Low prices on the Springfield Armory 1911 Professional start at Champion Firearms.

Springfield Armory's FBI Model. When the FBI decided that it required an M1911-type pistol for its regional SWAT teams, it issued a request for procurement (RFP). The RFP was for a 5,000-unit order, but once the lucrative contract was set, any government agency would be able to buy direct from it without going through a lengthy procurement process.

There was no specific manufacturer in mind; the FBI issued what is called a “performance requirement” that simply lists specific performance standards that must be met by the successful bidder. In the case of the FBI pistol, the criteria were extremely stringent.

In addition to features found in most custom M1911s, the FBI raised the bar to standards that only the finest firearm could meet. The new pistol was required to feed almost any hollow point cartridge.

The accuracy requirement, however, was yet another requirement that bordered on the impossible. This stipulated that the pistol fire three consecutive 10-shot groups no larger than 1.5 inches at 25 yards from a Ransom Rest using service ammunition.

The pistol then had 20,000 rounds fired through it and was again tested for accuracy. No more than a 15% accuracy reduction was permitted. A single stoppage over 2,500 rounds disqualified a pistol from the competition.

Several notable manufacturers of 1911 type pistols submitted bids and test pistols, but when the testing was completed, only Springfield’s candidate met the performance criteria and the rest, as the old saying goes, is history. Springfield originally designated all pistols built to the FBI standard “Bureau Model,” but the FBI protested, so the name was changed to Professional Model.

All Professional Model pistols, whether for government issue or commercial sale, are identical and carry the serial number prefix “CRG.” The Springfield Armory FBI pistol is an unqualified success, but what makes this pistol arguably the premier production M1911in the country? Each pistol has every component fitted to the closest tolerances possible while maintaining reliability and accuracy.

Springfield Professional 1911-A1 is a hand fit, custom, full- sized .45ACP that is tuned for total reliability. The "Black T" finish provides superior corrosion resistance, even under the harshest conditions. This pistol features a custom fit 5-inch match grade fully throat barrel and a polished feed ramp.

The slide is also custom fit to a national match frame that includes a custom tool steel match hammer and sear. The gun has no sharp edges—Springfield calls this the “carry bevel” treatment—and it wears dovetail-mounted front and rear sights.

The low mount front and rear sights have tritium night sight inserts. The custom fit beavertail grip safety has a small “speed bump” and the custom fit thumb safety is ambidextrous. No danger of getting the web of your shooting hand pinched here.

The Springfield Professional's grip panels are very attractive cocobolo hardwood, nicely checkered and provide excellent traction, even for sweaty hands. The ejection port is lowered and flared, and the magazine well is very slightly beveled. The long, aluminum, match-grade speed trigger is custom tuned to 4-1/2 pounds.

Overall, the Springfield TRP Pro is considered the finest custom shop 1911 on the market, which is why the FBI and other elite government operators continue to purchase them-- even years after the contract expired. However, it is also one of the most elusive pistols on the market. Due to the fact we only receive, at most, a handful per year, please click on "Email me when back in stock" to get on our notification list.