NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Emissary

American Rifleman Staff

posted on December 10, 2021

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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

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