The first that really caught my attention was theRonin, followed up by theEmissary, and now the Garrison.
And in my opinion, these very distinctive names do a good job of individualizing these very appealing guns.
As a noun, the word Garrison can mean a permanent military installation.
I certainly think this can apply to the 1911.
And if you need proof of that, just look at all the variations Springfield Armory alone is offering.
Springfield Armory took that concept to heart with the release of the Garrison.
Where It Counts
At its heart, the Garrison is a 1911.
But beyond that, its also a beautifully crafted handgun.
Before we consider those upgrades, lets first focus on the basics.
The Garrison is a full-size 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.
This is exactly what I expect from Springfield Armory.
I was immediately impressed with the pistol barrels lock-up.
This is a production gun with a production gun price, but it feels like a custom pistol.
Under the barrel is a G.I.-style recoil system, which is simple and reliable.
During theforging process, steel is heated and then struck with great pressure over and over.
This leads to parts that are stronger and extremely durable, offering rugged durability to the steel.
The quality of the work on the Garrison is impressive.
The forged frame is richly blued, and the rounds have a smooth, matte finish.
In contrast, the flats are consistently polished to a sheen that grabs your attention.
The front of the frames grip is smooth, with that velvety bead-blasted finish I mentioned.
The mainspring housing features checkering which, along with the checkered grips, enhances your purchase on the pistol.
The Garrisons forged slide is a perfect match for the forged frame.
Bead blasted rounds and polished slabs provide a visually appealing 1911.
The slide has rear cocking serrations that are functional and crisply cut.
I dont have to have forward serrations on the slide, but I wouldnt complain if they were there.
I really like the bead-blasted finish on the rear of the slide.
The finish is just right to look good and reduce glare at the same time.
The quality of a barrel has a significant impact on the quality of a firearm, in my opinion.
But it doesnt take long for you to realize the Garrison is enhanced with a significant number of features.
For the most part, these upgrades are solid and practical enhancements that help to improve the Garrison.
Lets take a look at the upgrades, from top to bottom.
The Garrisons sights are a significant upgrade over the standard G.I.
sights, which usually consist of a diminutive blade and notch.
Instead, the Garrison has a set of highly visible low-profile three-dot sights.
The sights are sort of a Goldilocks set-up in that they are just right.
The front is wide enough to be easily picked up, but fine enough for precision shots.
Three dots are there for additional information if you want it.
Quick work with a Sharpie marker is always an option if you dont.
The skeletonized hammer of the Garrison is a nice addition to the appearance of the pistol.
For most of us mortals the skeletonized hammer just looks sexy.
Matching up with that rowel-style hammer is an extended beavertail safety.
A memory bump the grip safety ensures full engagement as you grip the pistol.
In my opinion, an extended safety lever is an important part of any serious 1911.
To help ensure proper safety manipulation, my thumb lives on that safety.
The Garrisons safety does it well.
The blaster is chambered in .45 ACP and shoots just like it should.
recoil system effectively tame the 45s push.
The extended thumb safety helps keep the muzzle flat.
The sights do their part and tell you exactly where your shot is going to go.
The trigger was impressive.
There was little pre-travel or overtravel and zero creep.
The break was smooth and crisp.
I like it a lot.
Before I measured the trigger, I guessed it was pressing at about 3.5 pounds.
By a pound and a half.
The trigger averaged out at 5 lbs., 8 oz.
Clearly, this is a clean and crisp trigger on the Garrison.
Trigger weight matters, but in my opinion, the quality of the trigger matters more.
Obviously, the Garrison is a winner in the trigger department.
Springfield struck a beautiful balance with the Garrison, in my opinion.
But, I have not mentioned one of the most important features of the Garrison its MSRP.
The blued gun has an MSRP of just $800, and the stainless $849.
And those upgrades Id like to see?
you’re free to choose more seven-rounders, flush-fitting eight-rounders with slam pad, or even extended 10-rounders.
Regardless of your end use, the Garrison deserves to become a permanent installation in your collection of 1911s.
Go to forum thread
