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First Look: Springfield Armory Emissary 1911
The new Emissary 1911 from Springfield Armory is built for defense and loaded with custom-level features.
Springfield Emissary 1911 Features:
- .45 ACP
- 5-Inch Match-Grade Bull Barrel
- U-Notch Rear Sight, Tritium Front Sight
- VZ G10 Grips
- Picatinny Rail
- Flat-Faced Trigger, Enlarged Trigger Guard
- MSRP: $1,279
While Springfield’s Hellcat and XD Compact pistols are popular CCW options today, there are those that still only trust a gun with some heft to it. Compact polymer grips might feel comfortable on the belt, but when it comes to actual fighting weapons that feel good in the hand it's hard to beat an all-steel, full-size 1911. The new Emissary 1911 from Springfield aims to bridge the gap between their duty handguns and custom shop offerings, providing high-tier features and craftsmanship in a pistol intended for serious defensive work.
Like all of Springfield’s 1911s, the Emissary’s frame and slide are made from steel forgings to ensure durability and ruggedness. The frame is stainless steel while the slide is carbon steel, combining to create an aesthetically pleasing two-tone finish. Some other features that contribute to the Emissary 1911’s custom-styled looks are the Tri-Top cut slide, squared trigger guard and grenade-pattern texture on the front and backstraps. These details don’t just give the gun extra style, they also have practical applications. The slide features lightning cuts and anti-glare serrations, the enlarged trigger guard allows for easier use with gloves and the frame texture provides for a solid grip while shooting.
Making quick, accurate hits with the Emissary 1911 should be a breeze thanks to its bushingless heavy stainless steel bull barrel, trigger and sights. The barrel was designed to reduce muzzle flip and recoil while maintaining maximum, match-grade accuracy. The flat-faced trigger, Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight and tritium front sight all work together to aid the shooter in scoring good hits with fast follow-up shots, regardless of the surrounding light level. Fast follow-up shots are possible thanks to the gun’s ultra-fast lock times which are enabled by the skeletonized hammer.
The Emissary 1911 ships with two 8-round mags, and like any modern defensive handgun it also has a rail for mounting a light or laser unit. Chambered for the original .45 ACP, the Emissary 1911 brings several useful upgrades to this classic design that help to keep it on the list of viable self-defense pistols in the 21st century.
For more on Springfield Armory, please visit springfield-armory.com.
More 1911 Pistols For Defense
- The Best 1911s For Carry
- The Wilson Combat SFX9
- The Wilson Combat Vickers Elite 1911 In 9mm
- The 1911 Carry Bantam From SDS Imports
- The Taurus 1911 Commander
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