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

More Suppressors 2
More Suppressors 2

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

The ROSE Program by SIG Sauer: Empowering Women in Shooting Sports Across the Nation

The ROSE Program is a shooting program created specifically for women. It aims to create a community of women in shooting that can learn about shooting and self-defense.

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Polite Society Industries Launches with Complete Suppressor Line

"An armed society is a polite society," goes the famous quote, which is also the inspiration behind Polite Society Industries, a new suppressor manufacturer that now has a complete line available to consumers.

NRA-ILA Names Smith & Wesson Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

Iconic American firearms maker Smith & Wesson will join NRA-ILA on the road as nation's leading firearm group turns out voters ahead of the 2026 midterm.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.