Been really looking at this EMP 9mm for conceal carry. Local gun shop kind of weary on it though. Said it was about over priced and yea its a good gun for personal protection but glock this and glock that! I'm sure glock is one of the best but personally I think they look like ass. This EMP is sure looking good in my opinion. How reliable is this EMP? Or should I be looking for something else for a conceal carry?
Springfield EMP 9mm
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franconialocal
Member
Take if from a guy that wears one on his ankle every day for a backup to his duty weapon.....get this gun!!
Other than having the feed ramp polished and normal "break-in" (I was having some problems with hollows catching the top of the ramp going into battery) my EMP has run absolutely flawlessly with many different brands/grain ammo. I'm not a huge Glock fan and I don't own any, and not to knock them (they are fine weapons), but I think you would really enjoy the look, feel, and performance of the EMP over a Glock hands down. My EMP has definitely reached the level of "never sell gun" in my collection. It's just a damn handsome firearm and runs like a top! With the Glock obviously you'll be able to just pull the trigger and go whereas the EMP you'll have to get used to the 1911 single action and safety....train, train, train.
There is a ton of write-ups here on THR about the EMP, most all of it good.
How much are they asking? I paid about $1,100 for mine when they first came out (about two years ago or so now?). Money very, very well spent IMHO.
Other than having the feed ramp polished and normal "break-in" (I was having some problems with hollows catching the top of the ramp going into battery) my EMP has run absolutely flawlessly with many different brands/grain ammo. I'm not a huge Glock fan and I don't own any, and not to knock them (they are fine weapons), but I think you would really enjoy the look, feel, and performance of the EMP over a Glock hands down. My EMP has definitely reached the level of "never sell gun" in my collection. It's just a damn handsome firearm and runs like a top! With the Glock obviously you'll be able to just pull the trigger and go whereas the EMP you'll have to get used to the 1911 single action and safety....train, train, train.
There is a ton of write-ups here on THR about the EMP, most all of it good.
How much are they asking? I paid about $1,100 for mine when they first came out (about two years ago or so now?). Money very, very well spent IMHO.
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smallbore
Member
Check out the Kahr line of 9mm's.
The EMP is a very well designed (it is not a .45ACP 1911 adapted to the 9mm round) and built small 9mm. I would rate it's workmanship between the Springfield TRP and their Professional...which makes it a great value as well.
I did a review of mine a little while back, which you might find interesting
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=506252&highlight=springfield+emp
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=508469
I did a review of mine a little while back, which you might find interesting
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=506252&highlight=springfield+emp
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=508469
doc2rn
Member
Bought one traded it the same week, just wasn't the platform for me. I had the front sight aligned, ramp polished, and trigger worked on, but I couldnt get it to run like my FNP-9 so I said good riddence.
critter
Member
I have a friend with one and I have shot it. We both love the thing. Very accurate for its size, completely reliable and very carry-able. Good choice.
harmon rabb
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I have one. Great gun.
easyg
Member
I have never owned an EMP so I can't tell how reliable it is, but I don't think that one should choose a concealed carry gun based upon how pretty it looks.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
I faced the same dilema a few years ago
I liked the EMP but the price was way high 9's.
I disliked the glock 26.
Tried the CZ 75 compact and have never looked back.
Just my .02 but think twice, try 3 times, and buy once.
I liked the EMP but the price was way high 9's.
I disliked the glock 26.
Tried the CZ 75 compact and have never looked back.
Just my .02 but think twice, try 3 times, and buy once.
IMTHDUKE
Member
All I know is I want an EMP.
Rock185
Member
My brother bought a new 9mm EMP about a year ago. It had serious issues, both cosmetic and functional. It would not reliably feed any hollow point ammo. He sent it back for warranty work. The slide was replaced and I don't know what else. It is now 100% reliable with all hollow points we tried. This included 115, 124 and 147 grain weights. His is now a very nice gun, that I would carry with confidence. I don't think he would ever sell it. It was a shame to have to send it back, but Springfield did address all the issues to his satisfaction.
Bought one a couple of months ago after lusting for some time. Good part: love the size, it has shot without fail every time (I only have about 250 rounds through it, but no failures). Bad part: last week the front sight blew right off the slide. So far Springfield's customer service has treated me extremely well and the slide is back there getting fixed. If they fix it properly, I'll (mostly) forgive this issue and go back to really enjoying the pistol. I really like the idea of reducing the size of the 1911 platform to the smaller cartridge. I handled the EMP .40 and found it enough heavier than the 9mm that I thought it sort of defeated the purpose.
One pistol that I think compares favorably is the Para Ordnance Carry 9, particularly if you are a person who does not like hammer-back carry in your pistol.
One pistol that I think compares favorably is the Para Ordnance Carry 9, particularly if you are a person who does not like hammer-back carry in your pistol.
Lonestar49
Member
In - Crowd
...
I think I've got the most rounds thru my EMP than most, so far.. lol
To date: 7200, oh-so-accurate rounds..
