June 15th, 2022
6minute read
Ive handled a lot of 1911 pistols over the years.
Many of them have been factory guns, while a significant number have been from smaller, custom shops.
When done right, a 1911-style handgun is a thing of pure joy.
When done wrong, the pistols are nothing more than an ineffective boat anchor.
The fourth Emissary, a 4.25 pistol chambered in 9mm, is sitting next to me on the desk.
Its the newest addition to the line and I daresay its my favorite so far.
Let me tell you a little about it.
The Perfect CCW 1911?
I dont have any display guns.
Nor do I own any barbecue guns that are dragged out just for show when company comes around.
That doesnt mean I dont appreciate a high-end custom firearm.
Its just that guns with a more practical purpose attract my attention and my dollars.
That is one of the reasons why I like the new 1911 Emissary 4.25 9mm pistol.
It is a practical handgun, but one that Springfield Armory decided to also make remarkable.
The result is a 9mm 1911 that might just be perfect for concealed carry.
First, this is a more compact pistol than thelarger 5 Emissary guns.
It has a 4.25 barrel with a commander-length recoil system.
Additionally, the length reduction aids in concealment when carrying outside the waistband.
Second, the fit on this gun feels so incredibly precise.
It is on par with the best custom 1911 pistols I have shot.
Likewise, the cosmetics of the Emissary 4.25 9mm are beautiful.
The bluing on the slide is rich with an almost jet-black color similar to polished obsidian.
The sights are true combat sights.
Getting a solid grip on this pistol is easy.
Its comfortable, yet highly grippable.
Springfield Armory includes a pair of 9-round magazines that are fitted with base pads.
Reliability was 100% with five different loads two FMJ target loads and a trio of self-defense hollowpoints.
Recoil was even milder than I anticipated.
While the gun is not a featherweight, neither is it a chunky beast.
Nevertheless, the recoil from even high-pressure loads was very tame.
Combined with the grip texture, the weight made controlling the pistol during shooting a breeze.
As with most guns, the machine is capable of more accuracy than I am.
Id shoot five rounds and then measure the best three, center to center.
All three hollowpoint loads shot groups of less than 0.75 at this distance.
The best of the bunch is the highly respected Federal HST.
Three bullets made a single misshapen hole just off the center X that measured under 0.4.
Ammunition Performance
As delivered, the gun felt a touch tight.
The more I shot, the more it seemed to loosen up though accuracy and reliability were impressive throughout.
Throughout my time testing it, the pistol met and exceeded every one of my expectations.
The fit and finish are impeccable, while the performance was superb.
I stand by that claim.
Springfield Armory assigned a suggested retail price of $1,349 to this Emissary.
