If'n you had your druthers...

[mrcpu]

I was at a sporting good store today, stroking gently a Springfield EMP, when I noticed a few hops a way, a (I believe Springfield) "Micro mil-spec .45 ACP".

Well, by gosh and by golly, this micro mil-spec tain't a whole lot bigger than the EMP! Little thicker, a tad heavier, but hey, .45 ACP instead of girly man 9mm... ...

However, it wasn't so dramatically different that I didn't really admire that micro, at half-the price of the EMP. Presuming a holster can be found, I don't see how it would be tha tmuch harder to conceal than the EMP, and it'd be big ole 45's heading downrange instead of 9's....

With tongue firmly in cheek, and ignoring the ammo wars which I probably provoked, anybody got one of these micro mil-specs, and tried it? Probably kicks like a sum-b, but except for I believe 1 round less, it was 1911 .45, through and through.

Which would then lead to the second question, is all this "re-engineering" that springfield did for the EMP, really gonna be worth it and make that much better a gun?

 

[Loucks]

Although the EMP seems like an interesting weapon, I'm hesitant to buy a weapon with no aftermarket support. If I understand correctly, due to the size of the pistol most, if not all, 1911 parts will not function, so the buyer is basically stuck with the factory options until/unless S.A. decides to make others available...which doesn't seem likely.

Micro-compacts concern me as well, but at least they can be tweaked more easily. I feel much more confident with a Gov't or Commander. YMMV, obviously.

 

[the pistolero]

anybody got one of these micro mil-specs, and tried it? Probably kicks like a sum-b, but except for I believe 1 round less, it was 1911 .45, through and through.

I have a little 3" Kimber Tactical Ultra II. The first time I shot it, I was surprised at the recoil...in that it didn't kick as hard as I thought it would. The difference is fairly noticeable when you shoot a full size 1911 in comparison, though, as I found out one day when I took a buddy to the range with my Springer full-size GI and his Kimber Ultra Carry. As for reliability, the micro 1911s from what I gather seem to be a little more picky, either very good or very bad, but save for some feeding problems due to a weak mag spring I haven't had any issues with mine.

 

[ugaarguy]

The EMP is certainly a miracle for many small handed shooters who truly need the "short action" grip length, single stack width, and short reach to a single action trigger that it offers. It also offers the 1911 fan a minimalist package, which is nice.

On the other hand, if the Micro Compact fits you I think it's the better option. As mentioned that pistol will use the somewhat standardized chopped 1911 parts which is a good thing in my view. If you don't need the EMP's minimalist size the Micro Comp at the half the price is the better buy. I must agree with Loucks though - I prefer the Commander size 1911 as well since it gives the slide & recoil spring a bit more room to travel under recoil. The Colt CCO (Officer's grip size with Commander length slide/bbl assembly) is a great compromise, but I digress.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

My wife bought herself a loaded Springer Micro Compact. It's accurate for what it is, pretty much as reliable as it gets, and very concealable. It's a little sharp on the recoil, but not onerous. She picked it out for herself because she was tired of a double-stack magazine pistol and besides, she grew up shooting her Daddy's 1911 Gov't. model.

My only complaint with her pistol is that she limp-wrists it occasionally and it fails to extract a spent case about one round out of every 2 mags. I've never had the problem unless I intentionally limp-wrist the silly thing. If I wasn't such a SIG nut I'd probably buy one for myself.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[wooderson]

It's GI not 'mil-spec' right?

The sights would be a deal-breaker for me. Those GI guns are nice to look at, and maybe a good fun 1911, but I wouldn't choose one for target practice or carrying or anything like that.

 

[Walkalong]

Although the EMP seems like an interesting weapon, I'm hesitant to buy a weapon with no aftermarket support. If I understand correctly, due to the size of the pistol most, if not all, 1911 parts will not function,

The grips, firing pin and spring, the detent spring, the mag, the trigger, the frame and slide are all shorter. (did I miss something?).
Many parts like the sear, hammer, disconnector, thumb safety, grip safety, slide catch, etc still are the same. Many guns have very few aftermarket parts available.
We are spoiled with our 1911's and the abundance of aftermarket parts.