Kimber vs. EMP

[clemsonu0219]

I have decided to invest in another 1911 and I want to go with a compact. I have heard a lot of great things about Springfield EMP 9mm or .40. Caliber is not that big of an issue and price within a few hundred dollars isn't either. Kimber eclipse? Kimber Raptor? Maybe even Kimber Ultra Covert? OR EMP? Anyone provide some help? thanks

 

[TheReeves]

I can give you a vote for the EMP, but not towards the Kimber since I have not shot or owned one. I may make the Kimber Pro Carry a future purchase though. I am very happy with my EMP, but a few things bug me about it. I am not a fan of the ambi safety, which I suppose is easily remedied. The fit and finish seems pretty good, although there seems to be some chipping on the frame around the pins and some edges. The extractor is also not flush with the rear of the slide. Other than that, the gun shoots great, feels nice, and has that sexy 1911 look. I waited five months for my dealer to get me one, and I don't regret the wait or money spent. Good luck with your decision!

 

[clemsonu0219]

thanks a lot for the post. Probably will end up going with an EMP. I see you're a Hokies fan. All I can say is GO TIGERS, haha, good luck to VT next season. We should both be top of the conference.

 

[TheReeves]

Thanks, should be an interesting year with a lot of our good seniors playing their last season in 07. Good luck to your Tigers as well!

I also have some new advice for you on the EMP vs. Kimber. Buy BOTH! I've been thinking, just this morning actually, that I'd like to remedy the fact I don't own a Kimber. I'm a big fan of micro compact 1911s, so who's to say I don't need to add a Kimber to the Colt and SA?

The problem is finding which slot to fit it into on my "2008 gun buy list".

 

[HOLY DIVER]

dad and i had 3 of his 1911's out shooting last week COLT (tricked out)KIMBER eclipse target,ROCK ISLAND (tricked out)would you beleave the rock island shot tighter groups?go figure......blew my mind....the colt was a close second the kimber's groups were not even close to the rock island and colt
my 1911 is a SPRINGFIELD it shoots very well its also tricked out....

 

[Walkalong]

I have a Kimber CDPII Ultra and an EMP. They are both excellent guns. The EMP is not quite a 1911, but then some would say a 3" 1911 isn't either.

 

[Browning]

Another vote for the EMP.

To me it looks and feels better.

They both work well, but I've just always liked Springfield a little better.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the EMP is designed around the shorter package of the 9mm and .40, while the Kimber is still built on the .45 sized platform.

the original 1911 platform isn't quite as reliable when the barrel is shortened beyond 4.25". just for piece of mind, i'd go with the EMP too.

here's a picture of the .40 from the SHOT Show

 

[10-Ring]

In the sub compact 1911 guns, I like the EMP

 

[DennisE]

I have both the 9mm Kimber Pro (4") and Ultra (3") Aegis II pistols. They have both been flawless and a joy to shoot! I Had an early EMP but had many different problems with its reliability...like the Kimbers its accuracy was excellent. I got rid of the darn thing. Nonetheless I really liked it and may try again soon. Dennis

 

[SEMO Shooter]

My wife carries and EMP & I carry a Kimber Ultra Aegis II. There's not really much difference between them. The EMP is slightly thinner. Weight is about the same. The Kimber has a little better carry bevel. The EMP has ambi safety. The EMP has a 9 round magazine & the Kimber has an 8 round magazine. Ours are equal in accuracy and function. Cost is about the same.

 

[TheReeves]

here's a picture of the .40 from the SHOT Show

The EMP looks great with grips that match the rest of the gun. I hope Monkeygrips comes out with something a little less busy though, I'm all over it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I say in compact the new Colt Agent or if you like old style sights a Defender. Both of mine have been 100% in relieabilty. My Kimber well I had it 2 weeks Didn't like it.

 

[clemsonu0219]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Went to a gun show in Greensboro, NC today and couldn't find anything worth buying. Believe I'm going to order an EMP.

 

[blgoode]

Let us know what you find. I Was lucky enough to find a Kimber Compact thats ran flawless. Its a pre series II and that model is what some say outshines the SERIES II stuff. Not bashing Kimber, just saying to make sure you know what your looking at. There are guys out there that will snag a Kimber just because its an older pre series II. My Kimber is the smoothest action of all of my 1911's and isnt much larger than the EMP. I'd be satisfied with the Compact in a 4" barrel if no EMP could be found.

 

[Rob G]

I have a Kimber Compact CDP II that works flawlessly and shoots nice tight groups. It's a little bigger than the EMP but not problematic from a carry POV. Admittedly though I only bought it over the EMP because of the caliber, I like carrying .45.

They're both excellent. Go with what you like.

 

[blgoode]

with my compact I get 7 in the clip, 1 in the pipe

 

[Lonestar49]

EMP.. but,

...

I bought the SA EMP 9mm for the wife, and me, and it has shot 1200 flawless rounds to-date, along with either 115gr JHP, for her, or 124gr, for me..

Just keep'em clean, well oiled/WET and mags clean, and you're good to go..

One thought, and I would think, knowing how the EMP shoots, recoil wise, with 9mm, very smooth, very forgiving in follow-up shots, along with one-hand shots, good hand, or weak hand, and having a Colt Defender 3" 45, and knowing the recoil difference between the 2, I would suggest going 9mm over 40cal, as I have full size 40cal, and I know of all 3 calibers, 40 offers the least amount of forgiveness in recoil, especially IMO, in a 3" gun.

So, take all things into consideration, 9mm offers SD/HD JHP's that will do the job, along with allowing you the ability for fast, follow-up shots, if necessary.

Also, the 9mm will allow you one-handed shots, either with the good hand, or the weak hand, without jamming, as opposed to the 40 caliber, which has the most recoil, between 3 calibers mentioned above, and will be the least forgiving in all areas mentioned, as well IMO, in any 3" gun.

Good luck,


Ls


Colt Defender 45 and SA EMP 9mm

 

[DennisE]

Subsequent to posting #10 above I did get a second EMP It has been fabulous andafter 500 rounds it is now my primary CCW. The Kimber 9mms like the Ultra Aegis II come from the factory with a lighter trigger and shoot great but inspite of heavier trigger I shoot the EMP better. It has been flawless for me except with S&B factory ammo which has one of the hardest primers out there. It digests Winchester 'white box' and Speer Gold Dot for short barrels flawlessly while improving my shooting scores with a 3" barrel quite noticable. I love my Kimbers but the EMP is really exceptional for a short barreled 9mm pistol. Dennis

 

[doc540]

might want to consider the STI "Rogue"

Smaller and lighter than an EMP

 

[Walkalong]

That Rogue is a cool little gun, # 001 at that!