EMP Problems

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Fullolead

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Just bought the 9mm version of the EMP. Took it to the range straight out of the box. Shoots great but I have some problems. First of all... I had a few FTE's during my 100 round visit to the range. Also... when the slide locks back after the last round has been fired, and another full mag is inserted... when I hit the slide release lever, the slide jams with the first round of the magazine half way inside the chamber. This happens almost every time. I even tried inserting the mag with the slide closed and cycling the slide back by hand to chamber the round and got the same result on several occasions. Anybody else had these type problems? I was going to use this gun for my carry gun but I'm not comfortable doing that with these problems.
The main problem being the (jamming slide/fail to feed) issue.
This gun shoots REALLY GOOD! I'm hoping I don't have to send it back to SA or (even worse) try and get my money back.
 
Disassemble / field strip / clean all surfaces / lube sparingly /then load and fire. Most guns new in box have preservatives not lubricants on them, clean and lube should always proceed load and fire.
 
I would try a different brand of ammo, as well as get another mag to use, before sending it back to Springfield. It might be a bad magazine. Stephen Camp just published an interesting thread about a problem magazine he discovered. And do clean off that factory grease before you take it out next time.

Something tells me that mag isn't feeding the first round correctly, perhaps a new magazine will perform differently. Good luck, and keep us updated!
 
I've heard that they can be finnicky for the first couple of hundred rounds and then settle down to be flawless. I must have gotten lucky as mine has been great from day one.
 
So... I just finished cleaning and lubricating my 9mm EMP. I'm getting the same result as before. Here's what else I know about this situation. The first day I took it to the range, and it had it's problems, I went up and got one of the guys from the gun shop where I bought the gun, told him what it was doing and had him shoot it. Of course, it shot great for him. Only difference... he used different ammo. Here's the deal. I really like this gun. I did extensive research via the internet on it before I bought it. It shoots great and I love the feel of it in my hand. I'm not a finicky eater and I don't want my guns to be either. I also have a SA Loaded 1911 and it eats anything and everything i throw at it. Ammo seams to be getting harder and harder to obtain at a decent price and sometimes you gotta take what you can get. I don't want to have to BABY this gun. Especially for what I paid for it. Pretty pricey! It should eat ME & YOU AND A DOG NAMED BOO!
The biggest difference that I see in my two guns, other than one is a full size 1911, is that the feed ramp on the 1911 is built into the frame and the EMP's feed ramp is built into the barrel. Seems to be a lot more movement there. Don't know if that has anything to do with the problem or not.
Anyway... I'm taking it back today and see what can be done. I'll try some other ammo. I really want to feel good about carrying this gun. Love everything about it except for this problem.
 
Many of these need to go back to Springfield Armory to have the extractor tuned, feed ramp polished, and other things, then it runs very well.
 
Oh... and thanks for all the feedback guys. That gives me a few more things to investigate.
 
Thanks Orion. They have a gunsmith at this store so I'll get with him on some of these ideas and see. I'll let you guys know what I find out.
 
could be the ammo, or it could be your grip if it shot well for him, but i think there is still an issue with the extractor if it's not feeding the 1st round. i had the same problem so i adjusted the extractor after the 1st 50 rounds (while at the range) and it's ran 100% since then.

also if you are thinking/wanting to get the front strap checkered, i'd send the gun to Springfield to work out the problems and get any extra work done at the same time. this will save you from having to spend $ on shipping.
 
Only difference... he used different ammo. Here's the deal. I really like this gun. I did extensive research via the internet on it before I bought it. It shoots great and I love the feel of it in my hand. I'm not a finicky eater and I don't want my guns to be either. I also have a SA Loaded 1911 and it eats anything and everything i throw at it. Ammo seams to be getting harder and harder to obtain at a decent price and sometimes you gotta take what you can get. I don't want to have to BABY this gun. Especially for what I paid for it. Pretty pricey! It should eat ME & YOU AND A DOG NAMED BOO!
The biggest difference that I see in my two guns, other than one is a full size 1911, is that the feed ramp on the 1911 is built into the frame and the EMP's feed ramp is built into the barrel. Seems to be a lot more movement there. Don't know if that has anything to do with the problem or not.!
Click to expand...

