5 Springfield Garrison Problems and Solutions

I spent some hundred dollars on the Springfield Garrison a few months ago to test how it performs in the field.

The Springfield Garrison is a functional pistol you can own at a remarkably affordable price.

My Garrison ran perfectly until I put 180 rounds through it, and it failed to feed. Moreover, I encountered extract issues, a weak recoil spring, a tight slide, and surface rust.

This article compiles various Springfield Garrison problems and how to fix them.

Here are Springfield Garrison problems and solutions

It’s no secret; anyone who has been in competitive shooting tournaments long enough knows Springfield Garrison is a gem. The gun is reliable, accurate, and well put together.

As much as we love it, Springfield has perpetual problems if not maintained well.

Problem	Solution
Failure to feed	Strictly use Springfield magazines and clean your gun
Extraction issues	Send the gun back to Springfield for a checkup
Weak recoil spring	Replace the recoil spring
Tight slide	Return it to the manufacturer for modification
Surface rust	Oil your gun

1. Failure to feed

My experience with Springfield Garrison has been superb, and I decently fired 180 ammo through it without any problem. But it was unfortunate to see it jam a ton when I used different ammunition.

Considering how effective the gun has been all that time, I never gave it a thought until it failed to feed (FTF). It was so frustrating – a setback I never anticipated during my shooting test at the range.

Frankly speaking, this problem interrupted my shooting session, made me feel unsafe, and damaged my confidence immediately. 

If you encounter this problem, remember to cease firing. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, too, as you examine the cause. 

Solution 

Feeding is a common malfunction in semi-automatic firearms. I realized that one cause of this problem was the type of ammunition I was using. 

Springfield Garrison models are picky about the type of ammunition they will feed. The company recommends that you use the correct ammunition.

I used the same technique to fix feeding issues, one of the Glock 19X problems I found lately.

Most shooters have 30-06 Springfield ammo in rifles for many years. Today, the cartridge remains popular among sportsmen like competitive shooters. Using it will address the feeding problem.

I then disassembled everything smoothly – and discovered a damaged feed ramp. Be mindful that the feed ramp is the part of the gun that guides the cartridge into the chamber. 

The first thing was to take my gun to a gunsmith for repair. Dirt was another thing that hindered the working of a feed ramp. So, cleaning your gun should be routine.

2. Extraction issues

Let’s discuss the next problem I experienced with the Springfield Garisson: extraction issues. This refers to difficulties encountered when removing a spent casing from the firearm’s chamber. 

Picture this: you line up your sights, squeeze the trigger, and then… nothing. The spent cartridge stubbornly clings to the chamber, refusing to make a timely exit.

This extraction hiccup interrupts the flow of your shooting practices, which introduces an unwelcome element of uncertainty. This was one of the Stoeger M3000 problems I ran into as well. 

The leading cause of this problem is the weak extractor. It may struggle to grip the casing firmly if worn or improperly adjusted.

Insufficient tension on the extractor can cause extraction issues. It should provide enough force to hold onto the casing reliably but not excessively.

Solution

Despite following proper cleaning and maintenance procedures, the extraction issues persisted. I decided to send it back to the manufacturer for refitting. 

Springfield had my pistol for several days and returned it to me with the issue addressed. I am thankful they took care of this pistol. I would give Springfield two thumbs up. 

The gun is now in top condition. It can combat every enemy that comes by, be it a wolf or bear. It’s good to note that some solutions require expert hands. 

3. Weak recoil spring

The other annoying issue I ran into was the recoil spring. The recoil spring is responsible for absorbing and controlling the rearward movement of the slide after you fire the weapon. 

A weak recoil spring was my next roadblock. The recoil spring fails to adequately absorb the recoil energy, leading to increased felt recoil. 

This made my Garrison harder to handle and negatively impacted accuracy. The recoil spring was also not strong enough to fully cycle the slide. So, my gun didn’t feed and extract as I expected. 

Solution

At this point, I needed a quick but long-term solution. I had a couple of options to consider, and in this case, I contacted the manufacturer to acquire a new recoil spring.

What followed was the disassembling of my gun. I swapped out the old, problematic recoil spring for a new one. 

After replacement, the gun fired the same way as a new one. If any part isn’t working properly, the best decision is to get a new one. 

Note that you should follow manufacturer instructions to ensure safety when modifying firearm components. 

4. Tight slide 

Tight slide is an issue that’s probably blatant enough to notice. Not just me, but many Springfield Garrison owners have reported that their gun’s slide seems odd. 

The slide and frame were too tight that I didn’t believe the gun would cycle correctly if fired. The tightness impedes the slide’s movement during the cycling process. 

This may also result in failures to feed, extract, or eject rounds in a manner it should, leading to potential stoppages.

Even worse, a tight slide creates excess friction between the slide and the frame. That means your gun’s components will wear over a short time. 

Solution

Luckily, I managed to fix the issue on my own by applying some lapping compound to the rails and hand-cycling the slide about a hundred times while watching a war movie.

I also tried pushing down on the barrel hood while attempting to rack the slide.

This thing can’t make Springfield Garrison out of the factory, but they should consider some modifications. 

5. Surface rust

Shout out to Springfield Garrison’s great fit and finish. But surface rust is an underrated issue with this firearm. 

While guns can be susceptible to surface rust if they are not properly protected, Garrison isn’t an exception. 

The rust is pretty much normal for guns if you don’t remove the grips occasionally and lightly oil under them.

Solution

I have been reluctant when it comes to maintaining my gun regularly. The metal surfaces can develop rust if your gun is not properly cleaned and oiled. 

This can occur on the exterior of the gun, as well as on internal components if they become affected by moisture.

These days I usually clean it after use. Applying a protective layer of gun oil or a rust-preventative product on the metal surfaces can help inhibit rust formation. 

Why should you choose Springfield despite these problems? 

On the better side, the Springfield Garrison is a well-regarded firearm, known for its reliability, quality craftsmanship, and performance. 

While the choice of a firearm ultimately depends on specific needs, here are a few reasons why Springfield Garrison stands out over other models: 

• Reputation. Springfield Armory has a longstanding history of producing reliable firearms since 1777. This provides confidence in the usage of the Springfield Garrison.
• Quality. The materials used in construction are of high quality. The gun undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its durability and longevity. The attention to detail in the design contributes to its overall quality.
• Ergonomics. The manufacturer designs the gun with ergonomics to provide a comfortable natural grip. This enhances accuracy, making it a preferred choice for many shooters.
• Performance. The Garrison is built for a purpose: top-end performance on the field. The firearm produces a smooth trigger pull, appealing to those looking for a dependable firearm.
• Customer support. I like Springfield Armory’s excellent customer support. Thanks to their strong warranty program, which also provides peace of mind to the gun owner.

However, it’s essential to evaluate different firearms. Choose the right firearm based on your requirements.

FAQs

How much does the Springfield Garrison cost?

Springfield Armory 1911 garrison has a favorable price that’s hard to ignore. Just $754.99, and it becomes yours. 

Where are Springfield guns made?

Springfield Armory, a top firearm manufacturer, has a facility in Geneseo, Illinois, producing guns.

What is the difference between Springfield Garrison and Loaded?

The Garrison and Loaded guns are a bit different. The Garrison has safety features for left- and right-handed users, and its sights are also designed for easy use by both. 

Another difference is in how you cock the gun: the Garrison only has grooves at the back for cocking, while the Loaded has them both at the back and the front.