How do you improve on a 113-year-old design that you already sell multiple variations of?
Simple: you follow the Rolling Stones’ advice and paint it black.
Springfield Armory now offers its Emissary 1911 with all-black Cerakote, grips, and hardware. It’s a more modern-looking take on the already edgy Emissary 1911 and won’t cost you anything extra.
Springfield Armory 1911 Emissary Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, single-action only
- Barrel Length: 5” or 4.25”
- Capacity: 8+1 (.45 ACAP); 9+1 (9mm)
- MSRP: $1,378
Features
- Black Cerakote finish on the frame and slide
- Grenade-texture VZ Grips
- Bull barrel
What a difference a little bit of Cerakote makes. While the two-tone 1911 Emissary has its fans, this all-black version is a game-changer. Instead of looking like something that lives in an executive’s corner office desk, this 1911 looks like it should be taking part in a secret commando raid or riding in a secret agent’s getaway car.
It has the performance to back up the good looks, too.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
In addition to the 1911 architecture we know and love, Emissary pistols get a bull barrel that promises more accuracy and less muzzle rise. The U-notch rear sight (sorry, no optic compatibility here) and 8+1 capacity stay true to older 1911s.
Its tritium front sight, accessory rail, flat-faced trigger, and super aggressive VZ Grips are modern touches that help keep the 1911 relevant as a defensive firearm, although there are certainly more tactical pistols out there.

As with all Emissary pistols, these feature a forged steel frame and slide. Take your pick from .45 ACP and 9mm. Barrel lengths come in 4.25 inches or 5 inches.
Springfield pitches the Emissary line as pistols that balance defensive needs with custom wants. This blacked-out version tips the scales in favor of a shooter’s gun rather than a collector’s. These pistols fill a role between Springfield’s duty-grade Operator and ultra-refined TRP series of 1911 pistols.
Springfield Armory lists an MSRP of $1,378 for the 1911 Emissary.
What do you think of the new Springfield Armory 1911 Emissary? Let us know below. For a more affordable option, check out our Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison review.
Leave a Reply