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I was able to get a new Springfield EMP last week and took it for a test ride today. I was shooting fresh S&B FMJ that shoot flawlessly in my Sig 229. I cleaned and oiled my new EMP and was very disappointed by numerous FTF (failure to fire). It seem like I'm getting light strikes.

When it shoots, it is really sweet. I was able to get a few magazines run through without an FTF. I also shot one magazine of Federal Hydro-Shock and it fired flawlessly. However, I can't afford to shoot that all of the time!

Any ideas or suggestions?

I had some similar problems with my EMP as well at first, they are detailed here:

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... hlight=emp

and here

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... hlight=emp

Mine is a pretty low serial number though and Springfield has reportedly worked the issues out. I would suggest another 500 rds. for break-in. After that if it seems to be running fine I would make sure by firing a few mags of both target and your choice of carry ammo at a rapid pace. My most sever issues arose under rapid fire. Just my .02

The pistol is very accurate. I love mine and am looking to purchase another. Eveyone that has shot it has been impressed with it's accuracy and ease of handling.

I am sure you'l work the kinks out.

I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with it. As ScubaSigGuy said, run another 50 rds through it and see if that takes care of the problem. If not, call Springfield and tell them of your problems, the type of ammo used, and the approximate number of rounds you've fired. (Be sure to put that in a cover letter also). The more information you can give their gunsmiths the better. They will have you return it for service and they pay the shipping both ways.

I hope it clears up for you, but Springfield's customer service is great if you need it.

Chas.

Yep. To echo Charles, Springfield's service is great.

IMHO, for those next rounds at the range, I'd go to WallyWorld and pick up some Winchester White Box, just for grins. I personally like S&B, have had very good luck with it, and bought a good amount of it late last year in advance of some price increases. But S&B does characteristically have a hard primer. Doesn't mean your EMP shouldn't fire it; it should. But running something else before trying the S&B again should give you a pretty good idea of what's going on.

(Frankly, a new, drop-in firing pin might do the trick, and would be less hassle that shipping the pistol back. But I'd call Springfield about it after the next range trip, assuming the problem continues. If they want the gun back, ask 'em if you could try a new firing pin first. Ya know, speaking of which, did you remove the firing pin and spring and clean and lube them? If not, that would probably be worth a try before the next range outing, just in case. Couldn't hurt.)

Skiprr wrote:Yep. To echo Charles, Springfield's service is great.

Since I forgot to say so. I can't say enough about how good thier CS is.

OOPS! I meant to say 500 rds, not 50!!

Chas.

Thanks to all of you that replied.

I did pull the firing pin and wiped it down well--after my first trip to the range. I won't be able to got back until thils weekend.

It's funny that you mention the S&B having a hard primer--someone else told me that today! He also told me the S&B primers were not flush with the casing. Hmm?

I like all of y'alls suggestions. I'll try shooting a few hundred more rounds through it and, if necessary, ask for a new firing pin. If that doesn't work, I'll document everything and send it back for repair.

I agree with all of you--when it shoots, it's really nice.

Thanks for all your comments!

I have to ask as I have not been able to find an EMP to handle first hand. How does it compare in size, particularly the grip/frame to an officer's or compact 1911 .45? I have been under the impression that Springfield had actually scaled down every aspect of the 1911 around 9mm and/or .40 cal ammunition. True?

mr surveyor wrote:I have to ask as I have not been able to find an EMP to handle first hand. How does it compare in size, particularly the grip/frame to an officer's or compact 1911 .45? I have been under the impression that Springfield had actually scaled down every aspect of the 1911 around 9mm and/or .40 cal ammunition. True?

as i haven't handled one yet either, i can't be 100% on this... but i beleive it's the same dimensions as the sub-compact STI's... and yes they are modeled around the 9mm .40 S&W.

From their respective websites.

EMP

Height: 5"
Length: 6.5"
Width: ?
Weight: 26 oz

STI LS9

Height: ?
Length: 7.0"
Width: 1.06"
Weight: 28 oz

mr surveyor wrote:I have to ask as I have not been able to find an EMP to handle first hand. How does it compare in size, particularly the grip/frame to an officer's or compact 1911 .45? I have been under the impression that Springfield had actually scaled down every aspect of the 1911 around 9mm and/or .40 cal ammunition. True?

The EMP has a smaller grip. The magazine of the EMP is proprietary--it is made just for the 9mm cartridge. I understand other "1911's" chambered for 9mm use a spacer in the magazine to make up for the difference in the length of the cartride. With the "shorter" magazine, the grip is narrower.

It is very comfortable. It will take some more getting used to for me. It stills feels a little wierd when you transition from "finger outsdie the trigger guard" to the fire position. I'm struggling with a bit of "yaw" in my site picture during this transition. I think it will get better with practice.

Thanks

That is what I was trying to remember as the "scaled down to 9mm" parts of the EMP. I knew the basic overall dimensions of length and height didn't necessarily reflect the reduced size. I spent a bit of time this morning and found my April '07 issue of American Rifleman where the EMP was "front cover". The did show the "reach" size of the grip with the reduced size mag well. Just a basic scaling of the grips shown on the photo would indicate the 90% grip size. The other dimensions are not much different than a Kimber Ultra II, but the grip size is the key. If SA has finally worked out the boogers in the EMP, it may be on my next year's list of "must haves".

I was able to put 100 rounds of Winchester (white box) through the EMP without a single failure. I also put a few Federal Hyrda-Shock through it as well. These two other ammo types have fired without a problem. However, I we use S&B as our "issue" ammo. I called Springfield and they said to use 147 gr instead of 115 gr. I told them I didn't buy the EMP to fire 147 gr--I need it to fire 115 gr S&B! They told me to send it back along with some of he ammo that it won't dependably shoot.

I asked if they would send me a new firing pin spring and main spring to try before I ship it back and Springfield agreed to do that.

We'll see! I love the feel and appearance of the EMP but this issue of ammo selectivity is annoying.

mr surveyor wrote:Thanks

That is what I was trying to remember as the "scaled down to 9mm" parts of the EMP. I knew the basic overall dimensions of length and height didn't necessarily reflect the reduced size. I spent a bit of time this morning and found my April '07 issue of American Rifleman where the EMP was "front cover". The did show the "reach" size of the grip with the reduced size mag well. Just a basic scaling of the grips shown on the photo would indicate the 90% grip size. The other dimensions are not much different than a Kimber Ultra II, but the grip size is the key. If SA has finally worked out the boogers in the EMP, it may be on my next year's list of "must haves".

It is not remarkably smaller than other 3" (micro-pistols). The biggest difference is in grip circumference...which is about 7/16" less than some other offerings.

The Para Carry 9 I bought my daughter is actually smaller overall and lighter.

The EMP sure looks good...and no doubt has Springfield quality built into it.

An excellent proposition for those requiring/wanting a smaller grip.

http://ezine.m1911.org/SAemp.htm