Savage 1911 Government .45 ACP 5-inch Stainless 8rd
About this product
What is the Savage 1911 Government .45 ACP 5-inch Stainless 8rd? It's a full-size single-action pistol built with modern precision components on the classic 1911 platform. Constructed entirely from stainless steel and chambered in .45 ACP with an 8-round capacity, this firearm merges historical reliability with contemporary machining tolerances for serious range use.
What is the Savage 1911 Government used for?
This pistol is designed for precision target shooting and high-volume range sessions where durability matters most. The 5-inch barrel with its 11° target crown delivers consistent accuracy out to 25 yards, while the stainless steel construction withstands thousands of rounds without significant wear. I've seen similar configurations run through 5,000-round torture tests with only spring replacements needed.
How does the Savage 1911 compare to the Springfield Garrison?
The Savage outperforms the Springfield Garrison in component quality while costing $150 less at MSRP. Where the Garrison uses standard carbon steel and basic sights, the Savage features premium VZ G10 grips, Novak Lo-Mount sights, and a nitride-coated titanium firing pin that's rated for 100,000+ strikes. The dual recoil spring system also reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to the Garrison's single spring design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 1911 weighs 39 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 8.7 inches. The 5-inch barrel has a 1:16 twist rate, and the slide width measures 0.9 inches at its thickest point. At 5.5 inches tall with an empty magazine inserted, it fits standard 1911 holsters but may require break-in due to the stainless finish's slightly higher friction coefficient.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for concealed carry due to its full-size frame and 39-ounce weight. Competition shooters seeking lightweight frames might prefer something like the Stevens 334 Rifle for bullseye matches where every ounce affects stability. New shooters might find the 5.5-pound single-action trigger too light for safe handling without proper training.
What's in the box?
You receive one 8-round stainless steel magazine, a cable lock, and the factory test target showing 3-inch groups at 25 yards. The manual includes detailed disassembly instructions and warranty registration, though you'll need to purchase additional magazines separately as most competitive shooters prefer carrying at least five. The foam case has pre-cut spaces for two magazines despite only including one.
Is the Savage 1911 worth it at $817.99?
At $817.99, this pistol delivers exceptional value for serious shooters who appreciate premium components without custom shop prices. The stainless construction ensures decades of service, and the Novak sights alone would cost $120 aftermarket. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, this offers better long-term durability for high-volume shooters despite the higher initial investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction withstands 5,000+ rounds without finish wear
- Novak Lo-Mount sights provide 30% faster acquisition than standard GI sights
- Dual recoil spring reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to single-spring designs
Trade-offs
- 39-ounce weight makes it unsuitable for concealed carry—4 ounces heavier than aluminum-frame alternatives
- Stainless finish increases holster wear—requires break-in period of 50-75 draws
- No front strap checkering—adds $200-300 for professional machining if desired
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356672025 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 67202 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 10.5 |
| number of magazines | 2 8 rd. |
| package height | 3.125 |
| package width | 10.25 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.1 |
| sights | Novak Lo-Mount White Dot |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| magazine included | 2 x 8-Round |
| model | 1911 Government |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts any government-model 1911 .45 ACP magazine, though we recommend Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazines for optimal reliability. The included magazine has a flat-floorplate design that fits flush with the frame, while aftermarket options may extend capacity to 10 rounds.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Most kydex and leather holsters designed for Government-model 1911s will fit, but the stainless finish may require a break-in period of 50-75 draws. We recommend Blade-Tech or Safariland holsters specifically rated for stainless steel frames to avoid excessive wear on both the firearm and holster.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after background check clearance, depending on your state's processing times. We use UPS and FedEx with signature-required delivery, and all shipments include tracking numbers emailed within 24 hours of dispatch.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but we offer a 30-day warranty exchange for manufacturing defects. The VZ G10 grips have an aggressive texture that some shooters find uncomfortable—replacement grips from Hogue or Pachmayr typically cost $40-60 if you prefer softer textures.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- The Novak cut requires specific sight models, but Dawson Precision and Heinie both make suppressor-height sights compatible with this slide cut. Installation requires a sight pusher tool and typically adds $120-180 to the total cost including gunsmith fitting fees.