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I know that some of you out there own EMPs. I recently bought the EMP 40 and have fired about 500 rounds through it.

Really nice shooting and nice looking gun.

The thing that I do not like about it is the slide spring. It is too heavy and difficult to rack the slide back and when
locked it is difficult for me to release it.

I can do it but I have to switch hands and use my strong arm to rack the slide and my strong arm thumb to
release the slide. I know I am getting old and decrepit but that is just how it is.

Does the spring ease a bit with use? I hope so!! Other than the spring I think this is a really nice gun.

Did Springfield put that heavy spring on there to minimize recoil? If not then why?

Do I have to start lifting weights again?

Chuck

I have the 9mm and the spring weight is not too bad.

AEA wrote:I have the 9mm and the spring weight is not too bad.

Does it seem heavier than in other guns? I am asking this because I am wondering if
it is me or is it the gun. I have a full size Colt 1911 and it is not bad at all this one seems a lot heavier.

I believe the one in the EMP has a 26lb spring.

Chuck

What grip are you using to rack the slide? Thumb and index finger on the back of the slide (slingshot method)? If so, you may try an overhand grip where you grip the top rear of the slide with your weak side palm and use your whole hand to rack the slide. If you're still having issues, try pushing the gun forward with your strong hand while racking the slide to the rear with your weak hand.

I am not sure of the spring weight of mine. As barrel lengths get shorter they require heavier springs. Standard Govt 5" is around 16-18lbs.

My Ed Brown Kobra Carry 4" .45 takes a 20lb spring.

I can tell you that I also own a Springer Ultra Compact 3.5" that came with the same type of dual captive spring setup in the EMP and it felt about normal to me for a Officers 1911. I did change it out to a std GI rod and plug and used a 24lb Wolff spring. I probably could have gone with a 22lb for standard pressure loads, but I carry HST +P and decided on the heaver spring.

I would guess that the 26lb spring weight you mentioned is about right for a 3" .45 and probably the same for a .40.

Toughen up!

SQLGeek wrote:What grip are you using to rack the slide? Thumb and index finger on the back of the slide (slingshot method)? If so, you may try an overhand grip where you grip the top rear of the slide with your weak side palm and use your whole hand to rack the slide. If you're still having issues, try pushing the gun forward with your strong hand while racking the slide to the rear with your weak hand.

Thanks!! The overhand method works better for me. I think I am now using a combination of pushing the gun forward with my left hand [strong hand] while racking the slide with my right hand.

Also, does a loaded magazine make the slide easier to work as compared to an empty mag?

Thanks for any help!!

Chuck

AEA wrote:
Toughen up!

You got that right!! I used to lift 200 lbs now just thinking about it hurts.

Seriously I have been thinking of doing some weight training again. At 69 I have gone to pot. Not the smoking kind either.

Chuck

RockingRook wrote:

AEA wrote:
Toughen up!

You got that right!! I used to lift 200 lbs now just thinking about it hurts.

Seriously I have been thinking of doing some weight training again. At 69 I have gone to pot. Not the smoking kind either.

Chuck

I just started a "getting back into weight lifting" program recently. It hits a little of everything 3 times a week, just enough to remind your body that it can do this without breaking.

1)Squats- 2 sets, 3 reps. 60 sec rest

2a)Dumbbell Row- 2 sets, 12 reps (each arm) rest 30 sec

2b)Pushups- 2 sets, 12-15 reps rest 30 sec

3a) Single leg bridge- 2 sets, 12 reps (each leg) rest 30 sec

3b) Dumbbell pullover- 2 sets, 12 reps rest 30 sec

4) Plank- 1 set, 2 reps. Hold 60 secs.

You do this in the following order: 1, then after a set of 2a, do a set of 2b, then repeat. So it looks like this: 1, 1, 2a, 2b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3a, 3b, 4.

It was written up by a fitness magazine as a "do this workout for a month before you start lifting other weights". I like it a lot so far, done it for almost 2 weeks. Already feeling stronger, and it does help you get back into a weight lifting rhythm.

It is my experience that the recoil spring tension seems not as stiff on my 5" 1911 as it does on my 3" 1911. I think that this is a general rule of thumb for smaller pistols in the same model line. The smallest Kahrs have much stiffer springs than their larger brothers.

The EMP is a short 1911. It's not surprising that the recoil spring is stiffer than on a 5" gun. That would be my initial response.

RockingRook wrote:

AEA wrote:
Toughen up!

You got that right!! I used to lift 200 lbs now just thinking about it hurts.

Seriously I have been thinking of doing some weight training again. At 69 I have gone to pot. Not the smoking kind either.

Chuck

Buy yourself a Henry Rifle, Model H006M .357/.38 like I did and you got your weights and gun right there! It weighs 6.8 pounds EMPTY with most of that weight in the octagon barrel. Lug that around a fews days and you'll be a new Man!

For all ya'll with the EMP how do you like it? Is it a suitable carry gun? I know it's a Springer and a 1911 platform but it is also fairly new. I am looking at getting one for my wife in 9mm. She wants to get a CHL and wants to carry OWB. She is 5'2 maybe 110 so even her "big" clothes aren't big.

It's the best Springer I have ever owned. Mostly assembled in USA and fit/finish/workmanship is outstanding. It shoots when you pull the trigger and hits what you aim at. A little pricy but once you get it you understand why.

The EMP is small, 3 inch barrel. It has a single stack magazine so it is thin as well. It is a very fine shooting gun.
A bit on the heavy side because it is all steel.

Look up the specs.

I would recommend it as a carry weapon.

I was looking at the Kimbers and the EMP. I chose the EMP over the Kimber. A fine gun!!

Chuck

Thanks AEA. I took her to BPS and she held a 3" Kimber and absolutely loved it. I told her that it was almost the exact same as the EMP that I have been telling her about and she said she wanted one. So, now I am just trying to find some reviews on it and get the cash (I will be out of a job in 30 days, getting off Active Duty, and cannot afford one until I find a new career).

Thanks Chuck. One of the things I like about it is the weight. It will help with the recoil in such a small gun.