there are a couple of factors you should know about a gun feeding 9mm ammo:
1. 9mm ammo is just about the most commonly available and produced handgun ammo in the world...it's the world standard. as such, it has the most variances in rim and extractor dimensions. what kind of ammo were you shooting? brand and bullet shape. what did the range guy shoot that was working?
2. one of the things about a high quality pistol is that folks expect more accuracy from them. that usually means being held to tighter tolerances...it's easier to loosen tolerances than tighten them later. it's harder to put back removed material.
3. while i understand supply and demand of ammo, you're really doing a dis-service to your EMP if you're feeding it sub-par ammo...it's like folks buying a $1k+ gun and carrying it in a $20 holster. i'm not talking about always shooting premium ammo, but something like CCI Blazer will feed in almost every 9mm and is both clean and accurate...buy it by the case and save some money in quantity.

have the gunsmith check the tension of the extractor by sliding a round in, but be aware that if he does much more work to it, it might void your warranty...i seem to remember reading that the EMPs returned for problems were going to the Custom Shop for work, they are top notch

as to the barrel mounted feed ramp. that is a reliability improvement not a liability...it's spacial relationship with the barrel remains constant.
 
FTE for me was due to limp-wristing due to the short action.
I polished the lip of the feed ramp due to some initial problems with hollow points (apparently catching)and a few hundred rds. break in. LOVE this gun....flawless now.
 
Couple of things you can do

...

Is your production ID number less than 2600.. ? Or more, higher, over 2600.

Second, get some Flitz gun polish and using a Q-tip, polish the feed ramp up and down, only..

Generally, there is a 300 round break-in period for them, but failing to extract could be as other's have suggested and needs adjusting.

Other than JHP's, like on mine, it doesn't like 135gr but loves 124gr or lighter, but I have found 124gr JHP's to be best.

IF, by round count, you're past the 300 round mark and still have problems, extractor wise, as the FTFC (failure to fully chamber) is usually more a tight chamber issue and break-in usually fixes this problem (again using FMJ only) as JHP's are (for testing and reliability) come after the 300 round mark and with gun having no FTFC

As mentioned, correct cleaning and "lubing of rails, guides, exterior of barrel, etc. is key for smooth action/timing, including a clean bullet guide with a touch of oil along it (solid centered rail in the interior upper part of slide).

Oil on the locking pin, etc.

Last, SA's customer service is wonderful. Just call them and they will issue you a Fed Ex next day air label to send in your gun and they "will fix it", solve the problem, and get it back to you within 2 weeks at no charge.

Lifetime warranty is worth every dollar you paid for the gun, and it was NIB, correct..? Even though if used, it still carries the lifetime warranty, but depending on round count, may be time for a new main/long return spring as they do need replacing at or before 3500 rounds fyi.

Keep us posted, as once you find the right check and balances of the gun, they will sing continuously.

Mine, now, has just over 5600 flawless rounds with either new, good 115 or 124gr FMJ and Federal 124gr JHP's..

And now and then, sure, I get a FTFC but it's been a defective crimp causing the feed issue, not the gun, which makes for quick clearing of such jams and getting lead back on target..

Luck,


Ls
 
When I first bought mine I had a few hicups with it, but after about 200-300 rounds it's been dead on and extremely accurate. I think it might just need some breaking in. If it is anything else Springfield will hook you up.

My son bought the micro 45 and had a couple issues with feeding etc. He was very unhappy to say the least. Finally, I told him to run more rounds through it to break it in and it to has been reliable ever since.

They're great guns and I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as we do ours.
Hang in there.:)
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I left the gun with the gun shop's gunsmith today to check the tension on the extractor, but after hearing from so many of you EMP owners who've had issues but kept putting rounds through your guns till they hit the 500 mark, I think I'll go back tomorrow and just start shooting the thing. Maybe I just need to give this gun a chance to work out its own problems. Thanks for the support. I'll let this forum know how things turn out.
 
Lonestar49 said:
...

Is your production ID number less than 2600.. ? Or more, higher, over 2600.

Second, get some Flitz gun polish and using a Q-tip, polish the feed ramp up and down, only..

Generally, there is a 300 round break-in period for them, but failing to extract could be as other's have suggested and needs adjusting.

Other than JHP's, like on mine, it doesn't like 135gr but loves 124gr or lighter, but I have found 124gr JHP's to be best.

IF, by round count, you're past the 300 round mark and still have problems, extractor wise, as the FTFC (failure to fully chamber) is usually more a tight chamber issue and break-in usually fixes this problem (again using FMJ only) as JHP's are (for testing and reliability) come after the 300 round mark and with gun having no FTFC

As mentioned, correct cleaning and "lubing of rails, guides, exterior of barrel, etc. is key for smooth action/timing, including a clean bullet guide with a touch of oil along it (solid centered rail in the interior upper part of slide).

