finish. The bobbed portion of the frame reduces potential printing while maintaining a comfortable grip. Now enhanced with the Agency Optic System (AOS), the TRP supports various popular optics. Each AOS plate integrates a black serrated rear sight that ensures optimal optic height and an intuitive sight picture, enabling visible co-witnessing in nearly all configurations.

Forged Design

The TRP is built from a legacy of performance. The foundation of Sprinfields 1911s is their commitment to crafting them from the finest materials. TRP pistols are no exception. The forging process produces a superior firearm with rugged durability—and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

The TRP is not simply spit out by a faceless machine. Each pistol begins with a forged frame and slide for strength and durability. For enhanced precision, each pair is hand-selected for slide-to-frame fit and numbered to marry them with their matching components throughout the build process. The result is a premium fit with refined blending and rock-solid performance.

As mentioned, the new TRP is available in an optics-ready configuration using the Agency Optic System (AOS). Developed in collaboration with Agency Arms, AOS employs a series of plates with an integrated rear sight, compatible with a wide range of today’s most popular optics, including RMR, Shield, Delta Point Pro, and Docter footprints. The pistol comes complete with a series of plates in the box. No need to search for aftermarket options to mount your favorite optics. If you choose to go without optics, the TRP is outfitted with a tritium three-dot sight system. The front sight contains a single tritium vial, while the rear sight contains two and is serrated for reduced glare and fast target acquisition.

Springfield TRP AOS – 20 DPI Checkering

Digging down on the gun, you will see some nice features. First up we have frontstrap checkering. Cut directly into both the forged frame and mainspring housing, the checkering is measured at 20 lines per inch (LPI) and offers excellent grip with either wet or gloved hands. Typically reserved for custom firearms, this time-intensive process is one of the defining features of the TRP. Another feature that helps with grip is the Hydar-VZ grips. Springfield Armory tapped VZ Grips and their combat-ready Hydra series for this pistol. The deep relief channels provide aggressive purchase without being overly sharp while exposing the layers and patterns of the G-10 material.

Operation-wise, the new TRP has an ambi thumb safety. This makes it easy to engage on both the strong side and the weak side. The gun also has a skeletonized hammer. This design reduces weight and speeds up lock time. For better control and to enhance the manual of operations, the TRP comes with forward slide serrations for ease of use. They are cut deep enough to allow good purchase when manipulating the gun.

All TRP pistols feature finely cut sighting plane serrations along the top of the slide, providing an additional touch of custom detail. The result is not only attractive and expertly executed but also offers the shooter an enhanced sight picture and maximum light diffusion. This feature is an example of the attention to real-world detail Springfield put into this gun.

Excellent Trigger

The heart of any gun, especially 1911’s, is the trigger. All TRP pistols feature the Springfield Gen 2 Speed Trigger. It combines improved performance as well as impressive looks. The trigger is fit precisely into the gun and has no wiggle or play.

The model I got for testing was the carry contour model. The slim profile of the 1911 TRP is now complemented by a custom-inspired Carry Contour frame crafted from lightweight, forged aluminum alloy. The bobbed portion of the frame reduces potential printing while maintaining a full, comfortable grip.

On the Range

On the range, the gun was everything that I expected and more. I have spent extensive time on the original TRP, one of my favorites. At 27 ounces, the gun has enough heft to soak up the 9mm recoil. I found it to be fast and accurate. For testing, I mounted a Trijicon RMR HD using the plates provided. It was a quick and easy installation, and the plates are secure. Ammo-wise, I ran a variety of brands and loads. These included Hornady 115gr Critical Defense, Federal 124gr American Eagle, and Black Hills 115gr JHP. I also ran some less-than-stellar ammo that you would usually avoid in a nice gun like this. The result was the same. The gun never flinched or had feeding issues.

Springfield TRP AOS

The carry contour model was a very comfortable EDC for me. There are no harsh edges on the gun, and the boobed frame helps to eliminate printing. While some may opt for a microblaster, I am a fan of larger guns. The TRP is an excellent gun for concealed carry and would serve you well for a long time. Springfield did a great job with the newest addition to the TRP line. Like many of you, I have become committed to optics on my defensive handguns. The new TRP AOS checks all the boxes to be one of the best fighting handguns on the market.

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