As an American almost 50 years old (!) I grew up admiring the 1911. I've had a few, and sold a few. Before the other day, my current inventory was a CZ 1911A1 (532 of 1000) which is an outstanding A1 GI pistol, a Springfield EMP4 Carry Bobtail, and a Springfield Mil Spec Stainless that has been a test bed for various mods and upgrades.

Over the years I have a good idea of what I like in a 1911. Classic look and finish, with the basic essential upgrades - beavertail, commander hammer, better sights. I've thought about getting a Series 70 Colt, but damn if the fit and finish just isn't right on every one I've seen.

Then a few days ago I found a Springfield Garrison in polished/satin blue. It's a classic 1911 in a classic finish, but with Novak sights, beavertail, flat MSH, and an extended single sided safety. And this one has the tightest slide to frame fit and barrel lockup I've seen on anything south of a $3K+ semi-custom. Overall it's way nicer than the <$800 price. So I bought it. Only issue is the trigger is a bit heavy and I prefer an ambi safety, but those are easy mods. Seriously this thing looks and feels like a Les Baer. Maybe some of Les's guys went across the river from Iowa back to Illinois and are moonlighting at Springfield.

Only thing is the silly name and the South Park references from the LGS guys. "Mr. Garrison! You go to HELL, you go to HELL and you DIE"

I look forward to a range report. I've been interested in the Garrison but have yet to see one in person.

I like the Garrison. It's almost everything I'd want in a 1911 (just missing front-strap checkering), and nothing I don't. I bought a Loaded a few years back, although I didn't care for the full-length guide rod, ambi-safety, or front slide serrations. I replaced the safety and guide rod, but I'm stuck with the front slide serrations. It's still a great gun, and I don't plan on getting rid of it...but if the Garrison had been available at the time I'd have bought it instead.

The only actual problem I experienced with my Loaded was that it shot like 6" high at 15 yards. Springfield sent me a shorter rear sight for free, and I replaced it. I'm still not sure if SA was trying to set the gun up for some kind of gooofy 6 O'clock hold, or if mine just got the wrong rear sight, but it hits POA/POI now. I'll be curious to hear if yours hits to point-of-aim with the factory sights.

I have put a lot of rounds through that gun and it's still running strong. I recently got a hankering to replaced all the MIM parts with forged parts from EGW and Harrison Designs, just because, but I never had any problems with the factory parts.

Congrats on the purchase...I think you'll be very happy with it!

Preach it brother...............

https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...935/m/8160069684/p/1

I just ordered a blued Garrison myself. Thanks for the review.