New Springfield EMP!

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Dominic said:
what kind of holster are you using for it?

Today I carried with an Infinity Belt Slide...

Tomorrow i will use the one that came with it...

I also have an Don Hume J.I.T. that fits it like a glove AND a Don Hume IWB that is SWEET for a little more concealment...
 
Everyone has their own idea of what would be the perfect configuration for a small pistol of this type.

My idea would be a 4" barrel and chamber it in .40S&W.

Though the 3" 9mm has a lot going for it.
 
TC-TX,

I second your positive commentary on the new EMP; it is as nice a gun as I own (and I own a lot of them). I tried to convey some of the gun's qualities by the pictures, but they do not do it justice. Nor does giving detailed dimensions. The gun has to be literally handled and shot to fully appreciate its wonderful feel and handling qualities. It is a keeper for sure, and has moved to "carry gun" status.

I can not recommend it high enough. Springfield has hit a homer with this one (and I have already started saving my pennies for when they bring out a 4" and 5" version!)

Boarhunter
 
BTW Boarhunter...

What do you make of the missing witness holes?

Does that drive you CRAZY or is it just me? I mean - to develop and produce a World Class KEEPER such as this only to forget the HOLES???

What could they have been thinking???
 
TC-TX,

The lack of witness holes threw me as well. I can't figure an appropriate explanation for their absence.

In our local IDPA matches, the match director is habitually coming up with stages requiring less than max capacity of the mags, and without the holes to confirm the number of rounds in the mag, I am going to be seriously distracted...I am a bit obsessive/compulsive about things like that.

But, all things considered, if that is the most serious deficiency of the gun (and it appears that it is), I can live with it.

I do need some more mags. Have you tried to get some from Springfield or Mec-Gar's suppliers? I e-mailed Springfield yesterday morning about it, but have yet to hear back from them. I may call tomorrow if they do not reply.

Boarhunter
 
Boarhunter - I concur - if that is the most serious deficiency of the gun, I can live with it.

I am in the process of seeking additional mags as well (Springfield & MecGar).

I will let you know what I find out. I will look for the same from you... :)
 
TC-TX:

Ok, I got the scoop on mags (I went ahead and called Springfield).

Springfield is taking telephone orders now for replacement/extra mags at a retail price of approximately $23 per. Or, you can order by mail using the discount coupon that comes with the gun and your price will be $19.50.

If you use the discount coupon, you will have to add the part number for the mag, as it is not now listed on the form...Part Number is PI6070 and you should also note "EMP 9mm" on the form.

All current shipments of mags are going out with the new guns (not surprisingly), so Springfield quoted a delivery date of 120 days for replacement/extra mags (although delivery may be shorter than that, they are advising buyers of a conservative delivery date).

Springfield indicated there was no quicker source for mags at this time since the mag is proprietary to the gun.

I am putting my order in for several more mags today.

Boarhunter
 
Well, People, I finally gave the gun its first semi-practical tryout...I ran it through a local IDPA match, and these are my thoughts.

I LIKE THIS GUN!!!! I LIKE THIS GUN!!!! I REALLY LIKE THIS GUN!!!!

By way of background, I got it from Larry's Pistol and Pawn in Huntsville, Alabama; he had two priced at $959...I got the first, someone else got the other, and more are on order. The gun was so tight at purchase that I almost questioned whether it was defective (It was not!). The gun has had 400 rounds of Independence brand 115 grain ammo through it, without a single misfeed, jam, or malfunction in the last 300 rounds (the first 100 were a mess as it settled in). Accuracy has been stellar, and point of impact equals point of aim for me and others who have shot the gun. I have cleaned the gun every 100 rounds, and it needs a good cleaning now following the match.

The IDPA match. I am currently classified as a "marksman" (and for those not familiar with that particular designation, it means I am not a spectacular shooter, but neither do I embarass myself at the matches). I am also a Safety Officer, which means I am not likely to shoot anyone else accidentally, and I am pretty good at keeping others from doing so as well.

As nifty as the EMP is as a carry gun, it (and others of its size) would not necessarily be the ideal competitive gun outside of BUG matches. So, as I stepped up to the line to load and make ready, the SO asked in a reasonably nice manner: "Surely, you are not going to shoot that little gun...." Well, I was and I did, and I think I may have impressed some of my fellow shooters (I know I impressed myself, something sometimes easily done!).

I performed with the little EMP as well as I have ever performed with any of my larger, heavier, longer 1911 firearms.

