1911's in .40?

[PackinMama]

I have been toying with the idea of selling/trading a couple of my Glock .40's (23c and 27) for a 1911 in .40 s&w. I know Springfield makes the EMP in .40 and I am thinking about that one, but I'd like to know if there are any others 1911's that were/are made in .40 s&w. Should I just stick with the EMP or are there more options?

 

If I didn't have so much .40 ammo stocked up, I'd probably just go with a .45. I do LOVE the new Kimber HD with the rounded butt.....however, this is not the time to be switching to a caliber that I have absolutely no ammo for.

 

Thoughts?

[Motasyco]

Check out STI.  http://www.stiguns.com/

[Jonnin]

sti being excellent but pricy, springfield makes an EMP version.  http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=137 

 

I think para has one.

[Patton]

Sig makes a 1911 in 40 but they are pretty hard to come by.

[ted]

I've got a EMP 40 and love it little heavy though with a all steel frame and slide , but its a tac driver. It is a little snappy when fired but I like it.

[RWF]

most any can be had in 40

[PackinMama]

The STI Escort looks pretty nice. Looks like a toss up between that and the EMP.

[tnhawk]

The EMP 40 would be a good choice.  Mine has been accurate and reliable during the 1-1/2 years I've owned it.  I've used a variety of ammo in it without any problems.

[deerslayer]

.40 and 9mm 1911s can be finicky.  1911s were designed to shoot ~1.25" ammunition, like the .45 or 10mm.  The .40 S&W was made to shoot in 9mm-length actions and usually has an overall length of 1.12-1.15.  The movement of the typical 1911 action is a little long for 9mm and .40 rounds.  Some competitive shooters load their .40s to ~1.20 with an increased charge and use 10mm magazines, but this is not helpful for someone with a stack of factory .40 ammo.  One solution is to put a spacer in the rear of the magazine and move the round slightly forward, thus eliminating the gap.  Most .40 1911 magazines use this design.  It doesn't always work, though. 

 

The Springfield EMP is an exception.  It was designed for 9mm and .40 length cartridges.  I know a few folks who have had a little trouble with their EMPs, and a free trip to Springfield to get the chamber opened up a little cured them.  My 9mm was one of these.  The EMPs that had trouble had nothing to do with the fact that they were 9mm or .40 1911s.  Hopefully by now, Springfield has adjusted the chamber dimensions.  They are great little guns.   

 

I am amused that people often mention that STIs are too pricey, when many STIs can be had for less than several Kimber, Springfield, and S&W models.   In fact, an STI Trojan is usually less than an EMP.  To me, it's usually a no-brainer to get the STI and I own three, but if you are looking for a carry-size .40 1911, I would get an EMP and avoid the cartridge length issues.  If you are looking for something bigger, I would look at a Trojan. 

Edited April 7, 2013 by deerslayer

[SALK]

I traded my emp in .40 for an ar and a shield. I never thought I would actually miss a handgun. I MISS that gun!!

[PackinMama]

I think that the EMP .40 will be the one I get......if I do decide to sell a Glock or two. My LGS has an STI in .45 (Escort) and I like it a lot.....but I was reading the manual and it says that there is no warranty on STI guns. It does say to call them if you have a problem, but there is no written warranty. That definitely turned me off on STI, especially when Springfield has a Lifetime warranty.

[deerslayer]

I wouldn't worry about warranty issues with STI.  If you have a problem, they will take care of you.  My Lawman 4.0 recently took a free ride to and from STI for a problem that was likely my fault.  They fixed it anyway. 

 

Also, be mindful that the .40 EMP is a steel frame gun--a little heavier to carry, but more pleasant to shoot. 

[Spiffy]

STI Trojan in Hard Chrome or a Colt Delta Elite is the only 2 1911s shooting 40 that I'd personally have.