Springfield Armory 1911 EMP: A Compact, Classic Design

by
posted on October 27, 2021
** 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 1911 EMP

The entire Springfield Armory 1911 EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) line is chambered in 9 mm NATO, and feature a compact design ideal for concealed carry without abandoning the features that have endeared John Moses Brownings’ design to generations. Each have a forged steel slide for longevity and durability, and an equally rugged, forged aluminum-alloy frame that shaves weight with without sacrificing performance.

Each 1911 EMP ships with three magazines wearing slam pads for sure reloads, even under pressure. Capacity in five models in the line is nine cartridges, while the Champion—the sixth available—comes with 10 round versions. A California compliant EMP is also available.

Barrels are all bull profile, match-grade, made from stainless or carbon steel—depending on model—and feature a fully supported ramp. They are available in 3" or 4" lengths, all with a rifling rate of 1:16".

The three short-barreled 1911 EMPs tip the scales at 27 ozs., measure 6.6" in length and height is 5". Grip panels are made from Cocobolo and feature Springfield’s crossed cannons logo.

A fiber-optic sight is up front with a low-profile combat white dot at the rear of the model with black slide and frame. It has the carbon-steel barrel in the lineup and carries an MSRP of $1,104. The California-compliant and nearly identical standard version with stainless finish on the slide comes in at $1,249. Both have three-dot tritium combat sights.

A concealed carry contour pair are also available, with 4" barrels. Grips are thin-line G10 and the frame and mainspring housing have a been strategically trimmed at the rear to improve concealability without compromising grip. They are available in stainless or hardcoat anodized flat dark earth. Sights are low-profile combat dot at the rear fiber optic up front and length measures 7.6". Each weigh 31 ounces and have an MSRP of $1,220.

The features are nearly identical on the 1911 EMP Champion, except it comes with 10-round magazines and wears the striking cocobolo grips and Springfield logo. Slide is stainless and MSRP is $1,177.

Springfield Armory introduced the EMP in 2007 and the line continues to be one of the company’s most popular.  Each pistol comes with an ambidextrous manual safety, backstrap safety, external sketonized hammer and high riding beavertail.

Latest

Federal 7Mm Backcountry Rifleman Review 1
Federal 7Mm Backcountry Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Federal 7 mm Backcountry

Unlike other recent cartridge launches, the key to Federal Ammunition's 7 mm Backcountry wasn't just in the design of the cartridge but also the type of material used in its case construction.

Big Bite in a Small Package: The Henry Repeating Arms Bear's Leg

Henry Repeating Arms is stepping up its lever-action game with the addition of its Bear's Leg design, a tactical lever-action that provides power and versatility in a compact platform.

I Have This Old Gun: French Model 1777 An IX

French Charleville muskets are a fascinating study in improvement, having evolved from a loosely uniform pattern to what was likely the first military longarm with truly interchangeable parts.

NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom

In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.