Springfield Armory's latest M1911, the Emissary, is billed as blending defensive and custom pistols to create a striking .45 ACP railgun that looks great while still being very capable.
Using a forged steel barrel, slide, and frame, the Emissary sports a two-tone finish, with a blued carbon-steel slide and a stainless-steel frame with a squared trigger guard. Carrying a "Tri-Top" cut to the slide, the single-action pistol runs a bushingless heavy stainless-steel bull barrel with a one-piece full-length guide rod. For those who want texture in their grip, the Emissary is fully wrapped in a grenade-pattern texture from its slimline G10 VZ grips to the matching machining on the mainspring housing and front strap.
CHECK ALL SPRINGFIELD ARMORY PISTOLS IN STOCK
"This newest addition to the 1911 family of pistols provides an excellent option for a defensive handgun with an additional measure of refinement,” said Steve Kramer, Springfield's VP of marketing. "The modern features on this classic pistol platform make this a must-have for 1911 lovers and anyone who wants a top-of-the-line defensive pistol."
Weight is 40 ounces due to all of that forged steel and the 5-inch barrel, which features a 1:16 twist. The gun itself is 8.4 inches long. Height is a very M1911 traditional 5.25 inches. The Springfield Armory Emissary ships with two 8-round magazines and has an MSRP of $1,279.
How does it shoot? Check out these early impressions from Roy Huntington with American Handgunner, 715 Tactical, and Gun Talk Media.