To accomplish their goal, Springfield's designers modified 15 of the EMP's parts.

The EMP's magazine came in for its share of alterations, too. The magazine tube and spring were shortened. The follower, basepad, and spring plate were also modified.

Compared to a .45 ACP Springfield Micro 1911 (T), the new 9mm EMP has a distinctly shorter frame.

The EMP Is A Smooth Operator
I tested the Springfield EMP with an assortment of 9mm ammunition. In the 115-grain bullet weight I chose the Winchester Silvertip and the Remington-UMC JHP rounds. In the 124-grain weight I chose the Magtech FMJ round, Hornady JHP/XTP, and Federal Hydra-Shok JHP.

The Winchester 115-grain Silvertip was the hottest round tested and produced an average velocity of 1089 fps. The most accurate round was the Federal 124-grain Hydra-Shok, which averaged 2.25 inches at 25 yards. All test ammunition averaged 2.25 inches to 3.25 inches for five-shot groups at 25 yards.

The EMP's grip frame (L) is about 1/4 inch smaller in diameter than the .45 ACP Micro 1911.

The EMP functioned smoothly and reliably with the test ammunition. This is due, at least in part, to the integral feedramp on the gun's 3-inch barrel. In addition, the trigger pull was a clean, crisp 4 pounds.

The most interesting thing about the EMP was how manageable it was. Here is a 23-ounce pistol firing 124-grain projectiles at over 1000 fps, yet the gun is quite comfortable to shoot. I am convinced that the main reason for this is the reduced circumference of the pistol's grip frame. I could get my hand completely around the EMP's grip for tight control. It was far more comfortable, I might add, than the typical ultralightweight revolver shooting .357 Magnum ammo or even .38 Special +P.

The Sheriff says the new EMP and the 9mm cartridge are made for each other.

In my view, this Springfield EMP is the perfect vehicle for the 9mm cartridge. Too often companies just shorten an existing gun--especially with striker-fired pistols--and call it their concealment model. They don't take into consideration that the pistol's thickness, weight, and overall dimensions, affect concealability much more profoundly than barrel length. The thickness of the EMP's slide is less than an inch. The thickness of the grip frame, with grips attached, is right at an inch. This is definitely not a pistol that has just been chopped off on both ends. It's very clear that a lot of thought and expense has gone in to the design of the pistol.

I make no apologies for being a 1911 fan. The design has proven itself in numerous violent conflicts, large and small, for nearly 100 years. And when reaching for a full-size belt gun, I will still wrap my hands around one that is chambered for .45 ACP.

Having said that, I really like the concealment potential of the Springfield EMP pistol. The Springfield EMP and the 9mm cartridge just seem made for each other. I'm not sure I can resist adding it to my collection of carry guns. To tell you the truth, I'm not going to put up much of a fight. I'm not sure you'll be able to either. Springfield has begun shipping the new EMP to distributors and dealers, so by the time you read this you ought to be able to locate one near you. You really do need to see it and feel it to get the full impact of what Springfield has accomplished.