Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in — .45 and 9mm

Springfield Armory has just announced the 1911 Garrison Target, and for shooters here in Kentucky who appreciate a classic 1911 built for serious accuracy, this is the news we’ve been waiting for. This isn’t a museum piece; it’s a working man’s target pistol. Springfield has taken the foundational, forged-steel Garrison model—already known for its heirloom-quality hot salt-blued finish and walnut grips—and fitted it with a fully adjustable target rear sight. This means you get the timeless look and bombproof reliability of a traditional 1911, now paired with the precise sight adjustment capability needed for competition, precision plinking, or simply squeezing every bit of accuracy out of the legendary .45 ACP platform. We’ve handled plenty of 1911s, and a configuration like this, at Springfield’s value point, is something our customers have been asking for.

Specs at a Glance

• Model: Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Platform: Full-Size Government Model 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
• Trigger: Series 70 Style, Forged Steel, ~4.5-5.5 lb pull
• Safety: Manual Thumb Safety, Grip Safety
• Magazine: 7-Round (Standard), 8-Round (Extended) Included
• Overall Length: 8.6″
• Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 38 oz

Why We’re Stocking This

At Kentucky Gun Shop, we stock firearms we believe in, ones that fill a genuine need for the shooters who walk through our door. The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is a perfect example. We’ve always carried the standard Garrison because it’s an honest, no-frills 1911 built the right way with forged steel and a proper blued finish. But we’ve had countless customers—from guys getting into USPSA Single Stack to hunters wanting a precise sidearm—ask for that same robust foundation with an adjustable sight. This new Garrison Target model answers that call directly. It’s the upgrade path built in from the factory, saving you the cost and hassle of sending a gun out for machining. Having held the prototype, the fit is exceptional for its class, and that sight is solid as a rock. We’re stocking the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target because it represents a rare combination: traditional craftsmanship applied to a modern performance task.

Who It’s For

• The Budding Competitor: Someone stepping into USPSA Single Stack or NRA Bullseye pistol who needs a reliable, accurate 1911 with adjustable sights right out of the box.
• The Precision-Minded Plinker: The shooter who derives satisfaction from tight groups at 25 yards and wants the tool to make that happen with .45 ACP.
• The Traditionalist Who Demands Utility: The 1911 purist who loves the classic blued steel and walnut look but insists on a sight system that can be dialed in for their preferred load or distance.
• The Hunter’s Sidearm: An ideal companion in the woods, where the adjustable sights allow for a perfect point-of-impact match with hard-cast defensive loads.
• The Discerning Collector/Shooter: Someone who views firearms as functional heirlooms and recognizes the value of a forged, blued 1911 with enhanced capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target just a standard Garrison with different sights?

A: Essentially, yes—and that’s the point. The core of the gun—the forged carbon steel frame and slide, the hot salt bluing, the walnut grips, the match-grade barrel—is identical to the excellent standard Garrison model. Springfield Armory has simply replaced the fixed combat rear sight with a high-quality, fully adjustable target sight. This makes it a purpose-built variant for shooters who require that specific feature without compromising on the foundational quality.

Q: Can this pistol handle a steady diet of +P ammunition?

A: The forged steel construction of the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is plenty strong for occasional +P use. However, for sustained high-volume shooting with +P loads, we always recommend consulting the manufacturer’s manual. The 1911 platform, especially in .45 ACP, was designed around standard pressure ammunition. For most target shooting and practice, standard pressure rounds are what you’ll use, and this gun is built to last a lifetime with them.

Q: Will you be getting the 9mm version of the Garrison Target as well?

A: Absolutely. Springfield Armory is releasing the 1911 Garrison Target in both .45 ACP and 9mm. We plan to stock both calibers. The 9mm model offers all the same features with the benefits of lower recoil and cheaper ammunition, making it an outstanding choice for high-volume practice and competition. Let us know which caliber you’re interested in.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is a significant release for 1911 enthusiasts. It bridges the gap between a classic fighting pistol and a modern target tool without apology. We have these pistols on order and will have them in the shop as soon as they hit the distributor. If you want to be one of the first to handle this new blend of tradition and precision, contact us now to reserve yours or get on the notification list. Come see why the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is the configured 1911 we’ve been waiting to put on our shelves.