[farscott]

Kimber is believed to be first with the TLE/RL in 2001. SIG introduced the GSR in 2004.

 

[farscott]

Not sure I agree with Kimber. Springfield started selling the Professional (with or without rail) in 1998 and the TRP in 2001. Kimber was pretty early, but I believe Springfield got there first.

The Professional with a rail was introduced well after 2001. In 2006, the FBI started the transition to the Professional Light Rail model. The first "Operator" I saw was in 2003.

 

[farscott]

I owned a TRP Operator with full dust cover (and rail) in 2001. Heavy gun, but strangely one I wish I'd hung onto.

Thanks for that information. I never saw one until 2003 when I ordered my first Pro.