By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
The Model 1911 is an enduring design retaining its popularity well past the time when most handguns have been replaced in front line service.
There are advanced models with optical sights, high capacity magazines, and features that make the pistol more modern. There is still a market for 1911s with traditional styling appearance and finish and more importantly a role for these handguns in personal defense. The 1911 offers good choices in caliber frame size and accessories.
Among these is the Springfield Garrison, attractive in that it features an appearance similar to the original military Model 1911 but with a number of improvements that enhance the shooting experience.
Details
The Garrision features the original locked breech short recoil design of the Model 1911 as designed by John Moses Browning. This handsome pistol features a swinging link attached to the barrel for lockup, and the barrel slides into locking lugs in the slide, as originally designed.
The pistol features a stainless steel barrel bushing that fits snugly but not too tight for easy field stripping. This bushing contrasts nicely with the Garrison’s dark blue finish, although stainless versions are available. The single action trigger is controllable, breaking at 5.1 pounds. This seems to be the ideal compression for most shooters in a personal defense handgun.
Among other features, the slide lock safety indents smartly. This safety is slightly extended but not like a miniature gas pedal. This seems ideal for a carry gun, as you don’t want a large safety unintentionally moving to the fire position while in the holster. The grip safety properly releases its hold on the trigger about halfway into compression. There is no speed penalty as the controls are placed so that manipulation is fast and natural.
This is a five-inch barrel Government Model length handgun with a steel frame. As such, the balance is excellent.
The Novak type 3-dot sights are especially welcome; in my opinion the standard by which all handgun sights are judged. The rear sight doesn’t snag on the draw and the post front offers a good sight picture.
The Garrison’s mainspring housing is serrated for good control. Springfield ships this pistol with slim line grips, which are slightly thinner than most 1911 grips. The package is an attractive set up for personal defense.
While other handguns might use cast frames, the Garrison’s slide and frame are forged, which I prefer when I can get it. An alternative to the Garrison, for a bit more money, is the Loaded Model. This model features forward cocking serrations, an ambidextrous safety, and is offered like the Garrison in both stainless and blue steel. It is worth the upcharge but then many of us will prefer the Garrison.
A Change in Caliber
Almost all of the 1911 handguns I have owned have been chambered for the .45 ACP. The Garrison illustrated is chambered in the popular 9mm Luger, an option that finds favor with many shooters especially in competition shoots. The 9mm is affordable and readily available in bulk ammunition boxes.
The 9mm offers modest recoil, and with some loads, wound ballistics are excellent.
The Garrison is available in both .45 ACP and 9mm. The 9mm model uses a single column magazine with a nine-round capacity. Since only one magazine is provided, I added a pair of Wilson Combat ten-round magazines to the mix. These are easily the most reliable magazines in the world. Loading is easy enough and function always reliable, and the ramped barrel aided reliability.
During the test I drew the Springfield from a Galco MasterBilt Thunderclap holster. The Thunderclap is an Avenger type holster featuring a metal reinforced belt loop that helps tightly cinch the pistol close to the body. The tunnel loop and rear loop are well designed. The Thunderclap also features a reinforced holstering welt. This prevents the holster from collapsing when the pistol is drawn and aids in easy re-holstering.
The new MasterBilt line is intended to offer a custom grade holster without a long wait time. The holster is first class in all particulars. During the test the draw proved sharp, and speed to an accurate first shot is a primary advantage of the 1911 and the Galco holster helped make this speed possible.
Firing Test
I collected a good supply of 9mm ammunition, primarily Federal American Eagle FMJ loads. The magazines were loaded and then I addressed targets at 5, 7, and 10 yards. The goal was a sharp draw and rapid engagement of the target.
I used the standard response drill which is to draw fire and get a center hit in 1.5 seconds at 10 yards aiming for faster speeds at closer range. The Garrision proved capable of this performance and a little better. The pistol is fast on target as a 1911 should be.
I could not help but notice the difference in recoil, which was lighter than that of a handgun chambered in .45 ACP. It is also much easier to use than most striker fired polymer frame handguns.
I fired more than two hundred rounds in range drills, firing fairly quickly, moving to double taps at short range and stretching the range to 15 yards. At 15 yards it isn’t difficult to make head shots on demand. A clean trigger good sights and excellent hand fit make for a smooth handling pistol.
Absolute Accuracy
The Garrison seems well fitted with little lateral movement in the slide to frame interface, thanks in part to the tight barrel bushing. I tested several defense loads in offhand fire firing off the bench rest. While recoil was increased with defense loads, the push was still pleasant and fast follow up shots not difficult at all.
I loaded the Speer 124-grain Gold Dot in both standard and +P versions and the Federal 124-grain HST. Feed reliability was good without any failures to feed chamber fire or eject. The last step was firing from a solid benchrest firing position. I took every advantage for accuracy and fired three five shot groups at 15 yards. These are the results.
Load 5 shot groups at 15 yards
Federal American Eagle 124-grain FMJ 1.25 inch.
Speer 124-grain Gold Dot 1.5 inch
Federal 124-grain HST 1.25 inch
Based on my experience, the Garrison is an exceptionally accurate handgun. If you have been wishing to own a quality 9mm 1911 it is wise to skip the foreign guns made as cheaply as possible and obtain the American made Springfield Garrision. I find the performance of the pistol illustrated good to excellent and the shooting experience very pleasant. If you desire features such as forward cocking serrations desirable step up to the Springfield Loaded.
Springfield-armory.com
Galcogunleather.com
Specifications
Trigger Single Action
Caliber 9mm
Magazine capacity 9/10
Finish Blue or stainless
Barrel Length 5 inches
Sights Novak, fixed
Weight 38 ounces
