Need advice on the Springfield EMP

[kd7nqb]

So my Ex- GF and I went to my favorite gun shop out in Gresham, as usual selection was GREAT and Customer service was sub-par. She shoots enough to know what she likes. She went in knowing that she wanted

1. Easily concealable
2. Budget of about 1k
3. 1911 frame
4. 9mm

At other shops she looked at she had strong feelings towards a Kimber. Well we went today and she handled a fair amount of weapons she originally was looking at 4in 1911's but the counter guy was very adamant that she would not be able to easily conceal a 4in. He then showed her the Springfield EMP she handled it a fair amount and liked it.

So my question to THR is, does anybody own the EMP if so any comments?
Also I know it won gun of the year from Gun Tests magazine but really is it a quality gun?

 

[TheReeves]

I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about them yet and quite a few people have them on here. I've been waiting on my dealer to track one down for me for three months now.

 

[westhope]

I've had an EMP for several months. I really like mine. It is very sensitive to reloaded ammo. The reloads must be resized fully to the base. I use a Lee Factory Crimp die and check them in a chamber gauge. I have not had any problems with those or any factory ammo I have used yet.

The slightly smaller grip really feels nice.

One thing I didn't like was the way the base pad of the magazine protruded from the grip. I made a flush fit magazine from a standard magazine. The magazine base is welded on like many other 1911 magazines. It holds one less round. It uses the standard spring and follower. To clean the magazine, the follower and spring can be removed from the top.

See attached photo.

 

[Lonestar49]

800 perfect rounds later..

...

She's still running at 100%, and my wife loves the EMP, as do I..

The EMP, along with my Colt Defender, are the two, fastest, easiest, most accurate, point to aim weapons in the herd..

You get my vote for her getting an EMP 9mm


Ls

 

[Super Trucker]

I am glad to hear the good comments. I have seen a few for sale used already and I know they hav't been around that long. That had me concerned.

The OP said this was the gun of the year, has it even been out a year yet.

 

[Ozark Tracker]

my wife and I both have EMP's, they are good shooting, easily concealed, we've run a few thousand reloads through our 2 and never had a burp, factory ammo of any brand, you just couldn't have asked for more. a pleasure to shoot, keep it cleaned and a little lube on it and it should be perfect for her.

 

[siglite]

I don't own one, but I've shot one. As far as the handling goes, it shot like a dream.

I put about 80 rounds through my cow-orker's. I was impressed. And, I'm NO fan of kimber. So I'm saying I was impressed through significant personal bias against kimbers.

 

[kd7nqb]

I put about 80 rounds through my cow-orker's. I was impressed. And, I'm NO fan of kimber. So I'm saying I was impressed through significant personal bias against kimbers.

Thats good since the EMP is a Springfield

 

[CPshooter]

Westhope- that looks really nice! I've been waiting forever now for someone to post a pic of an EMP w/ a modded magazine. I, too, dislike the cheesy looking plastic bumper on the factory EMP magazines. I can maybe justify it if the entire grip were a bit shorter and then the bumper was there to provide just enough room for your pinky, but they just look really goofy IMO the way they are. The EMP frame is a bit shorter front to back, which makes it a little smaller feeling overall and most people seem to like it. The problem is Springfield didn't really make it any shorter than a standard officer's 1911. So naturally the grip looks a little too tall and skinny in the first place compared to a normal officer's 1911. The bumper on top of that is just too much if you ask me. With all that being said, westhope's EMP looks VERY sharp. I really like the frontstrap tape on there too. Give me an EMP like that, but without an ambi-safety and I'd be happy!

 

[CA357]

I have had one for about a monthe or so. I've put close to 500 rounds through it of ball, hp, fmj 115gr, 124gr and 147 gr ammo. I took it out of the case, checked the barrel and shot it. No failures to feed or eject.
If I have two complaints, I find mine shoots a bit low and using that clip on the guiderod. It's so small, I'm sure I'll lose it at some point and I'm going to need spares.
Performance is snappy and really excellent. I'll hang on to mine.

 

[westhope]

clip on the guiderod. It's so small, I'm sure I'll lose it at some point and I'm going to need spares.

Spares can easily be make from a piece of stiff plastic tubing the right inside and outside diameter. Cut it to length and split it lengthwise. Split it a little past center so it stays on the rod but can be easily snapped on and off.

 

[siglite]

Thats good since the EMP is a Springfield

Ahahah, duh me! But then, I hate Springfields too!

(and still liked the EMP)

 

[Lonestar49]

Flush bottom mags vs..

...

I don't know, different strokes for different folks I guess, but I never saw the_Grip as being too long for the gun, along with, the factory mags that hold 9 rounds plus one chambered for a 10 count vs flush mags that hold one round less for an 8 plus one chambered, for a 9 count..

Being as thin and short in length as they already are, I can't see any advantage of flush mags vs factory mags for CCW purposes, let alone loss of one round, for how the gun looks or feels and, in my case, without the bumper mag/s, my pinkie would hang off the bottom and that would change the grip-feel, and balance, which is what sold me and the wife on it..

But that's me, as-is


Ls

 

[MICHAEL T]

Buy a Colt Defender ,about same size cheaper and 45 Also have after market parts and mags . I belive at present only wilson has other than factory mags . No after market parts I know of

 

[sb350hp]

Must be talking about Kieths. Cannot stand that place when it comes to customer service but sure do have a lot of choices.

EMP is an awsome little gun. Feels great in the hand and shoots really well. Friend bought one and gave me a case of gun envy. Just wish it was avial in something other than 9mm but that is the cartridge is was built around.

 

[kd7nqb]

Must be talking about Kieths. Cannot stand that place when it comes to customer service but sure do have a lot of choices.

Yea, I dont mean to bash them I bought my M&P from them they are great for selection but their CS does suck.

Buy a Colt Defender ,about same size cheaper and 45 Also have after market parts and mags . I belive at present only wilson has other than factory mags . No after market parts I know of

She specifically does not want a .45acp recoil is too much for her. She like 9mm and if means she carries I am not going to argue at all. Also when she is the one putting down 1k on a gun, its her decision.

 

[SEMO Shooter]

My wife has an EMP & I have a Kimber Ultra Aegis II. The EMP is a bit thinner, while weight, length & height are about the same. They shoot about the same too. Both are very accurate for short barrel pistols. Both function perfectly with WWB FMJ for target practice, and hollow points for carry. The EMP mag holds 9 rounds and the Kimber holds 8. If your girl likes the 1911 platform she will love the EMP.