Springfield EMP. Thoughts?

[Guest Len]

Took the GF to the gun show in Smyrna on Friday. (Big mistake, many vendors were not there yet.) One of the goals was to seek a new personal defense gun for her. She wanted to find something she liked (ergonomics and aesthetics) and something I liked (at least 9mm, would go bang every time the trigger was pulled and would never go bang otherwise). We fondled many a gun. She's got a revolver fetish to some extent, but fell in love with a Springfield EMP ("enhanced micro pistol" -basically a mini-1911 in 9mm)

I've heard good things about the EMP but am generally unwilling to pay $1000.00 for something that does not say "Kimber" on the slide. Anyone have any experience with the EMP? Is it worth the price? Good looking gun, perfect size/shape for her. Thoughts?

[Guest waffenldr]

Have you checked out the Para Slim Hawg. Thats what the wife carries

[TripleDigitRide]

I've never owned one, but I've heard nothing but positive remarks about them. I did get a chance to put a few rounds through one, and it was smooth as silk.

I want one so bad, I'm almost willing to have a finger or two surgically removed, so it would fit into my hands.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

The EMPs had issues early on, with many having to go back to the factory to be resolved... and some returning back to the hands of the customers with the issues not fixed.

Whether all of this has been ironed out or not, I'm not sure. Your best bet would be to go over to the 1911.com forum or m1911.org and ask there, as there were quite a few members with the EMP handgun. I haven't looked at them seriously since that time (when the wife was looking for a carry weapon) and the problems owners were having across the board kinda steered me away from that gun.

Hopefully they're now working as they should, as they really are a nice platform to carry... and Springfield is usually really good on service and quality. Good luck in the search.

[patbax2]

I've never shot one of the EMPs but I;ve heard a lot of good about them. I have been looking at one also. I love those guns

[Guest nraforlife]

Just a suggestion and take it for what it is worth. Fine a gun range that rents firearms and have her shoot a few different makes and models and then buy.

[Guest Len]

I want one so bad, I'm almost willing to have a finger or two surgically removed, so it would fit into my hands.

Triple, now that is quite an endorsement!!

Verbal, heading to m1911 now. Thanks all.

[Guest builderwood]

I can think of anything negative about a Springfield, but my overall knowledge is still limited. I have a 1911 and it goes boom everytime I ask it to.

[towerclimber37]

Len,

as far as I know, only myself and Boomhower have EMP's. He got his before me, and we BOTH wanted one...

Mine had a difficult break in period...but they're built to tight tolerances..I guess because they're so small..

they're very light weight, extremely accurate and..after the break in they function flawlessly.

When mine was being broken in, I noticed that the firing pin hole on the face of the slide hadn't been cleaned out when they built it..or else it was wearing in and a tiny rim of metal was being pushed out every time it fired. this caused the rounds to not want to feed. I used a needle file and cleaned it up then polished the face of the slide and I've not had a problem since. it eats every round that I've given it...

It will take about 800 rounds to break it in completely. Once it's broken in, you've got a super reliable weapon that is extremely light and accurate.

easy to point and gets better with every round you put downrange.

[VERO1]

+1 on the Paras. They have recently come out with a new 9mm. I think they call it the PDA. I believe they are in the $700 range. I have the LDA in.45 and have had no trouble with it. I got it asNIB for a little under $600. I do like the EMPS, just not the sticker shock.

[RWF]

the wife has one and carries it everywhere, at the ranges its meant for, she shoots it as good as her full size 1911s.

its reliable and accurate.

[Guest Major Pain]

I would recommend indulging her revolver fetish.--MP

[Guest Boomhower]

I love mine. Just like Elliott said, they do have a break in period, but as long as you are willing to feed it, she'll shape up quite nicely. The guys over on M1911 offered a little bit of comfort, but I wanted one bad enough that I couldn't wait around for more people to buy them and give their opinion . So I plunged in when a local store went out of business with 10% off and guess what they had one of . I was able to pick mine up for $899 + T&T. At that time, I could only find them online for around $1250. They may have come down by now, and I believe that the .40 version is out now.

If you haven't already read these......

My review on TGO

My review on M1911

A review done by a respected member of M1911

[Guest Gun Geek]

I bought the Para Carry 9 for my girlfriend... Well for her to use its still mine. She loves it. Except she cant shoot very well. Working on that though. Of course I am a Para fanatic so I always try to get people to share my addiction.

[Guest Gun Geek]

+1 on the Paras. They have recently come out with a new 9mm. I think they call it the PDA. I believe they are in the $700 range. I have the LDA in.45 and have had no trouble with it. I got it asNIB for a little under $600. I do like the EMPS, just not the sticker shock.

If I remember right the PDA is a little over $1000 somewhere. But the carry 9 is the same thing pretty much.

[VERO1]

OOPS! I didn't realize that they were that high.

[Guest Gun Geek]

Yeah, they are up there. The Carry 9 on the other hand is in that range. Like I said my GF loves it, Me personally I dont like 9mm, fun and cheap to plink with but I always prefer a .45.