Remember when we thought chocolate and peanut butter was the perfect combination? Springfield Armory may have just come up with a new one. Their new peanut butter cup combination is a blend of the Aimpoint COA optic with three of their best-selling 1911 models; the TRP, Operator and Prodigy DS.
Aimpoint’s COA enclosed red dot optic is optimized for carry pistols. It’s designed for both slimline and standard size frames. In simple terms, the Aimpoint COA uses the A-Cut “ski boot” mount where the front “toe” of the optic dovetails into a slide cut while the rear is clamped in place. The A-Cut is one of the strongest optic mounting systems ever designed for a pistol.
One of the COA’s biggest advantages is its dimensions. It offers a large viewing window similar to the ACRO, but in a much smaller external package with lighter weight and improved peripheral vision.
The Pistols
The TRP is the closest thing to a custom single-stack 1911 without paying custom-shop prices. Features include a 5-inch match-grade barrel, 20 LPI checkering, VZ G-10 grips, 2-piece NM guide rod, forged carbon steel frame with accessory rail, magwell, slanted cocking serrations and Cerakote finish. The COA-equipped TRP ships with two 8-round magazines and is chambered in .45 ACP.
The Operator is another excellent single-stack 1911 with slightly fewer features, but the same reliability and accuracy. It includes a forged stainless match-grade barrel, VZ G-10 grips, GI recoil system, forged carbon steel frame with accessory rail, Cerakote finish and two 8-round magazines. Like the TRP, the COA-equipped Operator is available in .45 ACP.
Finally, there is the 1911 DS Prodigy. This pistol is based on the classic double-stack design developed in the early 1990s. The upgraded 4.25-inch version features a forged stainless match-grade bull barrel, full-length guide rod with reverse plug, polymer grip module, forged carbon steel frame and slide, Cerakote finish and two 18-round magazines. The Prodigy is chambered in 9mm.
All three pistols include a padded double-zipper case and the Aimpoint COA comes factory installed.
While I’m looking forward to shooting all three pistols, I’m especially interested in reviewing the 1911 DS Prodigy. The 4.25-inch configuration paired with the Aimpoint COA looks ideal for carry and serious training. I think the setup deserves a trip to Gunsite and a full week in the 250 Pistol Class.
Adding the A-Cut mount and an Aimpoint COA to the 1911 platform is one of the most significant upgrades in the platform’s 115-year history. And taking the Prodigy COA to the range is certainly healthier than eating a few peanut butter cups.
MSRPs
1911 TRP COA .45 ACP = $2424
1911 Operator COA .45 ACP = $1623
1911 DS Prodigy 4.25” COA 9mm = $1955