NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Emissary

Springfield Armory’s Emissary comes from the Illinois-based maker and importer as a feature-rich yet affordable single-action pistol modeled after John Browning’s M1911 and chambered for either .45 ACP or 9 mm Luger with Government-length slides, though a Commander-size 4.25" model chambered in .45-cal. is an option for those looking for a carry-ready model.

The Emissary featured in this NRA Gun of the Week video is Springfield Armory’s full-size variant chambered in .45 ACP. The gun’s Government-length slide is made of carbon steel with a blued finish and features a match-grade stainless-steel barrel. Wide cut serrations are inlaid in the carbon steel and serrations along the tri-top slide are provided to reduce glare.

The stainless steel 5” barrel provided by Springfield utliizes a bushingless design; a full-length stainless steel guide rod comes standard. Like the company’s SA-35 High Power pistol, the Emissary harnesses operational energy from recoil. To enhance control, the gun features a machined-from-stainless-steel frame that includes grenade-type texturing and specialized stock panels from VZ Grips that includes a matching texture throughout.

There’s also a generous beavertail grip safety to help shooters assume a high hold, as well as a skeletonized hammer to speed up lock time. On the forward portion of the frame, Springfield includes Picatinny accessory rail, which also helps to mitigate recoil. Additionally, the Emissary includes a flat-faced, solid-body trigger.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn all about the Springfield Armory Emissary pistol.

Springfield Armory Emissary Specifications
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering:
 .45 ACP (9 mm Luger available)
Frame: stainless steel
Slide:
 carbon steel, blued finish
Barrel: 5" stainless steel

Sights: drift adjustable; square notch rear, fiber-optic post front
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Trigger: single-action
Stocks: VZ Grips G10
Height: 5.25"
Length: 8.4"
Weight: 40 ozs.

MSRP: $1,279