NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Emissary

by
posted on December 10, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

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.

left side hangun pistol two-tone black silver text on image noting "Springfield Armory Emissary"

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.

right side quartering view pistol handgun black silver

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.

black silver gun pistol handgun bottom view trigger grip frame stainless steel

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.

man wearing black shirt gray hat earmuffs glasses gun shooting target range pistol hangun

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

Latest

Icarry Taurus TX9 Compact 1
Icarry Taurus TX9 Compact 1

I Carry: Taurus TX9 Compact in a Galco Holster

In our latest "I Carry" segment, we pair the new Taurus TX9 Compact with a leather Stow-N-Go holster from Galco, Inc. This compact, concealed-carry kit is rounded out with an Xolotl automatic knife produced by CRKT.

The Armed Citizen® March 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Canik USA MC9 Prime

Canik USA built out its concealed-carry handgun lineup with the MC9 Prime, which is a larger, yet still slim, CCW gun that sits in the same category as other upsized micro-compacts.

U.S. Army Awards Mossberg Contract for Additional 590A1 Pump-Action Shotguns

The U.S. Army has awarded O.F. Mossberg & Sons a contract for approximately $11.6 million dollars to supply the U.S. Army with additional Mossberg 590A1 pump-action shotguns.

250 Years of the U.S. Army: Bolt-Actions & Semi-Automatics on the Battlefield

In just a few decades, the U.S. Army would see itself go from a single-shot, blackpowder design in the form of the Trapdoor Springfield to a modern, semi-automatic fighting rifle in the M1 Garand.

Modernized & Economical Muzzleloaders: The CVA Optima XP & XP-SB

CVA's longest-lasting muzzleloader design, the Optima, has been updated in 2026 with "modern ergonomics and modularity."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.