I have handled one but could not get over the way the grip felt, so I never bought one. If I found one for a really good price I would buy it strip it for parts and sell the frame on gunbroker.

 

I had a 9 mm version, couldn't warm up to it so, I traded it. Something about the looks and the feel, just can't put my finger on it.

 

I have one in .45. Given the bull barrel, the rail, and full length guide rod, it is very soft shooting. I also like the sights very much. It has been reliable and accurate. Very pleased.

 

I had one in 9mm and it was a solid gun. Just didn't like the styling or weight for carry. It went down the road.

 

I own a Garrison and a Milspec Compact. I've handled an Emissary, Operator, Ronin, and TRP. All in their newer line examples. I would only guess the Emissary will be a soft shooter no matter the Caliber. The question in my mind with the newer lines. A bit of paint mostly Aesthetic features tend to be the model SA is going for. I applaud bringing to bear AOS. It is finally a wise move. The TRP Commander Bob'd was very impressive. The feature set on all these vs. the price point is a sticking point for me. There is something to the weight on a Bull Barrel example that I can't figure out at the counter. They have to be shot to understand. I'm negatively biased about MIM and Cerakote finishes on pistols over $1k. I would look for a used one to offset cost and determine if its a keeper and if further updates would need to be made. But Hey, If you like that new car smell and the deal is right, Go for it.

 

I had a 5" Emissary in 9mm, admittedly an impulse buy. I liked the bull barrel, thin grip, etc. well fitted, soft shooting, reliable "mostly". The square trigger guard complicates finding a holster that will fit. After a few hundred rounds, extraction became unreliable. I removed the extractor, cleaned it, extractor tunnel, checked adjustment, reinstalled; no improvement. Sent it back to Springfield; no improvement. Installed an Ed Brown extractor; 100% reliable afterwards. But ultimately, it's an odd duck. I didn't keep mine..

 

It's a cool pistol, very stylish. But, none of the supposed enhancements really enhance anything. It's a solid pistol, but it's honestly a bit of style over substance. Stylish though.

 

I bought one in 9mm. Upon arrival, it was so rough that the slide would literally hang up on the disconnector. 8 plus lb trigger. Wouldn't pass the "plunk" test with the first three brands of new ammo I had at hand. I have several S/A 1911's including a Prodigy and this one was by far the worst right out of the box. I contacted Customer Service, got a call tag and sent it back. Kudos to C/S as they addressed the concerns and sent back in about 12 days. Still haven't fired it but all the things that triggered my concerns are gone.

 

The Emmisary is so ugly it went to the proctologist and the doctor stuck his finger in its mouth!

 

Thats funny . When I first saw It , I was thinking the same thing on the 2 tone .
Then I saw the Black 4.25 inch with the full rail and it changed my mind .Taste
are taste's everyone see's things different . The pistol has some really good
standard options . Obviously a couple of different styles . The all black full size
makes all the rough edges kind of blend in better . Its a pistol I'd like to put some
Trigger time behind .

 

I have two of them, so obviously I like them very much. I had a third one in the commander, but a friend talked me out ouf it.

I have a 9 mm and 45, both in gubmint models.

Having been a 1911 lover for 40 years, I have accumulated quite a few of them, many are semi custom and custom.

The Emissary has features that your pay extra for on semi custom guns, so I feel that they are a great value.

Having said that, they are not for everyone. I like the frag grip strap because it grips so well. This can be too much for some guys. The frag grips work great too, again, too much for some. Also the grips are thin grips. Some guys don’t like thin grips. I am fine with them.

I love square trigger guards, many don’t. I like the tri cut slide and serrations, very functional.

The rear sight is a U-notch, so it is more for fast acquisition rather than precision like a square notch. Same goes for the the big day glow tritium front sight.

I am probably in the minority because the gun is so different, and I have plenty of others.

I think the gun has a very fair retail price because of such customization, however, it is a steal right now at current internet prices. The last few months I have seen them going for $799. At that price how can you go wrong?

 

I have the all black 2025 model, full rail and AOS plate for optics. I love how soft it shoots 45 acp. The only con for me is lack of holsters on the market.

 

I have the all black 2025 model, full rail and AOS plate for optics. I love how soft it shoots 45 acp. The only con for me is lack of holsters on the market. View attachment 771125

I love that full rail! Sure wish they offered it on the gubmint model.

 

I just picked one up a few weeks ago. I like it!

I like the more traditional 1911's as well, but I think the emissary is a nice 'modernization', and I got a killer deal on it.

 

It's a awesome gun I built mine

 

grabbed mine for $699 about a month back.
I had to fix some of the short cuts SA made. The plastic trigger was replaced with a NightHawk one, added an EGW ambi safety, and a full sized VZ grips in white carbon fiber. I love her now, and with the upgrades I was still around $1,000 total. It's a solid 1911, and if you like the features go for it!

 

If you're going to get this one it's got to be the two-tone. Most of the differences are just for style, so get out of the boat and go all the way.

 

Which Emissary are you looking at ??? The 4.25 inch with full rail ? The full size
with or with out a rail ? 9mm or 45 acp ? You thinking AOS or standard ?