The simplest solution (albeit initially the most expensive!)
is the one Springfield Armory pursued in the EMP series.
No more obsessing over magazine construction and wondering whether blocking the magazine at front or back is preferable.
The EMP4 is more like a full-size gun still very concealable and fits my hand better.
The single-stack magazine holds an extra round over the shorter EMP for a capacity of 10+1.
The frontstrap has Springfields Posi-Lock grip texture.
The mainspring housing is also finely checkered for a solid grip, too, and is equally comfortable.
Perception is important, especially if you cant shoot a gun before buying it.
I really had the feeling the EMP4 was locked into my hand.
Again, this perception was confirmed on the range.
The balance of the 4 barrel over the longer aluminum frame is about perfect, allowing a steady aim.
The EMP4 has a straight-tube heavy barrel, also aiding a rock-steady hold on target.
All the extra weight is in the barrel and the EMP4 is of the bushingless 1911 configuration.
To mitigate the problem, I just run a black Sharpie marking pen over it.
Now the front sight just glows red in daylight and the problem is solved.
The Sharpie ink wipes away with a little dab of mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.
The slide is easy to rack, even with the hammer at rest.
The slide serrations are angled and give a solid grip.
The slide stop is the same distance from my thumb as on a full-size 1911.
The safety is ambidextrous and, unlike many, there is no perceptible play in the right side lever.
The safety requires little pressure to apply or disengage and more importantly its not mushy.
It does not move until you push it off or on with an audible click.
The grip safety has a memory pad at the base to ensure you have it depressed when firing.
The generously curved upper portion guides the web of your hand during the draw.
The grip safety shows excellent fitting around the frame contour.
The fit of the slide-ejector-to-frame at the back is superb.
The hammer is the currently fashionable hollowed Commander style and is well serrated on top.
It nestles inside a notch on the grip safety and is easy to thumb cock or uncock.
The trigger travels smoothly about 1/16 before it stops and breaks cleanly at 4 lbs.
Theres no overtravel adjustment, and this trigger didnt need it.
The magazine well is gently flared, and magazines go in easily.
Magazines, incidentally, drop free when the button is pressed.
The release is much closer to my thumb than on a standard-width 1911.
I dont have to shift my grip to press it.
The button release itself is nicely serrated and has a rather heavy spring compared to other 1911s.
I doubt there is a chance of it being dropped accidentally.
The magazines (made by Mec-Gar) are nicely blued and the follower is of the round-top throw in.
The EMP4 9mm magazine has the width-reducing ribs familiar to shooters of full-size .38 Super and 9mm 1911s.
The gun is small, light and has few snag points.
It looks smaller than it actually is, and I mean that as a tribute.
Feeding from the start was flawless.
I dont have to make any break-in excuses here.
The EMP4 ran like a top from the start.
The difference in group sizes between the two targets with all the loads was minimal.
So I have no excuses for the wider shots in the groups.
Of the loads tried, all were reliable and no stoppages occurred over several range visits.
I used FP-10 for the slide-rail lubricating chores.
TheHSM 147-grain JHP loadshot closest to the sights and SIG SAUER ammo took the accuracy crown.
I did so more because my eyes seem to tire faster shooting handguns these days.
Either that or my attention span is as short as my eyesight.
Im sure its one or the other!
Probably both…
Mystery Solved
Around the 450- to 500-round mark, an unusual malfunction occurred.
A piece of debris lodged in the firing pin hole.
A closer inspection showed the small piece of debris in the firing pin hole.
The debris was now firmly embedded in the firing pin hole.
Springfield Armory suggested a tap on the firing pin should dislodge it.
A pin punch and a light tap with a nylon hammer did the trick.
The situation hasnt occurred again in more than 350 rounds since.
Simple draw and shoot exercises involved a CrossBreed holster on a Kramer Leather gunbelt.
My initial rapid double taps all seemed like sure hits and the gun was quick on target.
Trouble is, my mind remembers being able to do so, but my muscles dont.
To ensure solid hits at 15 yards offhand, I had to slow down and shoot.
Springfield supplies a tension-adjustable synthetic holster and mag pouch.
The tension screw on the holster had to be backed out all the way for a smooth draw.
The mag pouch adjusted quickly for a firm hold and easy draw.
The EMP4 is suitable for tasks from CCW to IDPA to plain plinking fun.
Its not hard to see it as a platform suitable for other offshoots of the target-shooting sports.
Perhaps well see a longer slide and adjustable sights someday.
The inclusion improves concealed carry and hides the pistol more thoroughly under thin clothing.
But as it stands, the square-butt EMP4 does just about everything I want a gun to do today.
And it does so better than most.
Disassembly
Lets end pain and embarrassment (the life you save may be your own!).
Remove the magazine and check the chamber ensuring the pistol is unloaded.
You will need the fancy Springfield Disassembly tool provided by the company.
If youve lost it, the now exceedingly rare paper clip substitutes admirably.
If you youngsters dont know what one is, ask someone old.
They are often found in mint condition for little or no cost.
- Pull the slide back and push up the slide stop.
Release the slide stop and ease the slide forward until it can be removed.
Remove the slide to the front.
Remove the recoil spring to the rear, capture pin and all.
Do not remove the capture pin.
Lift the barrel up and remove to the rear.
Reassemble in reverse order.
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