September 25th, 2023
7:40 runtime
There has been a growing demand for 1911s chambered in 9mm.
Shooters enjoy the additional rounds in the magazine as well as the ease of shooting.
Firing 9mm rounds from a full-size steel frame handgun feels like shooting a .22 LR.
Springfield Armory Operator (left) vs. Garrison (right). These two 9mm 1911 pistols offer a lot of features, but they have their own distinctive advantages. Which would you choose?
Springfield Armory met this growing demand with several of their 1911 handguns.
This review features a comparison between the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison 9mm and the 1911 Operator 9mm.
There are several similarities and differences with these two 1911s.
There are clear similarities between the Garrison (left) and Operator (right) 1911 pistols. The author details these in this article and the video above.
Let us begin with similarities the 1911 Garrison and 1911 Operator have in common.
[Dont miss Paul CarlsonsSpringfield Armory Garrison 1911 Review.]
How Are the Operator and Garrison Similar?
There are a range of differences between the Garrison and Operator. While both are top-notch guns, there is also a clear price difference.
Both of these 1911 pistols are built with the best construction.
Each is equipped with a G.I.-style guide rod and they both shoot incredibly well.
single-action trigger pull, I had no problem ringing steel with each of these 1911s.
The stainless Garrison pistol (left) has more traditional checkering with classic grips. The Operator uses modern checkering with grips made ofrugged G-10.
I cannot honestly say that one shoots better or is more accurate than the other.
Although they have varying personalities, both the 1911 Garrison and the 1911 Operator are smooth and accurate shooters.
They each weigh between 4042 ounces, which equates to reduced muzzle rise and quick target acquisition.
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two pistols is the finish used. The Operator has a black Cerakote finish while the Garrison sports traditional stainless (or blued) steel.
Looking for accuracy you say?
Check out either of these and you will be thoroughly satisfied.
[Get more information on the Operator in Mike MillsSpringfield Operator 1911 Review.]
Pricing Differences
The Springfield 1911 Garrisons MSRP is $917 for the stainless 1911.
They produce a blued model that is about $50 less.
The Springfield 1911 Operators MSRP is $1,184.
However, the additional modern features support the price increase over the Garrison.
For example, both 1911s use nine-round 9mm magazines.
The 1911 Garrison offers one flush-fitting magazine in the case.
The 1911 Operator ships with two nine-round 9mm mags with bumper basepads.
Another example is the grips.
The Garrison ships with thin woodgrain grips that have the Springfield Cross Cannon logo engraved.
It has a classy look on the stainless steel 1911.
Both sets of grips suit their 1911 just fine.
However, I am a G-10 guy so the Operator grips do it for me.
The sights on the Operator are superior to the Garrison.
The Operator has wider cut serrations engraved in both the rear and front of the slide.
The Garrison uses thin-cut rear slide serrations.
Both the rail and ambi thumb safeties are absent on the Garrison, hence its lower price.
Both the Garrison and Operator have flat mainspring housings.
The Garrisons mainspring housing is textured with a traditional 20 line-per-inch.
This is where the 1911 Garrison shines literally.
The slide flats on the Garrison feature a vivid mirror-like polish of the stainless steel.
Its beautiful, to say the least.
The slide topstrap and frame are matte-finished stainless steel.
If this was a beauty contest, the 1911 Garrison would take first place for me.
By contrast, the 1911 Operators slide and frame are Cerakoted black.
I believe that Cerakote is an incredibly strong and durable firearm finish.
The tan/green G-10 grips with the deep black Cerakote frame look as tough as Rambo wielding a huge knife.
[Be sure to readCommon Coatings and Finishes for Modern Guns.]
I enjoy the additional modern features, which I feel justify the increased price.
However, thats just my preference.
As I mentioned earlier, I did not notice a difference when shooting.
Both 1911s performed like a well-oiled machine with supercharged fuel.
I would feel confident putting up my shooting skills in a competition with either of these fine shooting 1911s.
What can I say?
They are both Springfield Armory 1911s.
That basically means you cannot go wrong with either 1911 pistol.
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