The Reason You Can’t Get One Of The GREATEST Guns Ever Made for EDC - EMP .40 By Springfield

Published on January 17, 2026
Duration: 11:23

The Springfield Armory EMP40, a .40 S&W pistol, was discontinued in 2022. While praised for its feel and trigger, its 8+1 capacity and the declining popularity of the .40 S&W caliber contributed to its market struggles. The video highlights that 1911-style firearms, including the EMP40, require more diligent maintenance, lubrication, and break-in periods compared to simpler designs like Glocks, which is a key reason many owners experience issues and deem them unreliable.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory EMP40 was discontinued in 2022 due to its 8+1 capacity in .40 S&W, a caliber losing popularity, and the market shift towards higher-capacity 9mm pistols. As a 1911-style firearm, it demands more rigorous maintenance, including frequent lubrication and cleaning, to ensure reliability, unlike simpler designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Springfield EMP40
  2. 00:13Discontinuation of the EMP40
  3. 00:34Springfield's 1911 Hit or Miss Reputation
  4. 00:38Springfield Prodigy and TRP Examples
  5. 01:45EMP40 Capacity and Caliber Issues
  6. 01:52Affordable .40 S&W Alternatives
  7. 03:14Cost Comparison: EMP40 vs. Alternatives
  8. 04:02Capacity vs. Size: EMP40 vs. Modern Guns
  9. 04:38The Rise of 9mm and Smaller Platforms
  10. 05:00Why Newer Shooters Avoid .40 S&W
  11. 05:13Ergonomics and Feel of the EMP40
  12. 05:21Modern Capacity Expectations
  13. 06:06Modern Low-Capacity Alternatives
  14. 06:36Maintenance Requirements for 1911s
  15. 06:52Para LDA6 Maintenance Example
  16. 07:231911 Maintenance vs. Glock
  17. 08:13Why 1911s Fail for Some Owners
  18. 08:52Dedicated Maintenance for 1911s
  19. 09:00EMP40 Trigger and Grip
  20. 09:25Limited Availability of EMP40
  21. 09:41Recommendation: Cheaper .40 S&W Route
  22. 09:53Other Low-Capacity Single Stacks (XDS)
  23. 10:26Reasons for EMP40 Discontinuation
  24. 10:34Finding a Discontinued EMP40
  25. 10:45Luck in Finding the EMP40
  26. 11:14Potential Reasons for Unfired EMP40
  27. 11:17Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Springfield Armory EMP40 discontinued?

The Springfield Armory EMP40 was discontinued in 2022 due to a combination of factors. Its 8+1 capacity in .40 S&W was considered low for modern EDC, and the declining popularity of the .40 S&W caliber also played a role. Market trends favored higher-capacity 9mm pistols.

What are the maintenance requirements for a Springfield EMP40?

As a 1911-style pistol, the EMP40 requires more diligent maintenance than simpler designs. This includes regular and thorough lubrication, cleaning after each range session, and a proper break-in period to ensure reliability. Neglecting these can lead to performance issues.

Is the .40 S&W caliber still relevant for EDC?

While .40 S&W was once popular, its relevance for EDC has diminished. Many shooters now prefer 9mm for its lower recoil, higher capacity, and widespread availability. However, affordable used .40 S&W firearms are readily available for those who still favor the caliber.

How does the EMP40 compare to modern micro-compact pistols?

The EMP40, with its 8+1 capacity in .40 S&W, is significantly outmatched by modern micro-compact pistols that often offer 10+1, 13+1, or even 15+1 rounds of 9mm in similar or smaller footprints. This capacity difference is a major reason for the EMP40's market struggles.

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