Sringfield Armory EMP 9mm

[mtndwell]

I was recently looking for a metal frame conceal carry 9mm. I had been looking at a Para Ordnance Slim Hog 9mm, and I actually found a store in town that had one. I went to look at it. When I got there, I was surprised to find that they had 3 different small metal frame 9mm 1911 handguns. In addition to the the Para, they had a Kimber and the Springfield EMP. This did not make things any easier. It took me about an hour, holding each one, examining the actions, etc. What a choice to make. I finally made my decision and chose the EMP 9mm.

At the range, the EMP showed its true colors. It is an excellent firearm. It is extremely well balanced, which helps explain its smooth action and surprisingly low recoil. It has easy to see Tritium 3 dot sights, and a very smooth match grade trigger. In addition, after putting about 300 rounds through it that day, not a single DNF. Cleaning was also a snap, however removing the breakdown pin the first time was a little work. Once I figured it out, it is not too bad.

I have now owned the EMP for a couple of months now, putting about another 1500 rounds through it. I have had a couple of DNF, which initially concerned me (never want it to not fire, especially at a bad guy). What I found was that it is picky on how the rounds are seated in the clip. You must be sure they are fully pressed to the rear. Once I figured that out, I have not had another problem. Overall, it is a great gun and has been moved to the top of my conceal carry list.

[HK4U]

Glad to here you are enjoying your new gun.

[mtndwell]

Thanks. Just wanted to share my experience with the rest of the community.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by mtndwell

.....I have now owned the EMP for a couple of months now, putting about another 1500 rounds through it. I have had a couple of DNF, which initially concerned me (never want it to not fire, especially at a bad guy). What I found was that it is picky on how the rounds are seated in the clip. You must be sure they are fully pressed to the rear. Once I figured that out, I have not had another problem. Overall, it is a great gun and has been moved to the top of my conceal carry list.

I'm glad you brought up the need for reliability in a firearm. It's a really bad thing for your gun to go "click" when you need it to go "bang" or go "bang" when you need it to go "click".

We have a lot of "new" and "novice" firearms owners on this site. Let's use proper terminology so they will develop good habits. The correct term is magazinel in your case, as I have yet to see a semi-auto handgun that uses a "clip". I've joked with a bunch of my buddies that I'll have one of the local gunsmiths design a M1 pistol for me, so I'll have the first semi-auto pistol that uses a "clip".

Glad you're enjoying your new pistol.



gf

[wuzfuz]

I am waiting for the silly putty residency requirement here in Washington to pass before I can go pick up my Springfield Armory XD45. I am very impressed with the Springfield Armory, first, for all the years they produced the 1911 pistol in every way from GI to wild custom, and hte same for the M-1 Garand rifle. the XD line is Springfield's version, partially of the Glock, using the safe-action trigger. In addition, it has a grip safety similar to the 1911. There is no manual safety to worry about and no hammer to catch on anything. The polymer has proven itself in the Glock and other pistols, and you combine that with the Springfield Armory reputation, and I think it is unbeatable. I am really impressed with the 13 + 1 capacity as well as the accessories that come with the pistol..

[mtndwell]

Originally Posted by Glock Fan

We have a lot of "new" and "novice" firearms owners on this site. Let's use proper terminology so they will develop good habits. The correct term is magazinel in your case, as I have yet to see a semi-auto handgun that uses a "clip".


gf

I am just curious, as a "Novice" firearms owner, what differentiates between a magazine and a clip? Webster’s uses the term "clip" and "magazine" interchangeably (clip - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary[2]). As a Newbie, I just want to know, so I can refer to it correctly.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by mtndwell

I am just curious, as a "Novice" firearms owner, what differentiates between a magazine and a clip? Webster’s uses the term "clip" and "magazine" interchangeably (clip - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary[2]). As a Newbie, I just want to know, so I can refer to it correctly.

A "clip" is a device that holds a group of cartridges, which usually would be completely inserted into the firearm. A "magazine" OTOH has a spring and follower that will push the cartriges into place. Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference.



gf

[netentity]

GF is correct. I have never handled a firearm that uses a clip although I 9mm revolver is on my to acquire agenda which use moon clips.

[netentity]

It appears that the .40 S&W EMP cannot be converted to 10mm. That's my motivation for buying a .40 S&W 1911A1 pistol. Typically all you have to do is have a 10mm barrel fitted and put a heavier recoil spring in it. The EMP frame was specifically designed for short cartridges like the 9mm and .40 S&W so 10mm may not be able to fit in the magazine. Looks like I'm back to looking at a fullsized Para .40 S&W.

[toreskha]

This is a rifle with a clip. The "clip" is just that - a piece of stamped metal that the rounds are held inside of. It's all inside the gun and doesn't have a spring or follower or anything else fancy, because the rifle does all the work. The most obvious part is that it only scantily covers the rounds. They're fairly exposed. These are obviously easier to load in the field because you don't have to push a spring down to get the rounds in.






This is a group of pistol and rifle magazines. They all have springs and sometimes other gear inside, which means you have to rotate them frequently so the springs don't get worn out from being compressed. You can usually see rifle magazines sticking out (this is part of what makes assault rifles look so scary to antis). With pistols it's not as obvious, but extended mags, particularly on smaller guns, often have a piece at the bottom (see third from right) that will serve as a place to put your pinky finger. As you can see, the rounds are also mostly hidden from view except at the very top, so they put those little holes (which are often numbered) in so that you can take a count.






As an added bonus, there's something equivalent for revolvers. It's called a moon clip, and allows you to do quick reloads. These are fairly simple. The whole thing goes in, and when you're done, you pull it out along with the casings so that you can insert another.