Description
Springfield Armory has just announced the 1911 Garrison Target, and for shooters who’ve been waiting for a no-excuses, American-made 1911 built for serious accuracy right out of the box, this is the one. This isn’t a museum piece you’re afraid to shoot; it’s a working pistol that brings heirloom-grade hot salt-blued steel and modern, fully adjustable target sights together. At Sarmswarehouseusa, we handle a lot of 1911s, and the specs on this new Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target tell us it’s built to bridge the gap between a classic range gun and a legitimate competition-ready platform. If you appreciate the timeless feel of a forged steel frame and slide but need the precision to dial in your shots, this .45 ACP model demands your attention.
Specs at a Glance
- Manufacturer & Model: Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Platform: Full-Size 1911
- Frame & Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Hot Salt Blued Finish
- Barrel: 5″ National Match Grade, Stainless Steel
- Sights: Dovetail Front, Fully Adjustable Target Rear
- Grips: Checkered American Walnut
- Safety: Grip Safety, Thumb Safety, Series 70 Firing System
- Magazine: 7-Round (Standard), 8-Round (Extended) Included
- Overall Length: 8.6″
- Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 38 oz
Why We’re Stocking This
We founded this shop because we’re shooters first, and we stock what we believe in. The moment we read the announcement for the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target, we knew it was a perfect fit for our shelves. Our customers consistently ask for a 1911 that doesn’t force them to choose between classic aesthetics and modern performance. The hot salt bluing is a deep, rich finish that you just don’t see on production guns anymore—it’s the real deal, and it feels incredible in the hand. More importantly, that fully adjustable rear sight is a game-changer. It means you can buy this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison, take it straight to the range with your preferred load, and zero it in yourself. No gunsmith visit required. We’re stocking it because it’s a serious tool for a serious shooter, built with a level of integrity that matches what we try to do here every day.
There’s also a trust factor with Springfield Armory. Their 1911s have a proven track record for reliability and solid construction. This new Garrison Target model takes their reliable forged foundation and adds the one feature competitive shooters and precision enthusiasts always want: adjustability. In our experience, a pistol that can be precisely tuned by its owner fosters a deeper connection and better results. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a thoughtfully upgraded workhorse, and that’s exactly the kind of firearm we want to put in our customers’ hands.
Who It’s For
- The Practical Competitor: A shooter stepping into USPSA Single Stack or Bullseye competition who needs an out-of-the-box-ready pistol with legitimate target sights.
- The Discerning Collector-Shooter: Someone who appreciates traditional blued steel and walnut but refuses to let a safe queen. This is a 1911 meant to be shot, often and well.
- The Precision .45 ACP Enthusiast: The handloader or shooter who experiments with different bullet weights and wants the ability to fine-tune point of impact for ultimate accuracy at varying distances.
- The 1911 Purist Seeking an Upgrade: An owner of a basic fixed-sight 1911 who is ready for a more capable pistol without venturing into custom-shop price territory.
- The Defensive Shooter Who Trains Seriously: While a target model, the rock-solid reliability and superb trigger of this platform make it an excellent training tool for mastering the 1911 manual of arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target a Series 70 or Series 80 design?
A: Springfield Armory utilizes a Series 70-style firing system in their 1911s, including this Garrison Target model. This means it uses a titanium firing pin and a strong firing pin spring for drop safety, eliminating the need for a internal firing pin block and its associated mechanism. Many shooters, including us, prefer this for its clean, consistent trigger pull straight from the factory.
Q: How does the hot salt bluing finish hold up compared to modern coatings like Cerakote?
A: Honestly, it’s a different philosophy. Hot salt bluing is a classic, deep chemical finish that is beautiful and provides good corrosion resistance with proper care (a light coat of oil is a must). It won’t be as abrasion-resistant as a modern ceramic coating. Think of it like a fine wood stock versus a synthetic one. The bluing on this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target will develop a honest wear character with use, which many enthusiasts cherish. If you want a bomb-proof tool finish, look to a coated model. If you want heirloom-grade beauty and tradition, this is it.
Q: Can the adjustable rear sight on the Garrison Target be swapped for a fixed combat sight later?
A: Yes, absolutely. The rear sight is mounted in a standard Novak-style dovetail cut. If you decide you want a fixed low-profile sight for carry or a different style of adjustable sight, any competent gunsmith (or a confident owner with the right tools) can make that swap. The beauty of starting with the Garrison Target is that you have the precision adjustment capability from day one.
In Stock & Ready to Ship
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in .45 ACP represents a specific and compelling value: timeless craftsmanship meets modern shootability. We have these inbound and are taking orders now to ensure you get one of the first available. If you’re ready for a 1911 that doesn’t compromise, view the product page on our site to secure yours. As always, all firearms are shipped to your local FFL for a smooth transfer. Have a question before you commit? Call the shop. We’ve handled the standard Garrison, and we can tell you firsthand why this Target model with its adjustable sights is the one to get if you’re serious about putting rounds exactly where you want them.



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