2WheeledSpeed

The Springfield EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) is a totally different take on the normal subcompact 1911 in that it was never meant to shoot .45ACP, instead it was designed from the ground up to be chambered in 9mm and .40S&W, both of which are slightly shorter than .45ACP. Because of this the EMP is slightly smaller overall than a normal subcompact 1911 with a 3 inch barrel, though not enough to make a huge difference, my EMP will share holsters with my .45ACP 1911s.

I chose to buy my EMP in 9mm, which comes with an aluminum alloy frame and uses 9 round magazines. The .40S&W version has a heavier steel frame and uses 8 round magazines. All EMPs come standard with 3-dot tritium night sights and ambidextrous thumb safeties. There is a small cut on the top of the barrel hood to allow you to visually check the loaded status of the chamber without opening it, but I've found this to be a useless feature, I am in the habit of pulling the slide partially back to check the chamber anyways.

If you look closely at the picture, you will notice that the EMP (on the left) is ever so slightly shorter than my Colt New Agent in .45ACP.

With the 1911s ergonomics and trigger, and the softer recoil of 9mm, the EMP is a fun gun to shoot. Recoil is mild for such a small/light gun, though I've had a couple people complain that the "memory bump" on the beavertail grip safety hurts their palm after shooting for a little while. The sights are easy to pick up, and the stock trigger is easily the best of all my 1911s (I've got 4 so far).

The reliability of 3-3.5" 1911s is often questioned, but the EMP is a different story. It's extremely reliable with both FMJ and JHP ammunition. I haven't had any hiccups so far. Obviously Springfields engineers did a good job redesigning this gun.

Takedown is similar to any other 1911 and requires no tools, though like most other shorty 1911s the EMP has a full length guide rod and bull barrel because it is too short to use a traditional bushing.

The EMP is a great addition to my concealed carry rotation, it actually sees more holster time than my Colt New Agent. If you're a fan of the 1911 platform and don't insist on carrying a .45 the EMP has few downsides other than the pricetag, I haven't checked prices lately but when I bought mine they were around $1200. Unless you can find one used I'd expect prices to still be north of $1000. But you get what you pay for, and this is a very well equipped and reliable subcompact 1911.