To honor the legendary Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, Springfield Armory has released a limited edition 1911. The first one of the series will be available through auction at gunbroker.com. The idea for this legendary pistol came directly from Kyle’s book turned major motion picture, American Sniper:
In 2004, I brought over 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. Black, it had a bull barrel and was an excellent gun – until it took a frag for me in Fallujah. I was actually able to get it repaired – those Springfields are tough.”
Bidding on the pistol has started online, but the final hours of the auction will happen live at an NRA show in Louisville culminating with a person-to-person transfer to the buy from the original owner and Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle. The first pistol of the 1000 unit limited release was given to Taya Kyle by Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese at SHOT Show 2016. The proceeds from this sale will go directly to the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation as will a portion of all profits from the other 999 weapons in the line. Founded by Taya Kyle, CKFF honors and supports the families of first responders and armed service personnel. According to their mission statement, “Taya and the CKFF Team are dedicated to fulfilling Chris’ vision of stronger, more empowered marriages and families.”
According to the Gun Broker auction, this 1911 features the following specifications:
The Legend Series pistols feature five-inch stainless steel match grade barrels, low-profile three-dot Tritium combat sights, and black and gray G10 grips with an attractive American flag engraving. The slides are forged carbon steel with Black Nitride™ treatment for durability and corrosion resistance. A National Match full-length guide rod rounds out the 8.6-inch long government model 1911. Each pistol ships with two seven-round stainless steel magazines with slam pads.”
The pistol will be presented in a unique mahogany display case along with a copy of Kyle’s book, American Sniper, and a certificate of authenticity. The current minimum bid on this one-of-a-kind pistol is $16,050. The MSRP for the other 999 units will be around $2,500 and available for purchase after the auction.
(image source; Gun Broker)