March 4th, 2024
8:36 runtime
Springfield Armorys 1911 Garrison has become a fan favorite among 1911 owners.
Springfield Armory now offers a 1911 Garrison with a 4.25 barrel in both chamberings.
They are available in a sharp-looking hot salt blue or stainless steel.
In this head-to-head competition, the author puts two of Springfield’s finest 1911s to the test.
[Be sure to read Paul Carlsonsreview of the Springfield Armory Garrison.]
To be honest, I have trouble trying to figure out which model is more beautiful.
Both of the 1911s are stainless steel.
Against the polish flats of the slide and frame, the stainless Garrisons have a matte finish applied to the rear as well as the rounds of the top of the slide and the bottom of the frame. Note the white dot sights.
It is truly a beautiful-looking pistol.
They have forged steel slides and frames as well as match-grade barrels.
The 1911 Garrison pistols ship with thinline wood grips.
Match grade barrels and forged steel slides are standard on both guns. So is the classic 1911 styling and feel.
The thin wood grips feel great in the hand and give a traditional 1911 appearance.
This equates to a smoother and crisper trigger that is still drop-safe.
Additionally, the Garrisons use a traditional GI-style guide rod.
The author spent time with both pistols on the range when working on this 1911 showdown.
There is not a great shooting difference between a full-length guide rod and a GI-style guide.
However, most 1911 purists prefer the original parts that John Browning created.
I truly enjoy owning each and I am yet to have a failure with a 1911 Garrison.
In this Garrison vs Garrison match up, there is no loser. You get your pick of finishes and calibers at a very affordable price.
Differences
The greatest differences, and most obvious, are the caliber and the barrel/slide lengths.
If higher capacity is most important, then the 9mm is the choice.
The other noted difference is the barrel length.
Now that the 4.25 barrel is available, shooters and carriers have more options to consider.
Price Matters
The 1911 Garrison line of pistols are priced to sell.
I consider them budget priced without skimping on quality.
All of the stainless steel Garrisons, 9mm or .45 ACP, have an MSRP of $917.
The only Springfield 1911 that costs less is the 1911 Mil-Spec.
The 1911 Garrison price really shines with the hot salt blue models.
The MSRP on those is $868 across the board.
Now, that it is a price that fits the working mans budget even more.
One would be hard-pressed to get a 1911 of equal quality and beauty for that price.
Conclusion
Lets face it, the 1911 Garrisons are excellent pistols.
They perform reliably, are aesthetically pleasing, and are very accurate.
They are loaded with features and options that will give 1911 fans much to consider when choosing a pistol.
The advice I would give is to do what I did.
Pick up a 1911 Garrison in 9mm and another in .45 ACP to get the best of both worlds.
Go to forum thread
1911Garrison 4.25"
1911Garrison
