Springfield Armory 1911 EMP

Published on September 3, 2018
Duration: 19:03

This review of the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP concealed carry pistol highlights its design for concealed carry, featuring an aluminum slide for reduced weight and a rounded contour for snag-free drawing. The reviewer, with experience as a forensic firearms examiner, discusses its reliability with various ammunition types and its accuracy at 15 yards. A significant point of critique is the absence of a firing pin block safety, which the reviewer believes is crucial for a safe concealed carry firearm based on personal experience with accidental discharges from similar designs.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory 1911 EMP is a 9mm concealed carry pistol featuring a lightweight aluminum slide and a custom contour for snag-free drawing. While reliable and accurate, a significant concern is its lack of a firing pin block safety, which the reviewer, a forensic firearms examiner, believes is crucial for safe concealed carry due to potential accidental discharge risks when dropped.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction
  2. 00:19Springfield Armory 1911 EMP Overview
  3. 00:38History of 9mm 1911s
  4. 01:36Custom Carry Contour Design
  5. 01:56Lightweight Aluminum Slide
  6. 02:15Grip Texture and Beaver Tail Safety
  7. 02:54Sights: Novak Rear & Fiber Optic Front
  8. 03:16Ambidextrous Safety and Magazine Release
  9. 03:24Magazine Capacity and Reliability
  10. 03:39Ammunition Performance (HST, RIPD)
  11. 04:07Barrel: 4-inch Bull Barrel
  12. 04:22Dual Recoil Spring System
  13. 04:27Trigger Pull Assessment
  14. 04:45Dimensions and Weight
  15. 04:55Disassembly Process (Tricky Part)
  16. 05:38Recoil Spring Assembly Removal (Tool Required)
  17. 06:13Using Paper Clip as Tool
  18. 06:45Barrel Removal
  19. 06:53Accuracy Impressions
  20. 07:06CRITICAL: Lack of Firing Pin Block Safety
  21. 07:34Comparison: Colt 1991A1 with Firing Pin Block
  22. 08:00How Firing Pin Block Works
  23. 08:25EMP's Missing Safety Mechanism
  24. 08:33Forensic Case Study: Accidental Discharge
  25. 09:00Dropping Test Demonstration
  26. 09:43Weariness of 1911s Without Firing Pin Safeties
  27. 09:52Debate on Firing Pin Safety Impact on Trigger
  28. 10:20Biggest Critique: Lack of Firing Pin Safety
  29. 11:03Polished Feed Ramp & Supported Chamber
  30. 11:12Loaded Chamber Indicator Notch
  31. 11:23Reassembly Process
  32. 12:251911 Safety Features: Grip & Manual Safety
  33. 12:47Carrying Condition: Cocked and Locked
  34. 13:36Carrying with Round in Chamber
  35. 13:57Shooting Performance: Reliability & Accuracy
  36. 18:14Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP for concealed carry?

The Springfield Armory 1911 EMP is designed for concealed carry with a custom contour that rounds off edges to prevent snagging. It features a lightweight aluminum slide, a textured grip for secure handling, and a beaver tail grip safety to prevent hammer bite. Its compact size and 9mm caliber also make it suitable for discreet carry.

What is the main safety concern highlighted about the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP?

The primary safety concern raised is the absence of a firing pin block safety. Based on forensic experience, the reviewer demonstrated that dropping a 1911 without this safety feature on its muzzle could potentially lead to an accidental discharge, making it a point of caution for concealed carry.

How does the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP's weight compare to other 1911s?

The Springfield Armory 1911 EMP is notably lightweight for a 1911, weighing in at 30.5 ounces. This is largely due to its aluminum slide, which is a significant departure from the traditional all-steel construction of many 1911 models, making it more comfortable for daily carry.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the reliability and accuracy of the 1911 EMP?

The reviewer found the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP to be reliable, experiencing no feeding malfunctions with approximately 200-300 rounds of various ammunition, including defensive loads like Federal HST. Accuracy was deemed good for a carry gun, with shots grouping within a two-inch spread at 15 yards.

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