SPRINGFIELD ARMORY GARRISON
Posted Jun 14, 2023
1911-A1
The Springfield Armory Garrison 1911-A1 has earned its place as an elite pistol in the shooting community since its introduction in 1945. The original 1911-A1 was designed by Col. John Browning who was hired by the War Department to produce a new military service pistol to replace the antiquated .45 Colt revolver. During the two decades of American involvement in World War 2 and subsequent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, the dependable Garrison has been in service in some capacity by ever branch of the United States military.
The 1911-A1 is manufactured in Geneseo, Illinois, by Springfield Armory, Inc., and consists of a massive 70 slide mated to a carbon steel frame. The pistol is a classic single action design with a wide, checkered grip and a beavertail grip safety on the rear of the frame. The barrel is 4.25” in length and rifled with 6 grooves with a right hand twist. It comes with a 2-dot combat tactical fixed sight, and the gun is chambered for the .45 ACP with an 8 round capacity.
The gun has numerous safety systems and has an extended ambidextrous thumb safety as well as an internal firing pin safety. It also feature a trigger safety, and a grip safety. The thumb safety is strong and is easily operable with a left or right handed grip. Another feature is the inclusion of a skeletonized aluminum trigger which provides a smooth pull on each shot.
The construction and finishing of the Garrison are above average for a mass produced pistol. The frame and slide are forged carbon steel with a blued finish, which gives it a classic look. Every part of the pistol is finished to a high standard and looks great. In addition to the blued finish, many of the parts are also available in stainless steel.
The 1911-A1 is well balanced and comfortable to shoot. The grip is nicely contoured to fit the hand, and the beavertail grip safety is effective. The extended thumb safety and long trigger make the gun controllable and highly accurate, even when firing rapid fire strings of shots.
The 1911-A1 is the Cadillac of defensive handguns. It has all the features and reliability of the classic 1911 but it is also comfortable to shoot and packed with modern features. The trigger pull is smooth and consistent, and the recoil is surprisingly manageable. As a result, it is an ideal gun for personal protection or recreational target shooting.
The reliability of the 1911-A1 is excellent and its durability is uncompromising. Many of the pistols are over eighty years old, yet continue to perform as if they had just rolled off the assembly line. Like its other siblings in the family of defensive handguns, the 1911-A1 offers a high level of accuracy for its size and weight. With its long sight radius and limited recoil, it is a highly popular choice for both law enforcement and civilian use.
The 1911-A1 is not a cheap gun, but then it should not be expected to be. This is a premium grade pistol, built to exacting standards and with the highest level of attention to detail. There are other 1911-style pistols on the market that are of equal quality, but none offer the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail found in the Garrison 1911-A1.
The 1911-A1 is an iconic weapon that carries with it a well-deserved reputation for reliability and accuracy. This is a gun that will last a lifetime and will never let its owner down. With its classic good looks and tried and tested design, the 1911-A1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable pistol that is built to last.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable and accurate
-Well built construction
-Full metal construction
-Lightweight and easy to carry
-Features night sights for low light situations
-Comfortable grip for both right and left handed shooters
Cons:
-Expensive compared to some other handguns
-Grip is not as ergonomic as some other comparable handguns
-The design is not as visually appealing as some other handguns
-Only available in a few calibers
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for an inexpensive but reliable handgun should consider the Springfield Armory Garrison. Those who are looking for a weapon that is intended for self-defense purposes or law enforcement may want to look elsewhere, as this pistol may not offer the level of accuracy and precision needed for such tasks.
Comparisons
| SPRINGFIELD ARMORY GARRISON | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Operating System | Single Action | Single Action | Single Action | Short Stroke Gas Piston |
| Magazine Capacity | 7+1 Rounds | 7+1 Rounds | 9+1 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Recoil System | Dual Spring Recoil System | Recoil Reduction System | Recoil Reduction System | Adjustable Proprietary HK |
| Sights | Adjustable Iron Sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights | Fixed Battlesights | MIL-STD 1913 Rail System |
| Trigger Pull | 4-5 lbs | 3 - 3.5 lbs | 3 - 3.5 lbs | 7.8 - 8.5 lbs |
| Frame | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
| Grip | Polymer | Hogue® Wraparound Rubber | G10 Grip Panels | Polymer |
| Barrel Length | 5.0 inches | 5.0 inches | 5.0 inches | 14.5 inches |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Magazine Capacity: 6+1
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Weight (unloaded): 33 ounces
• Overall Length: 7.75 inches
• Finish: Black Armory Coat
• Sights: Adjustable 3-Dot Combat
• Grips: Beavertail grip safety
Popular Accessories
1911?
- Extra Magazines
- Grips (Grip Panels)
- Holsters
- Trigger Kits
- Guide Rods/Recoil Springs
- Rails and Mounts
- Extended Thumb Safety Kits
- Grip Safeties
- Match Barrels
- Tactical Sights, Lasers and Lights
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory Garrison is a reliable and accurate firearm. It features an adjustable rear sight which makes accurate aiming possible even in low light conditions. The 20” heavy barrel and target grade polygonal rifling ensure tight groups and consistent performance with a variety of ammunition. With a trigger pull of 3.5-4.0 lbs, the Garrison precision target rifle practically eliminates any potential for user error. On the range it can produce consistent 1-inch groups at 100 yards given proper technique. All in all, the Springfield Armory Garrison precision target rifle is an excellent choice for serious shooters who want accuracy and reliability.
