In today’s article, Lou Renova considers the addition of red dot sights on a Springfield Armory 1911 TRP AOS. How does the classic pistol design work with modern sighting systems? The pistol used in this article was provided to the author by the company for use in this article.
When it comes to iconic handguns, the 1911 is in a league of its own. Introduced more than a century ago, the 1911 pistol has become a symbol of reliability, precision, and a true American classic. Many variations of this classic pistol have been produced, but few offer the same versatility and modern features as the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP AOS (Agency Optic System). Springfield took the beloved 1911 design and made it even more adaptable to today’s shooting world with the TRP AOS, allowing you to switch between traditional iron sights and modern red dot optics with minimal effort.
The TRP AOS isn’t just a 1911 with a slide cut for optics. It’s a full-fledged, high-performance pistol that maintains everything shooters love about the classic 1911 while introducing the flexibility of modern optics. What makes the TRP AOS stand out is that it’s built to give you the best of both worlds: a solid, traditional 1911 with excellent iron sights and an optics-ready slide for when you’re ready to embrace the precision and speed of a red dot sight.
[Don’t miss Justin Opinion’s review of the 1911 TRP AOS pistols.]
The Details
The TRP 1911 AOS is a prime example of how Springfield Armory has taken the classic 1911 design and evolved it to meet the needs of modern shooters. Built on forged frames and slides, the TRP AOS is a pistol that inspires confidence from the first time you pick it up. Its weight feels substantial and balanced in your hands, a reminder that you’re holding a true workhorse of a historic firearm.
Springfield Armory offers the TRP AOS models either in the full 5” carbon steel slide and frame version or the more compact length, forged aluminum alloy-framed 4.25” Carry Contour (CC) variant. The TRP AOS come with ambi safeties, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, forward serrations, a two-piece magwell on the 5” variant, G10 Hydra VZ grips, and 20-LPI checkering on the frontstrap to help you keep a proper firing grip.
The standout feature of the TRP AOS is the Agency Optic System, which features a precision-machined slide with an optic cut that makes it easy to mount red dot sights directly onto the gun. The system comes with interchangeable plates with integrated rear sights, so you can attach your preferred micro red dot sight — whether it’s a Trijicon RMR or another optic of your choice.
The plates are compatible with a wide range of popular optics, including patterns for the RMR, Shield, Delta Point Pro and Docter footprints. This allows you to choose the optic that works best for your needs without requiring custom work or modifications. The TRP AOS system is designed to be easy to install, giving you the flexibility to switch between optics and iron sights as your shooting preferences evolve.
But here’s where things get really interesting: the AOS system also allows you to easily remove the optic and cover the cut with a cover plate that holds your rear sight. This gives you the ability to revert to using just the iron sights whenever you prefer. It’s this combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship that sets the TRP AOS apart and makes it so appealing to shooters of all types and gives you the flexibility to grow with your handgun as technology grows, you can stay ahead of the curve.
Sighting Options: Which Is Better for You?
While many shooters are jumping on the optics train, there’s still something special about using iron sights, especially on a classic pistol like the 1911. To understand why the TRP AOS is such a versatile option, we need to dive into the benefits of both iron sights and optics, so you can understand why having the choice is so important.
Red dot optics have become a go-to choice for many shooters, and it’s easy to see why. One of the biggest advantages is speed. With traditional iron sights, you have to align the front sight, rear sight and target. While this is effective, it does take a bit of time, especially if you’re trying to engage a target quickly or in low-light conditions.
[Don’t miss Alfredo Rico’s article comparing red dot sights and iron sights for concealed carry pistols.]
Red dot sights first showed up on pistols back in the 1980s, mostly in shooting competitions. Back then, they were big, kind of clunky, and usually needed special mounts to attach them to the gun. These early red dots were really meant for rifles, but competitive shooters saw the potential. Even though they weren’t very practical for everyday use, they helped folks realize how fast and easy it was to aim with a red dot on a handgun.
Fast forward to the 2000s and 2010s, and things started to get exciting. Technology got better, and red dots started shrinking. That’s when the “micro” red dots came onto the scene. Companies like Trijicon came out with the RMR — a small, tough red dot sight made just for pistols. Suddenly, red dots weren’t just for big competition guns anymore. They could be mounted right on a carry pistol’s slide and used every day. Then, with the launch of the Hellcat OSP in 2019 and its RMSc/SMSc-cut slide, optics on EDC pistols became the norm.