There was/is a 300 round, give or take, break in period (new, strong, R-springs) that require full house/loads with good new ammo make/brand, to pump the action fully.. key
Once break-in occurs, spring relaxes a tad, then one can go to/with other cheaper makes of FMJ 9mm but -
Most, least mine, has a "tight chamber" and required, and every 2000 rounds, I re-polish both, my feed ramp and barrel chamber with "Flitz gun polish" and have no problems with any 115 or 124gr FMJ and anything in JHP's up to 124gr, as anything heavier and their can be a FTFC issue now and then. On this issue, OMMV of course.
Stick with what works (you find out) and you'll have no problems going nearly 1000 rounds in-between full tear-downs/cleanings along with on-going shooting be it 2 handed or one handed, as IMHO, they are "a forgiving gun" once one has found "what works/ammo wise" anytime, all the time..
It still is the_favorite gun when I take it to the range and let others see it, then fire a mags worth.. Everyone leaves with a
especially the women, as they like the SAO trigger and the thin, yet full, grip and find them balanced and easy to rack.
Price is the only factor and IF you have the_money, as others above have said -
GET IT/ONE asap and start a "great, long-term, journey"
Not to mention SA's CS and support (lifetime warranty) is first class to deal with.
You do "get what you pay for" with this 9mm EMP 1911..
Don't go (be tempted) with a 40cal (first) as there is a big-difference in "handling" and the "back on-target accuracy" between the 2 calibers..
Going on 3yrs with my 9mm and this remains constant >
Luck,
Ls
PS..
And third "outer" (only needed) return spring - replace aprox every 3k rounds (believe it) - standard pressure loads
...
I think I've got the most rounds thru my EMP than most, so far.. lol
To date: 7200, oh-so-accurate rounds..
There was/is a 300 round, give or take, break in period (new, strong, R-springs) that require full house/loads with good new ammo make/brand, to pump the action fully.. key
Once break-in occurs, spring relaxes a tad, then one can go to/with other cheaper makes of FMJ 9mm but -
Most, least mine, has a "tight chamber" and required, and every 2000 rounds, I re-polish both, my feed ramp and barrel chamber with "Flitz gun polish" and have no problems with any 115 or 124gr FMJ and anything in JHP's up to 124gr, as anything heavier and their can be a FTFC issue now and then. On this issue, OMMV of course.
Stick with what works (you find out) and you'll have no problems going nearly 1000 rounds in-between full tear-downs/cleanings along with on-going shooting be it 2 handed or one handed, as IMHO, they are "a forgiving gun" once one has found "what works/ammo wise" anytime, all the time..
It still is the_favorite gun when I take it to the range and let others see it, then fire a mags worth.. Everyone leaves with a
especially the women, as they like the SAO trigger and the thin, yet full, grip and find them balanced and easy to rack.Price is the only factor and IF you have the_money, as others above have said -
GET IT/ONE asap and start a "great, long-term, journey"
Not to mention SA's CS and support (lifetime warranty) is first class to deal with.
You do "get what you pay for" with this 9mm EMP 1911..
Don't go (be tempted) with a 40cal (first) as there is a big-difference in "handling" and the "back on-target accuracy" between the 2 calibers..
Going on 3yrs with my 9mm and this remains constant >
Luck,
Ls
PS..
And third "outer" (only needed) return spring - replace aprox every 3k rounds (believe it) - standard pressure loads
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chieftain
Member
I own two EMP's. One is now my youngest Daughter's EDC weapon. Even though she prefers shooting her Government sized Colt Combat Elite 45acp full sized 5", she likes the EMP for daily carry. Very soft shooting and accurate.
I shot my own for the very first shots at an IDPA match, right after I set it up. Was dead nuts accurate and reliable.
She stands 4'11", she calls my Glock 26, HK p2000sk, M&P Compact, SIG's, etc as "Clunky" feeling. She likes the Single action and the "slimness" of the 1911 weapons, particularly the EMP.
Suggest looking over at the 1911FORUM dot COM and M1911 dot ORG for much more about the EMP.
Good luck.
Fred
I shot my own for the very first shots at an IDPA match, right after I set it up. Was dead nuts accurate and reliable.
She stands 4'11", she calls my Glock 26, HK p2000sk, M&P Compact, SIG's, etc as "Clunky" feeling. She likes the Single action and the "slimness" of the 1911 weapons, particularly the EMP.
Suggest looking over at the 1911FORUM dot COM and M1911 dot ORG for much more about the EMP.
Good luck.
Fred
I love it, but to be honest, if it's a utilitarian CCW weapon, and you are looking for light and thin, I honestly can't rationalize paying the premium for it over a Kahr P9 or CW9.
However, if your needs are different than just reliability and concealment, you may think the price premium is worth it.
However, if your needs are different than just reliability and concealment, you may think the price premium is worth it.
Got you covered either way...I actually got it because it was a benchmark gun, like my P7
chieftain
Member
Have one of the early Kahr K9's with the elite trigger. The Kahr is nice, but the EMP is really nice. If you have not trained to be reliable about a thumb safety, or not learned to shoot a 1911 with the thumb on top of the safety, you would be better off with a simpler weapon to handle.
