Description

Springfield Armory has just announced the 1911 Garrison Target, and for the Knoxville shooter who appreciates the timeless 1911 platform but demands modern precision, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. This isn’t just another 1911; it’s a purpose-built evolution of the classic Garrison, now featuring a fully adjustable target rear sight, offered in both .45 ACP and 9mm. It brings heirloom-quality hot salt-blued steel and genuine wood grips together with a competition-ready sighting system, creating a pistol that’s as at home on the range as it is in the safe. At Firearms Alabama, we see this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target as the perfect bridge between classic American craftsmanship and the needs of today’s serious marksman.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target
• Caliber: .45 ACP (Also available in 9mm)
• Action: Single Action, Semi-Automatic
• Frame & Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Hot Salt Blued Finish
• Sights: Dovetail Front, Fully Adjustable Target Rear
• Grips: Checkered Wood
• Barrel Length: 5″ (Government Model)
• Overall Length: 8.6″
• Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 38 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 7 Rounds (.45 ACP), 9 Rounds (9mm)
• Safety: Grip Safety, Thumb Safety, Series 70 Firing System

Why We’re Stocking This

We handle a lot of 1911s here at the shop, and the moment we read the specs on the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target, we knew it was a must-have for our shelves. The standard Garrison has been a phenomenal value—a no-frills, forged-steel 1911 done right. This Target model takes that rock-solid foundation and adds the one feature our customers ask for most when they want to shoot tighter groups: a proper, high-quality adjustable sight. Springfield didn’t cut corners; this is a serious sight for making precise windage and elevation adjustments, not an afterthought. Combining that with the gorgeous, durable hot salt bluing and real wood means you’re getting a pistol that feels substantial, looks incredible, and is built to be shot for a lifetime. We’re stocking the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target because it answers a real need for a truly shootable, accurate, and classic 1911 without a custom-shop price tag.

Who It’s For

• The Practical Marksman: You love the 1911 platform and shoot it regularly. You want to wring out every bit of accuracy it has to offer, and a fixed sight just won’t cut it for your range sessions.
• The Budding Competitor: You’re dipping your toes into local USPSA Single Stack or NRA Bullseye matches. The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target gives you the essential adjustable sight you need to compete, on a proven and reliable platform.
• The Discerning Collector/Shooter: You appreciate traditional finishing like hot salt bluing and wood, but you don’t want a safe queen. This is a pistol you’ll proudly show off and then confidently take to the range to prove its worth.
• The 1911 Purist Seeking an Upgrade: You own a basic GI-style 1911 and are ready to step up to a more capable pistol without losing the classic soul of the design. The Garrison Target is that logical, significant upgrade.
• The Hunter Needing a Sidearm: For those in our area who hunt, a precise .45 ACP pistol like this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target makes for a formidable and reliable backup in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Essentially, yes—and that’s its genius. It retains all the forged steel construction, superb trigger, and classic fit and finish of the standard Garrison. The upgrade to the fully adjustable target rear sight is a focused, meaningful change that transforms it from a general-purpose pistol to a precision-oriented tool. It’s the exact modification many owners would make themselves, done at the factory.

Q: How does the hot salt blued finish hold up compared to modern coatings like Cerakote?

A: It’s a different philosophy. Modern coatings are incredibly tough and corrosion-resistant. Hot salt bluing is a traditional, beautiful finish that wears with character. It requires a bit more care to prevent rust, but many shooters, including us, feel the deep, rich luster and classic look are worth it. It’s part of the heirloom quality Springfield mentions. Think of it like a well-maintained wood stock on a fine rifle—it shows you use and care for your tools.

Q: Why would I choose the 9mm version of a 1911 Garrison Target over the .45?

A: It comes down to application and cost. The 9mm version offers significantly lower recoil, making it an outstanding platform for extended practice, competition, or introducing new shooters to the 1911. Ammunition is also less expensive, so you can shoot more for the same budget. You sacrifice some of the classic “punch” of the .45, but you gain shootability. Both are excellent choices; it depends on your primary goal for the pistol.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is exactly the kind of firearm we built our business around: thoughtfully designed, impeccably built, and offering real value. We have both the .45 ACP and 9mm models on order and will have them in the shop, in hand, for you to inspect as soon as they land. If you’re in Knoxville or anywhere in Tennessee and have been waiting for a classic 1911 built for modern accuracy, your wait is over. Contact Firearms Alabama today to get on the list for the new Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target. Let’s put this exceptional pistol in your hands.