The gun was quick to handle; 100% on the money from an accuracy standpoint; totally reliable; and just felt "right" to shoot. Longer ranges; shorter ranges; tough shots; easy shots; none of this made any difference. Not only did I not feel disadvantaged by the EMP, but frankly had more confidence in it than with my others. And shot at least as well, if not better. All misses, and there were a few, were my own fault.

During the match, the little gun got a lot of attention. Not only its small size was noticed, but also the tremendous fireball that came out of the muzzle with every shot! And although I did not notice the increased muzzle blast of the short barrel, those watching apparently did.

And the most common question asked that night: Nice gun; what kind of Kimber is that??? To a person, they were pleasantly surprised to see that Springfield was the manufacturer.

Anyway, it was a well-received gun and Larry's next order is likely to sell out soon after arrival, I would guess.

In fact, I may need a matched pair.... I guess I need to talk to my bride about that, what with Christmas coming and all....

Boarhunter
 
Boarhunter, How is the felt recoil?

After a year of trying, my dad and I have finally convinced my mom to take a handgun safety class and get a handgun (possibly CCW as well). My mother is in her late 50's, of very slight build, and still a little nervous about guns (but we're working on that;) ).

She is a good shot with my .22, but to get her to carry the gun can't be too heavy or have too much kick. I had been thinking about that single stack Kel-tec, but the EMP sounds like it might be a better choice for her.
 
Thefabulousfink,

The recoil is not bad at all, at least for me and others accustomed to shooting centerfire handguns. And I would guess it to be substantially better than a Kel-Tek. And less than most J-frame and equivalent snubby revolvers. From my perspective, the recoil is equivalent to any other mid-size 9mm.

Although the frame of the gun is aluminum, and therefore the gun is a relative lightweight, the heavy bull barrel and the heavy recoil spring tend to take the sting out of recoil. Plus, the smaller frame of the gun allows for a better grip, which always equates to better gun control and less perceived recoil.

I can not answer whether this is the gun for her, but it is certainly a prospect.

My 9-year-old daughter, who has yet to shoot the gun, plans to make it her IDPA gun when she gets old enough to compete (but, then again, she ain't afraid of thunder or lightening...or anything else for that matter!).

Boarhunter
 
Thanks Boarhunter,

We are definitely going to have her "test drive" quite a few guns, but I think the EMP will be on the list. I think the 1911 style platform is a very stable and straight-forward to learn on. Also, most women shooters I know seem to prefer the 1911 in both fit and function.

But if my mom doesn't like it....I could allways use another carry gun:evil:
 
And now for a few modifications (you knew it would only be a matter of time)....

I know that the ambi-safety can be replaced with a single-sided one. The MSH is the same as an Officers', so the ILS can go.
What can be done about fitting a short trigger for this gun? A standard 1911-sized trigger bow is too long so that's out. Can a short trigger body be somehow mated to the EMP's shortened trigger bow?
 
All this talk about the EMP

I've carried a STI LS-40 for years, 1911 style, thinner, and the best factory back-up in the World, bar-none, check it out.
 

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Pleasant surprise today from Springfield.

Less than 3 weeks ago, I placed an order for 3 extra mags for the EMP, and I was candidly told by Springfield that these proprietary replacement mags were likely to take a long, long time to ship since current deliveries were being shipped with new guns. The estimated time for delivery on extra mags was 120 days, according to Springfield....

Ok, I figured, it is what it is. I wanted the extra mags, so I placed my order and then promptly forgot all about it.

Until today, when the replacement mags were delivered to my office. Surprise!

I like the gun, and I like the way Springfield is handling its business.

FYI.

Boarhunter
 
Thanks for the range report, boarhunter. Good writing.

I had a chance last Saturday to get my hands on one that belongs to a friend. She brought it up to FAS for the women's study group, and I have to say that I have rarely seen so many outright cases of firearms envy in my whole life. Several of the women present seriously lusted after that EMP and immediately began plotting to purchase one.

I predict they will have a long and successful sales run...

Incidentally, the one up at the range Saturday ran like a top. No burps or hiccups that I observed, and went through a little over 100 rounds.

pax
 
Pax,

Thank you, ma'am.

But you sure burst my bubble.

All along, I thought the ladies at the range were impressed by my 52-year-old physique and my stellar shooting talents, only to hear from you that it is my EMP they lust for.... Oh, well. My child bride will be relieved (but not surprised) to learn the truth.

Boarhunter

Ps: Your website is very helpful and informative. Keep up the good work.
 
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