Firearm: Springfield Armory Garrison 1911 in 9 mm (MSRP: $849)
Springfield Armory recently added a full-size, all-steel 9 mm 1911 to the company’s popular Garrison line. While, yes, the purists are going to insist that a full-size 1911 should be chambered in .45 ACP; remember the Garrison already exists for that caliber. Whether in .45 or 9 mm, the Garrison has a 5-inch barrel, 8.6-inch overall length and 5.5-inch height. The 9 mm variant is one ounce heavier, at 38 ounces, and has a 9-round magazine.
Without completely rehashing the 9-vs-45 argument that has vexed us since, well, the introduction of the .45 ACP, there are reasons why the 9 mm might be preferable to the .45 ACP. There’s no denying the decrease in felt recoil—as our Handguns editor has put it, shooting an all-steel 1911 in 9 mm is “shooting on easy mode.” Also, with literally millions of new shooters joining our ranks in the past couple years, it’s entirely possible some have standardized on 9 mm as the default pistol cartridge. Here’s a way to add the venerable 1911 to the armory without having to stock a new caliber.
Another argument, and one that has more merit in my opinion than 9 vs. 45, is why one might opt for a 38-ounce pistol with 10 rounds when something like a Glock G17 is slightly shorter, a little lighter and carries eight more rounds of ammunition. Really, it comes down to personal preference; the 1911 has a better trigger right out of the box, and the extra weight makes it more pleasant to shoot. Does that overcome the need to reload more often? That’s up to the individual.
Should you find yourself in the market for a full-size, all-steel 1911 in 9 mm, the newly released Springfield Armory Garrison is worth consideration. Low-profile, three-white-dot sights adorn the blued-steel slide; a match-grade barrel offers superlative accuracy and thin-line wooden grips give the Garrison good looks while making it easy to control. All this for an MSRP around $850? In today’s prices, that’s an excellent deal indeed.
Holster: DeSantis Speed Scabbard Holster (MSRP: $82.99)
There’s no way we could feature a full-size, all-steel 1911 in anything other than an outside-the-waistband leather holster, right? It’s tradition! DeSantis Gunhide’s Speed Scabbard holster fills the bill nicely, offering quality leather construction and two different cant options based on belt loop placement. Designed to keep the pistol pulled in tight to the body to optimize concealment, the Speed Scabbard offers screw-adjustable retention to secure your firearm.
Both cant positions are butt-forward, with one nearly vertical and one offering a more aggressive forward tilt. Personal preference and comfort level will determine which of the two positions are preferable to the end user. Practice using both positions to see which is best for you. But, remember, while the drawstroke can be practiced in the privacy of your home, be sure to follow all safety rules and be absolutely 100-percent certain the pistol is unloaded. Then, check it again just to be sure.
Accessory: Cold Steel Counter Point 1 Gunsite (MSRP: $119.99)
How on earth could we have an all-steel 1911, carried in a leather holster, and not feature the Cold Steel Counter Point 1 Gunsite folding knife? While the Gunsite version is a limited edition, the standard Counter Point 1 is still available and features the same 4-inch, spear-point blade in AUS10A steel. Cold Steel’s Griv-Ex handles offer excellent purchase, while its proprietary Tri-Ad locking mechanism keeps the blade firmly in the open position when needed.
The Counter Point 1 is a little on the thicker side, opting for scales that fill the hand for better control rather than super slim handles that carry more easily. It still fits quite easily in a pocket, with a reversible pocket clip for right- or left-pocket carry. The blade opens easily with one hand, but the locking mechanism is best used with two hands. The Counter Point 1 is super sturdy and solidly built, and should serve as a great EDC knife choice.