Oil on the locking pin, etc.

Last, SA's customer service is wonderful. Just call them and they will issue you a Fed Ex next day air label to send in your gun and they "will fix it", solve the problem, and get it back to you within 2 weeks at no charge.

Lifetime warranty is worth every dollar you paid for the gun, and it was NIB, correct..? Even though if used, it still carries the lifetime warranty, but depending on round count, may be time for a new main/long return spring as they do need replacing at or before 3500 rounds fyi.

Keep us posted, as once you find the right check and balances of the gun, they will sing continuously.

Mine, now, has just over 5600 flawless rounds with either new, good 115 or 124gr FMJ and Federal 124gr JHP's..

And now and then, sure, I get a FTFC but it's been a defective crimp causing the feed issue, not the gun, which makes for quick clearing of such jams and getting lead back on target..

Luck,


Ls
Click to expand...
Lots of good food for thought Lonestar. Thanks! But I'm curious in regards to your question about the production number of the gun. Can you tell me what's up?
 
jeez, another emp extractor tension prob! that's such a simple issue to keep on eye on at the factory. what's the deal with springer??

i guess i'm lucky, my emp40's been flawless so far.
 
9mmepiphany said:
there are a couple of factors you should know about a gun feeding 9mm ammo:
1. 9mm ammo is just about the most commonly available and produced handgun ammo in the world...it's the world standard. as such, it has the most variances in rim and extractor dimensions. what kind of ammo were you shooting? brand and bullet shape. what did the range guy shoot that was working?
2. one of the things about a high quality pistol is that folks expect more accuracy from them. that usually means being held to tighter tolerances...it's easier to loosen tolerances than tighten them later. it's harder to put back removed material.
3. while i understand supply and demand of ammo, you're really doing a dis-service to your EMP if you're feeding it sub-par ammo...it's like folks buying a $1k+ gun and carrying it in a $20 holster. i'm not talking about always shooting premium ammo, but something like CCI Blazer will feed in almost every 9mm and is both clean and accurate...buy it by the case and save some money in quantity.

have the gunsmith check the tension of the extractor by sliding a round in, but be aware that if he does much more work to it, it might void your warranty...i seem to remember reading that the EMPs returned for problems were going to the Custom Shop for work, they are top notch

as to the barrel mounted feed ramp. that is a reliability improvement not a liability...it's spacial relationship with the barrel remains constant.
Click to expand...
Several of you had asked what kind of ammo I was shooting that gave me so much trouble. It was "Magtech" in 9mm, FMJ. I had at least a half dozen FTFC (Fail To Fully Chamber) in two separate boxes of 50. I went back and researched some reviews done on Magtech here on this site in 2006 and everyone seemed to give it a thumbs up. That being said, when the gun shop owner came down to the range and shot my EMP, he used "American Eagle" and the gun shot and fed perfectly. So I'll try shooting a couple hundred rounds of the "American Eagle" through it and see if it breaks in, then try the Magtech again and see if it feeds and chambers any better. I may try some WWB's as well. A little trial and error investigation. Know what I mean? And hey... I get to shoot my new EMP some more. I'll let this forum know what results I get.
 
So here's the final word on MY EMP problem. I went to the range today and shot another 200 rounds through it. At the end of the day, it shot really well and only had a couple of FTFC (fail to fully chamber) shooting the American Eagle ammo, No hiccups at all shooting the Blazer but the Magtech gave me the same problem as before. Most of the time the FTFC occurred after inserting another full magazine and releasing the slide. Locked up at least 5 times in one 50 round box. My conclusion... It just doesn't like the Magtech Ammo.
With the other ammo... I ran one mag after another, as fast as I could pull the trigger and it performed great. And... It's accurate as hell. I think I'm good to go now. Thanks to all who chimed in on my problem.
Fill 'em Fullolead.
 
I was releasing the slide stop after inserting another full mag. It also FTFC in the middle of firing the next mag. Only a couple with the American Eagle ammo but several with the Magtech. I had Zero problems with the Blazer.
 
blazer is surprisingly accurate. i've never had an issue with it in any of my guns, even my 1911's.

this one young lady that works at gunshop told me "don't use blazer aluminum in your 1911! it'll gouge the chamber, but it's alright to use in all other autos."

she's cute, so i nodded and said "i did not know that!"
 
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