The Springfield EMP Concealed Carry Contour.
Alright, I’m not afraid to say it, but some guns are just plain sexy! Take a look at any Springfield EMP Concealed Carry Contour and tell me otherwise. I dare ya.
The truth of the matter is that when all things in terms of functionality and reliability are equal, our choice as purchasers usually comes down to two things: cost and looks.
And if you’re in the market for a compact 1911, it’s hard to beat the Springfield EMP Concealed Carry Contour. Not only is it affordable compared to other 1911s, but it’s a real head-turner. The black G-10 grips set against that satin stainless steel slide really make the pistol pop.
Part of what makes it an Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) is that engineers at Springfield reduced the diameter and front-to-rear dimensions of the grip frame by 0.26 and 0.14 inches, respectively. They also redesigned nine different components to make it run 9mm and .40 S&W.
That involved changing the frame, slide, extractor, trigger bow, trigger mechanism, firing pin, firing pin spring, plunger tube and spring. That’s a major overhaul that’s a lot more involved than you might think. Yet, you’d be hard pressed to find fault with the results.
We reviewed the 9mm version earlier this year and, well, just read the review. It pretty much says it all. Now that there’s a .40 S&W version available, everyone should be happy. Specs and pricing are below.
Don’t forget to shop for your new Springfield EMP on GunsAmerica.
And how many parts for that gun have to special order? Are they parts that would fit in a 3″ 1911? Sounds like lots of extra money to me…….
I never fully understand the hating on the 40 caliber. Especially by people who are in love with 10mm. Paul Harrell who is a well-respected and proven Trainor has done countless demonstrations to prove that your standard off-the-shelf 10mm ammo versus 40 caliber are on the same par. Even when you get into defensive ammo the differences are about 120 ft per second and sometimes the muzzle energy again is negligible. If your a hand loader you can load each one of those calibers to be hot, well as hot as your gun can handle it of course. I don’t think 40 caliber is any better the any other round. But this hating on it it’s just looks idiotic and small minded. First of all I wouldn’t by 1911 for defensive carry anyway. I do love them for the range. Cuz far as handguns go they are laser beam accurate if you have a good one.
Why 40. For the most part,that caliber is dead. Most law departments are going back to either .45 or 9 mm. Seems that the 40 just did not make the grade.See a great deal of 40 used or surplus on the market most carry a lower price than the 45 or 9mm.
Complete agreement. Although gun size and weight was probably considered against the .45, but the 9 mm reduces the bulk enough. Well, maybe they found a bunch of 40 ammo in the attic!
Wow… take the over penetrating 9mm over the knock down power of the 40 cal. Just saying…
No police department is going back to .45 ACP, it never was a mainstream LE caliber to begin with. Watch Iraqvet8888’s video “Gun Gripes Episode 66: The Caliber Debate”, LE has had better luck with .40 S&W and 9MM than .45 ACP. Why do people automatically think that just because .45 ACP is bigger that it’s automatically better? Compare your regular .45 ACP carry load to your typical lighter .40 S&W load (155/165-grain) and it’s no contest, .40 S&W is just simply more powerful and better in every application than .45 ACP. Especially when you take into consider the lack if capacity and weight you have to sacrifice for .45 ACP. Look into the MHS program that the Army just had, they ALMOST went with .40 S&W over 9MM but didn’t even consider .45 ACP. If you ask me .45 ACP should be the caliber getting all the hate NOT .40 S&W.
Bravo Springfield, for making a 4″ 1911 with a steel frame, and in my favorite caliber! This EMP checks every box on my “want” list except one: I love the Colt style trigger guard undercut. But that can easily be added.
Looks like a 1911 will finally return to my modest gun collection.