SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 GARRISON
Posted May 19, 2023
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is the perfect example of what an optimal condition handgun should be. It is a reliable and well-built firearm that will stand up to hard use and still look good.
The 1911 Garrison has an excellent finish, which is both aesthetically pleasing and well suited for added protection in harsh conditions. It features a stainless steel frame which is milled out of a solid block of bar stock, and is highly corrosion and scratch resistant. This solid construction is what makes the 1911 Garrison so reliable in adverse conditions.
The barrel is 5” long and features a stainless steel full-length guide rod. The frame is grooved to accept the guide rod, and the guide rod is not left exposed, which reduces the risk of it becoming damaged during use. This is a feature that is not commonly found on other handguns. The trigger guard also has a slight undercut which aids in gripping the gun securely and comfortably.
The trigger pull on the 1911 Garrison is clean and crisp, having an average pull rate of about five and a half pounds. This alone adds to the accuracy potential of the gun. The sights are three-dot, adjustable for windage and elevation, and are very visible in daylight situations. The gun also features a lowered and flared ejection port and an extended beavertail for added protection from hammer bite.
Moving onto the internals, the 1911 Garrison has a full-length steel recoil spring, rather than the traditional polymer one, ensuring reliable operation even in the harshest environments. The gun also comes with a full-length guide rod and two recoil springs for additional reliability. The extractor is also made of good quality steel and has proven itself to be very reliable.
The magazine is an eight-round stainless steel unit with a strong spring inside. The magazines are also marked for identification and the feed lips have a slight angled cut which aids in feeding reliability. The magazine release is a thumb-lever style which, along with the ambidextrous safety, make this a left and right handed shooter’s dream.
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison also has an ergonomic and durable plastic grip. The grip has a good texture which allows the user to gain a secure hold. It also features a thumb safety, which is in the traditional position, as well as an extended ambidextrous safety for left and right hand shooters.
The 1911 Garrison also features a smooth slide stop and a beavertail grip safety. The beavertail help reduces hammer bite and aids in depressing the grip safety. The pistol also has a skeletonized hammer for a smooth trigger pull.
Overall, the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is a reliable and robust handgun. It is one of the most accurate handguns on the market and is well suited for tactical or self defense applications. The gun is well made, highly reliable, and the combination of features make it ideal for both range use and defensive applications. Highly recommended.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable, high-quality 1911 construction for precision accuracy.
-Features a full-length hand fit slide and frame for increased precision.
-Full-length beavertail and standard barrel bushing for consistent accuracy.
-Lightweight aluminum alloy frame provides a more comfortable shooting experience.
-Short, crisp trigger pull allows for fast, accurate shooting.
-Textured frame and slide for improved grip.
Cons:
-Expensive for a 1911.
-Only available in 45 ACP.
-No external safety, which may be an issue for some shooters.
-Only three factory magazines are included with purchase.
-Barrel bushing and front sight are non-adjustable.
-Minimal side and top beveling on slide can cause muzzle flip.
Who Should Buy
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison should be purchased by consumers who need a reliable and accurate pistol for self-defense, target shooting or hunting purposes. It should not be purchased by consumers who are looking for a budget-friendly pistol, as this model is one of the more expensive 1911s on the market. Additionally, the 1911 Garrison should not be purchased by consumers who are looking for a compact pistol as the full-size frame of the 1911 Garrison must be accommodated.
Comparisons
| Specifications | Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison | Sig Sauer 1911 Spartan Full Size | Colt XSE | Rock Island GI Standard | Remington 1911 R1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grip and Frame | G10, VZ Grips | Alloy Frame, Custom Wood Grips | Aluminum Frame, Checkered Wood Grips | Steel Frame, Checkered Wood Grips | Steel Frame, Double Diamond Cocobolo Grips |
| Finish | Blackwood Cerakote | Duracoat Finish | Matte Stainless | Parkerized Finish | Blued Finish |
| Sights | Novak Style Plain 3-Dot | SIGLITE Night Sights | Novak Style Low Mount Carry Sights | Fix V-notch Rear Sight & Blade Front Sight | Adjustable Target Sights |
| Slide | Forged Stainless Steel | Forged Carbon Steel | Forged Stainless Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Trigger | 4.5-5 lbs. | Short Reset Trigger (SRT) | Short Reset Trigger (SRT) | Combat Hammer | Skeletonized |
| Mag Capacity | 8+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 7+1 |
| MSRP | $1,010 | $957 | $1,039 | $570 | $636 |
Features / Specs
• .45 ACP Caliber
• Stainless Steel Construction
• Satin Finish
• Match Grade 5” Stainless Steel Barrel
• Low Profile Combat-Style Sights
• Standard GI Style Safety Lock
• Long Trigger & Thin G-10 Grips
• Single-Slot Lanyard Loop
• Slide-Stop Lever & Extractor
• 8+1 Round Capacity
Popular Accessories
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- Grip Panels- enhancing ergonomics while increasing the aesthetic value of the pistol.
- Replacement Slide Stop Lever- improves enhanced accuracy and the looks of the pistol.
- Extended Mag Release- provides smoother, faster reloads.
- Match Grade Barrel- improved accuracy and performance.
- Hammer and Trigger-provides a better trigger pull and overall performance.
- Recoil Spring Guide and Plug- replaces the factory recoil spring guide to reduce muzzle flip.
- Low-Profile Magwell- provides an increased grip area and quick reloads.
- Match Grade Sights- providing enhanced target acquisition and accuracy.
- Trigger Job Kit- improves the trigger pull and safety of the 1911 Garrison.
- Safeties- adds an extra layer of safety when carrying the handgun.
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is renowned for its accuracy and reliability. The legendary 1911 design is renowned to be one of the most accurate firearms ever made, and the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison takes that to the next level. The gun features an extended slide and a trigger that has a crisp break and reset which results in increased accuracy and shooter confidence. The barrel of the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is match grade and designed to produce precise accuracy. With a match grade barrel, target sights, and a match grade trigger, the accuracy of this firearm is extremely impressive. The accuracy and reliability of the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison make it one of the most sought after 1911 variants available.
