Springfield Emissary VS Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 - TheFirearmGuy

Published on November 25, 2021
Duration: 9:14

This comparison between the Springfield Armory Emissary and Mil-Spec 1911 highlights key differences in modern versus classic design. The Emissary features enhanced ergonomics with G10 grips, a flat mainspring housing, and forward slide serrations, alongside a bushing-less bull barrel and picatinny rail. The Mil-Spec offers a more traditional John Browning-inspired design with wood grips, a parkerized finish, and a barrel bushing. While both are excellent shooters, the Emissary's modern features contribute to a potentially superior shooting experience for many.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Emissary offers modern 1911 enhancements like G10 grips, a bushing-less bull barrel, and a picatinny rail, while the Mil-Spec 1911 stays true to the John Browning design with wood grips and a barrel bushing. The Emissary generally provides a more contemporary shooting experience with higher capacity magazines and improved sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Springfield Emissary First Shots
  2. 00:27Emissary Introduction & Features
  3. 01:02Introducing the Mil-Spec 1911
  4. 01:19Mil-Spec 1911 Shooting Impressions
  5. 01:31Comparison Overview
  6. 01:43Grip Comparison
  7. 02:30Magazine Comparison
  8. 03:00Slide Finish & Serrations Comparison
  9. 03:25Beavertail & Thumb Safety Comparison
  10. 04:20Barrel & Dust Cover Comparison
  11. 05:11Sight System Comparison
  12. 06:12Trigger Comparison
  13. 06:48Disassembly Differences
  14. 08:03Hammer & Trigger Guard Comparison
  15. 08:26Conclusion & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Springfield Emissary and Mil-Spec 1911?

The Emissary offers modern features like G10 grips, a flat mainspring housing, a bushing-less bull barrel, and a picatinny rail. The Mil-Spec is closer to the original John Browning design with wood grips, a barrel bushing, and a classic finish. The Emissary also has higher capacity magazines and updated sights.

How do the grips and ergonomics compare on the Emissary and Mil-Spec 1911?

The Emissary features aggressive G10 grips with front strap texturing and a flat mainspring housing for superior control. The Mil-Spec uses traditional wood grips with diamond checkering and an arched mainspring housing, offering a classic feel but less aggressive grip.

What are the key differences in the barrel and slide features between the two 1911 models?

The Emissary has a bushing-less bull barrel and a picatinny rail, with deep-cut slide serrations and forward cocking serrations. The Mil-Spec features a traditional barrel bushing, a rounded front end, and only rear vertical slide serrations.

Which Springfield 1911 has better sights, the Emissary or the Mil-Spec?

The Emissary is equipped with a U-dot sight system featuring a tritium front dot and luminescent outline for improved low-light visibility. The Mil-Spec uses standard 3-dot fixed sights with an integrated front sight.

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