by
Support NRA American Rifleman
DONATE
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Springfield Armory's EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour is now offered in .40 S&W.
Although the EMP line was designed originally around the 9 mm cartridge, Springfield engineers reduced the diameter and front-to-rear dimensions of the grip frame by 0.26" and 0.14", respectively, which is immediately evident when holding an EMP, especially factoring in the extra-thin G10 grip panels. Compressing the traditional 1911 .45 ACP grip to fit the 9 mm and .40 cal. cartridges required that nine different components to be redesigned, including the frame, slide, extractor, trigger bow, trigger mechanism, firing pin, firing pin spring, plunger tube and spring.
What makes this particular version of the EMP popular is its concealed-carry contour design. The heel and mainspring housing of this EMP's grip frame have been rounded off, making the pistol more concealable, because it removes the part of the grip that tends to print through clothing. A contoured grip is typically a custom feature, and adding this to an existing pistol can cost as much as $225. However, Springfield offers a production contour for half the price.
"We are always looking for new ways to offer our customers exactly what they want," Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese said. "Whether it's an entirely new platform or simply an additional caliber offering, such as this model now being available in .40, we take each consumer into consideration and work tirelessly to provide a solution for their individual needs."
In addition to the concealed carry contour, this pistol has all of the same premium features and enhancements from the EMP product line. The satin finish 416 stainless steel slide has rear cocking serrations and a 3-dot sight system which employs a red fiber-optic in front and a low-profile, white-dot sight in back. The 4" stainless steel, match-grade bushing-less bull barrel incorporates a fully supported ramp.
Unlike the 9 mm version's aluminum alloy frame, the .40 S&W sports a carbon steel frame finished in Black-T—the same treatment specified on the Springfield Armory 1911s built for the FBI's SWAT and Hostage Rescue teams. The frame's frontstraps and mainspring housing are both treated with an aggressive Posi-Lock golf ball dimple texturing. Coupled with thin-line G10 panels featuring the same texture provides a grip designed to offer maximum comfort and control. An ambidextrous thumb safety makes it southpaw-friendly too.
For more information visit springfield-armory.com
Additonal Reading:
Tested: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
SHOT Show 2017: Springfield EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
Although the EMP line was designed originally around the 9 mm cartridge, Springfield engineers reduced the diameter and front-to-rear dimensions of the grip frame by 0.26" and 0.14", respectively, which is immediately evident when holding an EMP, especially factoring in the extra-thin G10 grip panels. Compressing the traditional 1911 .45 ACP grip to fit the 9 mm and .40 cal. cartridges required that nine different components to be redesigned, including the frame, slide, extractor, trigger bow, trigger mechanism, firing pin, firing pin spring, plunger tube and spring.
What makes this particular version of the EMP popular is its concealed-carry contour design. The heel and mainspring housing of this EMP's grip frame have been rounded off, making the pistol more concealable, because it removes the part of the grip that tends to print through clothing. A contoured grip is typically a custom feature, and adding this to an existing pistol can cost as much as $225. However, Springfield offers a production contour for half the price.
"We are always looking for new ways to offer our customers exactly what they want," Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese said. "Whether it's an entirely new platform or simply an additional caliber offering, such as this model now being available in .40, we take each consumer into consideration and work tirelessly to provide a solution for their individual needs."
In addition to the concealed carry contour, this pistol has all of the same premium features and enhancements from the EMP product line. The satin finish 416 stainless steel slide has rear cocking serrations and a 3-dot sight system which employs a red fiber-optic in front and a low-profile, white-dot sight in back. The 4" stainless steel, match-grade bushing-less bull barrel incorporates a fully supported ramp.
Unlike the 9 mm version's aluminum alloy frame, the .40 S&W sports a carbon steel frame finished in Black-T—the same treatment specified on the Springfield Armory 1911s built for the FBI's SWAT and Hostage Rescue teams. The frame's frontstraps and mainspring housing are both treated with an aggressive Posi-Lock golf ball dimple texturing. Coupled with thin-line G10 panels featuring the same texture provides a grip designed to offer maximum comfort and control. An ambidextrous thumb safety makes it southpaw-friendly too.
For more information visit springfield-armory.com
Additonal Reading:
Tested: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
SHOT Show 2017: Springfield EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour
