Springfield Armory EMP4 Concealed Carry Contour Pistol Now in .40 S&W

by
posted on September 13, 2017
** 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_lede.jpg
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

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

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

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.