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

Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week
Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week

Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat in .380 ACP

Springfield's latest Hellcat chambering makes the small pistol easier to shoot.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun

Stoeger adds a new sporting model to its M3000 semi-automatic shotgun line.

New for 2026: Shadow Systems Axio Pistol Platform

A duty-size handgun platform joins the Shadow Systems family of 9 mm pistols.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.