Its a crisp and clean 1911 that many shooters feel is a custom-grade machine that shoots like a dream.
The 1911 TRP achieves accuracy that makes an average shooter feel like a professional.
In 2021, Springfield introduced the 1911 Emissary.
Springfield Armory offers many variations of the classic 1911 design. Here are the TRP (left) and the Emissary (right) that the author is comparing.
The1911 Emissarytook modern features on a 1911 pistol to a whole new level.
For me, the 1911 Emissary shoots as accurately as the 1911 TRP.
How about we break down and compare these two 1911 pistols?
Springfield Armory gave the Emissary a sleek, modern look complete with updated combat sights, accessory rail and great grips.
Get a Grip
The Springfield 1911 TRP has grippy 20-line-per inch checkering on the frontstrap.
The 1911 Emissarys grip is like nothing I have seen before.
Feeding the Beasts
Both the TRP and Emissary ship with two .45 ACP magazines.
With a traditional look, the TRP is a fantastic handgun with classic lines and feel.
The 1911 TRP magazines are built strong and carry seven rounds.
The 1911 Emissary ships with two eight-round MecGar magazines.
Of course, I have to choose the additional round magazines the Emissary offers.
The differences between the two 1911 pistols are apparent when comparing the slides. They have different finishes and slide shapes.
There is a twist, however.
The 1911 TRP has, what Springfield Armory calls, a blended magwell.
This is an extended and flared magwell that aids in magazine insertion.
Springfield equipped the author’s TRP with three-dot night sights while the Emissary is fitted with theU-Dot sights.
The blend also appears with the magazine baseplate and the base of the magwell creating a one-piece-looking design.
Both the TRP and Emissary have trigger weights that break at 4.25 lbs.
Now, lets get to the differences.
The grenade pattern texture used on the G10 grips of the Emissary (front) is visually distinctive and very functional. It helps to lock the pistol in the hand.
The 1911 TRP has a traditional aluminum trigger that is standard with many Springfield 1911 pistols.
Shooters love the crisp pull and short trigger reset.
The engineers at Springfield created a full-body flat trigger on the Emissary.
Both the TRP and the Emissary are excellent pistols. Choosing one over the other will come down to your specific needs and wants.
We are living in the days of a flat trigger nation, and shooters dig em.
Being that the Emissary is a modern-featured 1911, it stands to reason it uses a modern flat-faced trigger.
Both perform well; however, I am choosing the Emissary for that flat-face trigger.
It also has an ambidextrous thumb safety that suits left-handed shooters quite well.
It uses traditional angle cut slide serrations on the front and rear of the slide.
The modern Emissary slide is a work of art.
The side of the slide is a high-gloss shiny black and the top strap is matte black.
Springfield Armory calls the wide cut forward serrations and build of the slide Tri-Top.
The overall look of the Emissary slide is beautifully elegant.
Having said that, my traditional side is choosing the slide on the TRP.
I love the consistent heavy black Cerakote.
I See You
The 1911 Tactical Response Pistol is equipped with three-dot tritium night sights.
The three dots are rather small; however, they stand out well in low-light conditions.
It features a large tritium front sight with a white luminescent ring surrounding the tritium.
The rear sight has a bright U creating aU-Dot system.
It points so naturally with shots on target.
Internal Build
Both the 1911 TRP and Emissary have 5 match grade barrels.
However, the 1911 Emissary is available with shorter barrels.
The Emissary uses a bushingless bull barrel.
The 1911 TRP has a more traditional barrel system, However, theres a catch.
The 1911 TRP has a two-piece, full-length guide rod.
The 1911 Emissary has a one-piece, full-length guide.
The main difference here is the disassembly process.
Both systems work well for each 1911 pistol, but this one is a draw.
I am choosing the bull barrel Emissary because it offers reduced recoil when shooting.
I am choosing the 1911 TRP due to the simplicity of the disassembly process.
Conclusion
The 1911 Emissarys MSRP is $1,378.
With a quick search, the Emissary can be purchased between $1,100-$1,200.
The 1911 TRPs MSRP is $1,732.
The street price falls between $1,300-$1,400.
Basically, you cannot make a poor decision when going with a Springfield 1911.
The 1911 TRP and 1911 Emissary are first-class 1911 pistols.
They are both loaded with features that make range time a pleasurable experience.
In the video, I mentioned there is not a great shooting difference and I stand by that.
Both perform exactly as Springfield Armory intended them to.
I appreciate the craftsmanship and detail they each offer.
I love the 1911 Emissary and the modern features it offers.
However, the traditional side of me goes with the 1911 TRP.
I am wondering, which of these two fine 1911 pistols would you choose?
Why dont you head over to The Armory Life Forum to let us know your choice?
Go to forum thread
