These beauties proved to be quite the shooters.
The guns were loaned to the author for this review.
Video review by Jeremy Tremp.
The new Emissary 1911 pistols in an all-black Cerakote finish with black nitrided barrels offers an exciting new take on this popular platform. Image: Michael Anschuetz
As with all Springfield 1911s, the bones were good.
The slides, frames and barrels were all made from forged steel.
Now, the latest Emissary 1911s can be had clad in a businesslike Cerakote finish.
The new Emissary pistols are offered in the classic .45 ACP (left) or the ever-popular 9mm (right). Image: Michael Anschuetz
Rather than muting their personality, if anything the all-black guns look even better.
The dark motif seemingly sharpens the edge on these deadly serious fighting irons.
Current models are chambered for John Brownings classic .45 ACP cartridge or the now-ubiquitous self-defense standard,9mm Luger.
The pistols are offered in a 4.25” (foreground) with a full-length dustcover and Picatinny rail strip, or a 5” model (rear). Image: Michael Anschuetz
The guns feed from single-stack detachable box magazines and come with two 8- or 9-round-capacity mags, respectively.
Add to the mix some in-demand upgrades, and the Emissarys appeal becomes evident.
However, such enhancements required the time and talents of a custom gunsmith.
Looking at the barrel assembly, here again the Emissary deviates from traditional design.
The bushingless assembly relies on heavy-profile bull barrel to engage the slide and achieve lockup.
The Emissary also uses a full-length guide rod to support the recoil spring.
Two of the most distinctive features of the Emissary are the Tri-Top cut slide and the squared triggerguard. Image: Michael Anschuetz
Doing so secures the spring so that the recoil assembly can be removed as one piece from the slide.
Moving down to the frame, some of the Emissarys vintage inspirations really come to light.
The squared triggerguard is both niche and classic it certainly recalls a specific era of custom gun builds.
The pistols feature U-Dot sights as well as 40 line-per-inch (lpi) cut serrations along the sighting plane. Image: Michael Anschuetz
The primary benefit of modern manufacturing is durability.
Speaking of, the trigger is a solid flat-faced unit and the magazine release is serrated on its face.
The rear grip safety, left-side thumb safety, and slide lock/release round out the standard 1911 controls.
The solid-bodied trigger of the Emissary pistols has a flat-face as well as serrations for improved ergonomics. Image: Michael Anschuetz
Durable Cerakote is being applied to the carbon steel slide, stainless steel frame, and stainless barrel.
For folks like me that view guns as tools first, it is a very attractive and professional appearance.
Looks arent everything, though, and the latest Emissary models also offer one functional upgrade.
The Emissary all-black pistols takedown just like the original two-tone Emissary pistols. Image: Michael Anschuetz
Tested
To wring out the new Emissaries, a brace of pistols was ordered in for evaluation.
The first was a full-size 5 Emissary in .45 ACP while the second was a 4.25 model in 9mm.
Upon opening the boxes, I gave the guns a quick wipe down and lube.
The black nitrided barrels of the Emisarry pistols feature a bushingless, bull barrel profile. Image: Michael Anschuetz
I recommend this practice for all new pistols, but especially all-metal guns.
Once the guns were ready, I was off to the range.
For one, this is a great way to use up leftover ammo from previous tests.
The Emissary pistols shot extremely well, as shown by this group with the D&L Sport .45 ACP 200-gr. GSP load. Image: Author
The Emissaries did not.
For the .45, I selectedFederal Punch 230-gr.
JHP loadand the 200-gr.
The author used a variety of ammunition brands and types when testing the pistols.
General Service Pistol (GSP) load from D&L Sports.
The averages for three, five-shot groups were excellent across the board: 1.49 and 1.3, respectively.
Not bad considering the pistols combat-style iron sights.
The pistols feature a full-length guide rod for improved performance and function. An included tool is employed for disassembly of it. Image: Michael Anschuetz
In 9mm, I tested the Emissary with Armscor 124-gr.
FMJ, Winchester Defend 147-gr.
JHP, andRemington High Terminal Performance (HTP) 115-gr.
Group sizes were a bit larger, averaging 1.91, 1.86, and 1.69, respectively.
Moving on to defensive drills, I really started to find my groove with the smaller pistol.
Dont get me wrong, the full-size .45 is a fine example of the breed.
But, the 4.25 9mm was special.
with an empty magazine, the smaller Emissary really is a tank.
I ran Bill Drills, Failure Drills, and otherpistol drillsuntil the ammo started running low.
It was a heck of a good time.
Overall, I was impressed by both the build quality and the downrange performance of my test pistols.
So, while I appreciated the Emissarys characteristics, the original styling was a touch showy for my taste.
The new black finish, on the other hand, really speaks to me.
The guns now offer both the capability and appearance I expect from professional-grade lifesaving tools.
To prevail in situations dark and dire, I wouldnt hesitate to rely on the all-black Emissary 1911.
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