GENESEO, IL (05/18/2016) – Calling all interested collectors: the auction of the first of only 1000 Springfield Armory® Chris Kyle Legend Series 1911 TRP™ pistols, will culminate in live bidding at the NRA Annual Meetings in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 21 at 3PM (Eastern) at Springfield Armory booth #5823.
The auction on GunBroker.com has been building momentum since its launch on May 1 and, as of today, has a high bid over $17,500.
On Saturday, May 21 at 3PM, with Taya Kyle in attendance, a live auctioneer will begin entertaining bids at the Springfield Armory booth. Both onsite and online bidders will be able to bid until the auction ends. Online bidders should note that the scheduled ending time of 3PM is approximate and is subject to change due to live bidding at the booth. The 15-minute rule will be replaced by a live auctioneer at the event site.
Those wishing to participate in the live bidding should come to the Springfield Armory booth at 2PM on Saturday, May 21 to secure a bidding number and paddle.
Immediately following the close of the auction, Springfield Armory® President and CEO, Dennis Reese will present Taya Kyle with a check for the full amount of the pistol’s sale price. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
View the live auction on GunBroker.com at: http://www.gunbroker.com/Item/554032581
About the Springfield Armory® Chris Kyle Legend Series 1911 TRP™
In cooperation with the Chris Kyle Foundation and the Chris Kyle family to honor the spirit of “American Sniper” and Navy Seal Chris Kyle, Springfield Amory® has produced 1,000 TRP™ Legend Series pistols. Each has a unique serial number laser-engraved on it, ranging from CK0001 through CK1000. Separately, the company will laser engrave each pistol identifying its placement in the series.
The Legend Series pistols will come packaged in a custom and also serialized mahogany presentation case. Additionally, a memorial copy of the best-selling book, American Sniper, signed by Taya Kyle will accompany the package. The attractive presentation case also includes a .999 pure silver Chris Kyle limited edition challenge coin and a Springfield Armory® certificate of authenticity. The MSRP of the Legend TRP™ commemorative edition pistol is $2,499, with a portion of the proceeds from each pistol sold benefitting the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
About Chris Kyle’s Connection With the 1911 TRPTM
While in combat, Chris chose the Springfield Armory TRP™ for its reliable performance and toughness. In his words in best-selling book, American Sniper, he tells how that TRP™ may have saved his life.
"In 2004, I brought over a Springfield [Armory] 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."
— Chris Kyle, American Sniper
The first pistol in the Legend Series was presented to Chris Kyle’s wife, Taya Kyle, by Springfield Armory® CEO Dennis Reese at a ceremony during the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. She immediately announced her intention to auction this one-of-a-kind pistol, with all proceeds to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
Team Springfield™ will also be on-hand at the booth to present the newest members of the Team as well as hold live demonstrations of the latest Springfield Armory® products to meeting attendees. Presentations will be held Friday, May 20, at 3:30pm and Saturday, May 21, at 1:00pm.
About the Legend Series 1911 TRP™ Pistol
The Legend Series pistols will come packaged in a custom, serialized mahogany presentation case. Additionally, a memorial copy of the best-selling book, American Sniper, signed by Taya Kyle, will accompany the package. The presentation case also includes a .999 pure silver Chris Kyle limited edition challenge coin and a Springfield Armory® certificate of authenticity.
About the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
The Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (chriskylefrogfoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving military and first responders through meaningful, interactive experiences that enrich family relationships. Founded and led by Taya Kyle, Chris’s wife, the foundation is entrusted to shepherd a community where the successes and struggles of these families can be shared. Its programs and partners reflect the service excellence that these individuals and families provide in service to their communities and country.
About Springfield Armory®
“The First Name in American Firearms,” Springfield Armory® was founded in 1777, when George Washington ordered the creation of an armory to store ammunition and gun carriages during the American Revolution. In 1794, the armory began to manufacture muskets and spent the next 150 years supplying firearms for every major American conflict. The original armory closed in 1968. In 1974, the Reese family took ownership of the Springfield Armory® name and began making the M1A™ rifle. Today, Springfield Armory® develops many products loyal to the company’s heritage, like the 1911 pistol, while ensuring its future with innovative products, including the XD®, XD® Mod.2™ XD(M)® and XD-S® polymer pistols.