Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Emissary

Springfield Armory is known for its M1911 pistols, and the company has a wide range of guns in that category, running the gamut from well-built, no-frills, entry-level guns to fully custom models designed for duty or target use. In one of our latest "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segments, we look at Springfield's new Emissary line of M1911s. Watch our video above to see the details.

"One of the newest segments in the Springfield line of 1911s is the Emissary models," American Rifleman Editor In Chief Brian Sheetz said. "Now this is a .45 ACP, 5" gun. The gun is also available in 9 mm, but this particular model immediately sort of exhibits some of the differences between an Emissary and a standard 1911.

One of the most distinctive features of the Springfield Armory Emissary is the tri-top slide design, which is serrated and textured to reduce glare. Another stand-out feature of the Emissary is the squared-off trigger guard, which provides plenty of room inside for larger or gloved hands, but it can make holster compatibility a challenge.

"By the way, this gun features a forged-steel slide, a forged-steel frame and a forged barrel, so all three major components are forgings," Sheetz said. "And I think that's really a nice quality feature that Springfield provides."

Other features on the Emissary include grenade-pattern texturing not only on the G10 grips but also on the frontstrap and backstrap of the gun. A three-slot accessory rail on the dustcover makes it easy to add a light or laser. A traditional set of single-sided controls are included, along with a skeletonized hammer and a flat-face, solid-body polymer trigger.

"The sights on the Emissary are some of the best, in my opinion, that you can put on a handgun," Sheetz said. "When you go to get that gun in your hand and you're pressing out to get that sight alignment and to pick that sight alignment up, your eye sees that front sight very rapidly. You know, to use the sports analogy, you're putting that ball, that front sight, in that basket, that very distinct, white basket in the rear. It's very quick."

Currently, eight models make up the full Emissary line, comprising four two-tone guns and four all-black guns. Guns with 4.25" and 5" barrels are available, as well as options in .45 ACP and 9 mm Luger.

"Interestingly, this particular Emissary was written up for the Dope Bag section of our magazine, and the tester found that, with three different kinds of ammo, five, five shot groups, his average extreme spread was not much more than an inch," Sheetz said. "Now, at 25 yards, that makes this a really incredibly accurate 1911."

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.