In terms of precision, red dots just might have the edge. Because the dot is projected onto the glass, there’s no need for perfect alignment between the front and rear sights, which can be a challenge for some shooters, particularly under pressure. A red dot gives you a single point of reference, allowing you to focus more on the target rather than worrying about perfect sight alignment. This can lead to more accurate shots, especially for those who may not be as skilled with iron sights or for situations that demand rapid target acquisition.
In addition to speed and precision, red dots help reduce parallax error. Parallax error occurs when your eye is not perfectly aligned with the sights, causing your point of impact to shift. With a red dot sight, this issue is minimized, as the dot stays on the target regardless of your eye’s position. This makes red dots ideal for dynamic shooting, where you may need to change your position or engage multiple targets quickly and at distance.
The Case for Iron Sights
While optics offer many advantages, iron sights still have their place in the world of shooting. For one, iron sights don’t rely on batteries. Red dot optics require power to function, and while battery life can be quite long, there’s always the chance you could find yourself with a dead battery at the wrong time. Iron sights, on the other hand, are always ready to go. You never have to worry about whether or not your optic will fail — iron sights are just as reliable today as they were when they were first introduced.
Another benefit of iron sights is that they encourage a more deliberate, focused shooting technique. With iron sights, you need to align the front sight with the rear sight and the target. This forces you to slow down and really focus on your shot, which can be beneficial for improving your marksmanship over time. The process of lining up the sights and focusing on the target can help develop a shooter’s overall technique, which is especially important for beginners.
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Iron sights also offer a more “pure” shooting experience for many 1911 enthusiasts. The 1911 has been around for over a century, and for many shooters, there’s something special about firing this classic handgun with traditional iron sights. It’s part of the 1911 experience, a link to the past that modern optics can’t replace. When you shoot a 1911 with iron sights, you’re not just shooting a gun; you’re engaging with a piece of history.
Perfect Balance of Irons and Optics?
What sets the TRP 1911 AOS apart is that it doesn’t force you to choose between iron sights and optics. You get both. The iron sights on the TRP AOS are outstanding, the pistols are outfitted with tritium that make target acquisition easy, even in low light. The front sight contains a tritium vial while the rear sight is serrated to help gain faster target acquisition by reducing glare.
But when you’re ready to move to optics, the AOS system makes the transition easy. The slide is already cut for mounting a red dot sight, and the system comes with interchangeable mounting plates that let you install a variety of optics. The process is simple — just remove the cover plate, install your red dot, torque to spec and you’re good to go. It’s a quick and straightforward upgrade that lets you enjoy all the benefits of a red dot sight, without the hassle of custom work or complicated modifications.
Once you’ve installed your optic, the TRP AOS doesn’t lose its traditional 1911 charm. The grip, the weight, and the overall feel of the gun remain the same, giving you a firearm that still delivers the classic 1911 shooting experience, but with the added benefit of modern optics. If you ever decide you prefer the iron sights again, it’s as simple as removing the optic and replacing the cover plate. You’re always ready to switch back and forth, depending on what you need.
Conclusion
The TRP is more than just a 1911 with a red dot mounting system — it’s a 1911 pistol that respects the past while embracing change and progress. It’s a “future-proof 1911” if you will. Reminding us that tradition should be a guide, not a jailer.
You can enjoy the classic, reliable performance of iron sights today and switch to optics when you’re ready. There’s no need to make major modifications to your current firearm. The TRP AOS is built to adapt to your changing needs, giving you the flexibility to stay up-to-date with the latest shooting technology without sacrificing the traditional 1911 experience.
The Springfield Armory TRP 1911 AOS is the ultimate blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you want the classic feel of a 1911 with iron sights or the speed and precision of a red dot optic, the TRP AOS allows you to enjoy both options without the hassle.
It’s a 1911 pistol that can grow with you as your own shooting needs evolve and firearms technology grows exponentially. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned shooter, the Springfield Armory TRP 1911 AOS is a versatile, reliable pistol that delivers top-notch performance and is here for the long haul.
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