Springfield Armory Rolls Out Limited Edition Pistol As Tribute To Sniper Chris Kyle

Springfield Armory is introducing a limited edition Chris Kyle TRP Operator as a part of the Legend Series of pistols. The company is in partnership with the Chris Kyle Foundation and the Kyle family in this special tribute to the late Navy SEALS veteran and sniper.

A portion of the sales proceeds from the Springfield TRP Operator will directly support the Chris Kyle FROG Foundation.

A little history behind Chris Kyle and the Springfield Armory

Chris trusted the Springfield Armory TRP for its reliable performance and toughness while he was in combat. He credits the TRP in his best-selling book, American Sniper, with saving his life.

“In 2004, I bought a Springfield TRP Operator, which used a .45 caliber round. It had a 1911 body style, with custom grips and a rail system that let me add a light and laser combo,” Chris wrote. “Black, it had a bull barrel and was an excellent gun – until it took a frag for me in Fallajuh. I was actually able to get it repaired – those Springfields are tough.”

Chris Kyle was murdered at a shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas, in 2013. The war veteran was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2009. Clint Eastwood directed the film’s adaptation of the veteran’s book, American Sniper.

Popularity of the Legend pistol

On May 1, 2016, Springfield Armory placed the first Legend pistol on the auction site, GunBroker.com, which won over gun enthusiasts nationwide. Their support and generosity made the pistol’s bid price jump from $500 to more than $20,000 in a short amount of time.

The tactically proven pistol is packaged in a collectible ensemble with special keepsakes including a serialized 1 of 1,000 1911 TRP; a presentation case included with the pistol; a Chris Kyle FROG Foundation commemorative coin; and a copy of American Sniper autographed by Taya Kyle, Chris’s widow.

How many TRP pistols will the company produce?

Springfield Amory will produce 1,000 TRP Legend Series pistols, which will each bear a unique serial number ranging from CK0001 through CK1000. As an added feature, the company will laser-engrave each gun that identifies its placement in the series.

A base description of the TRP

“TRP series of 1911s from Springfield Armory are serious tools for the most serious of applications,” the company explains on its site. “These tactically proven pistols are intentionally designed to work under the worst conditions you’ll encounter. You’ll find all the quality, features and performance that you need in a 1911 of this class.”

Where can you order this pistol?

According to the site’s blog, dealers across the country will soon be able to purchase these pistols from a certified Springfield Armory distributor. It’s suggested MSRP is $2,495.