Springfield EMP4 9mm 1911

[ScotchMan]

Nothing coming up for this pistol in a search, so I thought I'd start a thread. The EMP4 is an upscaled version of the Enhanced Micro Pistol, a 1911 chambered in either 9mm (or .40S&W). What draws my attention to this 1911 is that it was designed around the 9mm cartridge, and as a result is more size-efficient than a scaled-down .45. I was never interested in the original EMP, as I have minimal use for tiny guns, however scaled up to a 5.5" height and 4" barrel, things get more interesting.

The grip is narrower front to back, and the magazine holds 10 rounds in what appears to be the same space as a normal 1911 grip (which typically hold 9 rounds of 9mm). It has USA made markings, as opposed to some other Springfield 1911s, although there is debate about how much that matters.

Of course, all of these optimizations mean that it is less customizable than a standard 9mm 1911, as many of the parts have been redesigned. However I am optimistic that this means that some of the inherent flakiness in 9mm 1911s might be resolved.

What is the groupthink on this pistol? It has caught my attention, and may be on my short list for something to try out. Living in a capacity-limited state, a non-subcompact 9mm that is designed around a 10 round magazine is particularly interesting to me.

http://d3vlrk5fm1gp81.cloudfront.net/media/2605874/emp4_keefereport.jpg

[ranger]

I will be watching with interest the feedback. I am also interested in the "larger" size - kind of a Commander like designed around 9mm cartridge.

[TDA]

It caught my eye on the cover of this month's issue- Wiley Clapp doesn't seem to hate it:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/5/19/springfield-emp4-pistol-evaluation/

Since I'm a 10 round magazine state person, I like the idea of a pistol designed to have one, and avoiding the frustrations experienced with 10 round magazines in pistols designed to hold 17. It comes with three, but I'd want more, and I don't see them in the Springfield shop yet. No doubt they'll be there soon.

I'm a little wary of the bushingless barrel and full length guide rod setup... maybe it's fine? OTOH, 17 redesigned internal parts do make it kind of a special snowflake.

[1911Nut]

I've had one of the original 3" models in 9mm for several years and it has performed admirably with no functionality problems. No experience with the new 4" version.

[TR675]

I've wondered why someone hasn't brought something like this to market; I'll be interested to see how it works out.

[Crawls]

I'd be interested to see the difference between this gun and the 9mm Range Officer Champion. They appear to similar size, similar weight and similar materials. The EMP4 has a 10 round magazine vs the Range Officer Champion's 9 round magazine. It also carries a pretty hefty price premium.

[idahojess]

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?19985-NEW-EMP-4-AND-A-PIC-OF-TARGET

It looks like a cool gun to me. I thought the Wiley Clapp article was pretty interesting.

[SecondsCount]

After my experience with an original 9mm EMP and the recent experience of those in the Lipseys Combat thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?19936-Problems-reported-with-Lipseys-Combat-Operator-9mm), I would not be excited about sending them my money.

It would seem that Springfield has given the purchaser the job of quality control. If you don't just throw it in the safe as they are betting you will do, and actually go to range with it, they will send you a call tag to fix any issues you find with the gun. :rolleyes:

[Seven_Sicks_Two]

Granted, my only experience is with the original 3" EMP... but we seemed to send more of them back to the factory than other SA 1911's. If it were me, I'd probably opt for a Commander-sized gun. The form factor is similar enough and there are plenty of parts out there.

[Tuesday]

Slightly thinner than a lightweight 9mm commander, not much lighter (Springfield's RO Champion at 31.5 oz is a whopping 0.5 oz heavier and the Champion Operator Lightweight at 31 oz is the same weight as the EMP, and it has a rail), same capacity since you can get 10 round 9mm mags, a bunch of specialized parts, and a bigger price tag.

I see no advantage.

[TR675]

A smaller grip for folks with smaller hands is the advantage that springs to my mind. Could help out those 1911 aficionados with Trump-sized mitts.

It would certainly NOT be an advantage for me. No sir!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1986s4]

Now if SA would give it a double stack magazine for 13-15 rounds....

[CSW]

I cannot speak on the EMP4, but just recently [February] I purchased the RO Champion in 9mm.
The gun is amazing, shoots better than I can, and has that magic Commander sized balance.
The RO's mags leave alot to be desired, but simple Checkmate mags run flawlessly.
Being lefty, I had a local 'smith add an ambi safety, and have yet to have an issue with feed/function/eject, etc.....

The EMP4 did intrigue me, but I decided to go full size firearm~
Glad I did.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/22920671/412339752.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/22920671/412406720.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/22920671/412380109.jpg

[rauchman]

Keeping this thread alive. Any more updates on this pistol?

[TDA]

There was a write up in the IDPA Tactical Journal that was pretty favorable. I still haven't run across one in any of my local retail establishments, but I am still itchimg for another 9mm 1911.

[Magsz]

The gun is a sharp mess.

It seriously needs to be dehorned. I handled a .40 and a 9mm in a gun store a month ago and I was immediately turned off. Given the price, the feature set on paper and the size of the thing, I was very much interested. I would rather spend another 500 bucks and get a DW Guardian which is a far more polished product.