Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in .45 and 9mm — New

Description

Springfield Armory has just announced the 1911 Garrison Target, and for shooters in our area who have been waiting for a no-excuses, classic 1911 built for accuracy right out of the box, this is the one. This isn’t a museum piece you’re afraid to shoot; it’s a hot salt-blued, forged steel workhorse with a fully adjustable target sight, offered in both .45 ACP and 9mm. At Columbiagunrack, we see this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target as the perfect bridge between timeless American craftsmanship and the practical demands of modern target shooting, competition, and serious range time. It’s the 1911 you buy to use, to master, and to eventually pass down.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target
• Caliber: .45 ACP (Also available in 9mm)
• Platform: Full-Size Government Model 1911
• Frame & Slide: Forged Carbon Steel
• Finish: Hot Salt Bluing
• Grips: Checkered Wood
• Sights: Dovetail Front, Fully Adjustable Target Rear
• Barrel Length: 5″ (Standard Government)
• Overall Length: 8.5″
• Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 38 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 7+1 (.45 ACP), 9+1 (9mm)
• Trigger: Series 70 Style, Match Grade

Why We’re Stocking This

We handle every gun that comes into our shop, and the moment we read the specs on this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target, we knew we had to bring it in. Our customers are tired of “almost there” guns. They want a proper 1911 with a forged frame and slide, a finish that wears with character, and real steel sights you can dial in—not another model with MIM parts and a fixed sight painted white. The hot salt bluing alone is a statement. It’s a deeper, richer, more durable finish than you see on most production guns today, and it tells you Springfield didn’t cut corners. We’re stocking the Springfield Armory Garrison Target because it represents the core values of our shop: quality, shootability, and honest value. It’s a firearm we can hand to a new 1911 owner or a seasoned competitor with equal confidence.

Furthermore, offering it in both .45 and 9mm is a smart move. It lets the traditionalist get the classic cartridge, while the practical shooter who wants softer recoil and cheaper ammo for high-volume practice or competition gets a perfect option. Having both calibers side-by-side on our shelf lets our customers make the choice that fits their mission, which is exactly how we like to do business.

Who It’s For

• The Budding USPSA or Bullseye Competitor: You need a reliable, accurate pistol with an adjustable sight to zero your preferred load. The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target gives you that competition-ready sight picture without the custom shop price tag.
• The Discerning 1911 Traditionalist: You appreciate the history and want a blued steel and walnut 1911, but you also demand modern precision. This model honors the past without being stuck in it.
• The Serious Range Enthusiast: You’re done with “good enough.” You want a pistol you can grow with, one where the limiting factor is your skill, not the gun’s capability. The adjustable sights on this Garrison Target allow for that precise feedback.
• The Heirloom-Minded Buyer: You’re looking for a durable, well-made firearm that can be a lifetime companion and a future family treasure. The forged construction and quality finish on this 1911 are built for generations.
• The Practical Defense Shooter (Who Appreciates Classics): While a fixed-sight gun might be simpler, the ability to perfectly zero defensive ammunition in this proven platform is a real advantage for the trained shooter who values a precise point of impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the adjustable rear sight sturdy enough for carry, or is it fragile?

A: This is a common and fair question. The adjustable rear sight on the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is a robust, machined steel component, not a delicate piece. It’s designed for the repeated adjustments and handling of range and competition use. While any adjustable sight has more potential points of failure than a simple fixed sight, this is a duty-grade design. For pure, hard-use carry, a fixed sight might be preferable, but for a range/competition/defense hybrid role, this sight is more than capable.

Q: How does the trigger compare to other production 1911s?

A: Springfield Armory has a strong reputation for excellent out-of-the-box 1911 triggers. The Garrison Target uses a Series 70-style firing system, which typically provides a cleaner, crisper pull than a Series 80 with its internal safety levers. Expect a clean take-up, a distinct break, and a short reset. In our experience, it will be one of the best production triggers available, ready for competition or precision shooting without immediate need for a gunsmith.

Q: Why should I choose the .45 ACP version over the 9mm?

A: It comes down to tradition versus practicality. The .45 ACP is the original chambering, offering classic ballistic performance and that iconic 1911 feel. The 9mm version provides significantly reduced recoil and lower ammunition cost, which translates to more practice and faster follow-up shots—a huge advantage in competition or extended training sessions. Both are valid choices; the Garrison Target excels in either caliber.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in .45 ACP and 9mm is now available for order through Columbiagunrack. We have secured an initial allocation of these highly anticipated pistols. If you’re ready to own a 1911 that combines heirloom-quality blued steel and wood with a modern, adjustable target sight, contact us today. We’ll get you the exact model and caliber you want, and we’ll have it ready for you to handle and inspect in person. This is the 1911 built to be shot, and we’re proud to offer it.