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

Description

Springfield Armory has just announced the 1911 Garrison Target, and for the shooter who wants a classic, competition-ready 1911 without the custom shop price tag, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. This isn’t a rehash of an old model; it’s a focused evolution of their excellent Garrison series, now built from the ground up with a fully adjustable target rear sight. What you’re getting is a forged steel, hot salt-blued 1911 with the precise sighting system needed for serious range work or competition, all wrapped in a traditionally finished package that feels like an heirloom the moment you pick it up. At Vossarms, we believe in tools that bridge the gap between legacy craftsmanship and modern performance, and the new Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in .45 ACP is a textbook example.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target
• Caliber: .45 ACP (Also announced in 9mm)
• Platform: Government Model 1911
• Frame & Slide: Forged Carbon Steel
• Finish: Hot Salt Bluing
• Grips: Checkered Wood
• Sights: Dovetail Front, Fully Adjustable Target Rear
• Barrel: Forged, Stainless Steel, 5″ Government Length
• Trigger: Series 70 Style, Aluminum, ~4.5-5.5 lb pull (estimated)
• Safety: Grip Safety, Thumb Safety, Firing Pin Safety
• Magazine: 7-Round (Steel, w/ bumper pad)
• Overall Length: ~8.5″
• Weight: ~38 oz (unloaded)

Why We’re Stocking This

We handle every gun that comes through our shop, and when the specs for the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target landed, it was an immediate “yes.” Our customers are savvy; they appreciate the timeless design of a 1911 but often want a specific feature set without venturing into the four-figure custom market. The standard Garrison was already a hit for its honest, blued-steel build quality. This Target model answers the next logical question: “What if I want to shoot bullseye or get serious about my groups?” The inclusion of a proper, machined adjustable rear sight transforms the platform. We’re stocking the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target because it fills a perfect niche: a no-compromise, forged-steel 1911 with a competition-spec sight, offered at a price that makes sense for a shooter who values both tradition and performance.

Furthermore, the choice of .45 ACP and 9mm is smart. The .45, like this one, is the soul of the platform, and having a target-sighted version is a dream for the purist who competes. The build quality—hot salt bluing over forged steel—is something you have to see in person. It has a depth and character that modern coatings can’t replicate. This is a pistol meant to be used, maintained, and passed down, not a safe queen. It’s a working gun with an heirloom finish, and that philosophy aligns perfectly with what we try to curate here at Vossarms.

Who It’s For

• The Budding Bullseye Competitor: You’re moving past casual plinking and want a dedicated .45 ACP pistol with a precise, adjustable sight for formal target shooting.
• The 1911 Traditionalist Who Demands Precision: You love the classic lines and trigger of a Series 70-style 1911 but need the ability to dial in your point of impact for different loads or distances.
• The Shooter Seeking a “One & Done” Foundation Gun: This Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is a lifetime-quality pistol that can serve as a reliable range gun today and a potential base for custom work later, all without needing immediate upgrades.
• The Collector of Modern Classics: You recognize that Springfield Armory is defining a new standard for production 1911s, and this target model represents a significant, feature-focused iteration worth having.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target a true “Series 70” design?

A: It uses a Series 70-style firing system, meaning it lacks a firing pin block (Series 80 style). This typically provides a cleaner, crisper trigger pull right out of the box, which is a major advantage for target shooting. It does include a titanium firing pin and extra-power spring as a modern safety measure.

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

A: It’s a different philosophy. Hot salt bluing is a classic, chemical-oxidation finish that is beautiful and traditional. It requires more attentive maintenance to prevent rust and will show holster wear and handling marks over time, developing a character many shooters cherish. Modern coatings are generally more abrasion and corrosion-resistant with less upkeep. The bluing on this Garrison Target is about honoring the 1911’s heritage.

Q: Can the adjustable rear sight be swapped for a fixed combat sight later?

A: Yes, absolutely. The rear sight is installed in a standard dovetail. One of the strengths of this Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target is that it gives you the target sight upfront on a premium forged frame. If you later decide you want a fixed Novak-style sight, any competent gunsmith can make that swap, leaving you with an exceptionally well-built 1911 fitted to your exact needs.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target in .45 ACP is a definitive statement in modern production 1911s. It takes the proven, heirloom-quality foundation of the Garrison and adds the critical feature serious target shooters require. We have this new model on order and are taking reservations now. If you’re ready for a forged steel, blued 1911 built for accuracy, contact Vossarms today to secure yours. This is the .45 that bridges generations of shooting.