On the other hand, if you broke your teeth on a 1911, it is not an issue. I have been firing 1911's, on the range, plinking, Bullseye competitions, Practical shooting competitions and actual combat since 1966.
My youngest who is the shooter of my two girls, chose the Government sized 1911 when she finally switched over from rimfire to centerfire. She never did like the other small structured pistols. She liked the big Colt from the gitgo. I was able to set them up with very narrow grips, short triggers, lowered Safety etc. Nothing else really does it very well.
My personal problem is that I will not carry one of my many 1911's when the arthritis in the hand kicks up, that applies to my Highpowers too. At those times it is between the HK P30 and the M&P FS both in 9mm.
My early K9 Kahr was a fine weapon but because of so many QC issues with many of the later models, I will defer to my EMPs. (I gave the K9 to a young lady) For very small handed folks I recommend the EMP instead of the Glock 19/26, HK P30/P2000sk, or S&W M&P Full size/compact. As my daughter states, "they are CLUNKY".
Good luck.
Fred
Fred, the Kahr P9 and CW9 have been among the most problem free and boringly reliable 9mms available, from what I've been able to gather, and based on my own experience.
I love the Kahr K9 you mention, but it's actually a much different design, has many more parts, and has had more issues than the P9/CW9, based on my research. It's still a great weapon, but it needs some fine tuning to be 100%, as the NYPD found out when they authorized it as a BUG years ago.
I hang out on Sigforums a little, and they are pickier than anyone about fit/finish and reliability AFAIC (so much so, that they're knocking new gen Sigs with frames and more parts made in the U.S. under Sig's new evil CEO), and they rave about the Kahr P9, CW9 and PM9, and for good reason IMO.
I will go one step further and state my .02 that the Kahrs I mentioned are more likely to be reliable, statistically speaking, than the Springfield EMP, which may require some fine tuning to get to 100%.
My .02, with respect.
I love the Kahr K9 you mention, but it's actually a much different design, has many more parts, and has had more issues than the P9/CW9, based on my research. It's still a great weapon, but it needs some fine tuning to be 100%, as the NYPD found out when they authorized it as a BUG years ago.
I hang out on Sigforums a little, and they are pickier than anyone about fit/finish and reliability AFAIC (so much so, that they're knocking new gen Sigs with frames and more parts made in the U.S. under Sig's new evil CEO), and they rave about the Kahr P9, CW9 and PM9, and for good reason IMO.
I will go one step further and state my .02 that the Kahrs I mentioned are more likely to be reliable, statistically speaking, than the Springfield EMP, which may require some fine tuning to get to 100%.
My .02, with respect.
MICHAEL T
Member
Buy one . Their good pistols If you want a 1911 type pistol in 9mm . I will stay with my Defender in 45 . Remember Colt has a new Defender in 9mm also this year.
chieftain
Member
No worries. None of this is brain surgery. Things change, some things get better, some things get worse and why they make Fords and Chevy's.
Just one Link to reference about Kahr Quality. There are many more, use the search engine.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=2408
I hope they have solved their problems. I bought my K9 about 13 years ago. Maybe they got it together since then.
Just my experience.
Good luck.
Fred
Just one Link to reference about Kahr Quality. There are many more, use the search engine.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=2408
I hope they have solved their problems. I bought my K9 about 13 years ago. Maybe they got it together since then.
Just my experience.
Good luck.
Fred
get a smaller kimber for the price. ultra carry is about 700 bucks. Plus its made in America. you really cant go wrong with that Springer tho
the Kahr is not the same type of gun. I would compare a kahr with a spring xdm subcompact or a glock 26. Which the kahr would lose to both
You said you wanted to know if a 1911 style gun is good for concealed carry? absolutely. my ultra carry can do 1 1/2 at 25 yards with match ammo. its small and thin. its a fun gun to shoot too. that, like most 1911 guns, look awesome. but its not for a beginner.
A J frame revolver is what you need
the Kahr is not the same type of gun. I would compare a kahr with a spring xdm subcompact or a glock 26. Which the kahr would lose to both
You said you wanted to know if a 1911 style gun is good for concealed carry? absolutely. my ultra carry can do 1 1/2 at 25 yards with match ammo. its small and thin. its a fun gun to shoot too. that, like most 1911 guns, look awesome. but its not for a beginner.
A J frame revolver is what you need
Jed Carter
Member
Throw this into the mix: http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-guardian/ I say get the Springer and forget the Kahr, smaller and lighter is well, smaller and lighter, whether it is a better choice was a question that was never asked. How did a question about a Springer EMP turn into a Glock vs Kahr thread?
chieftain said:
That thread is 8 years old.
The CW9 and PM9 hadn't even been designed, let alone produced yet.
Do a search on EMP issues, and you'll come across many, just like with any product (it's an inevitable law of statistics).
The CW9 is one of the least complained about 9mm semiautos I've ever come across.
It's my opinion, and while I actually like the Springfield EMP, I don't think many would argue it ISN'T more finicky and inconsistent than the CW9.
As far as the 'made here in the U.S.' argument, I'm not necessarily into that rather than the merits of the tool, but the Kahr is as American Made as it gets.
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