Deciding between two Springfield 1911's for Carry

[Inspiribomb]

Went out to Gunstop over the weekend to fondle a Springfield EMP-9, when a Springfield Target Loaded (IIRC) in 9mm caught my eye. That is one finely-crafted firearm. Felt great in my hands, buttery smooth slide/frame interface, and I love the all-stainless construction. Made me wonder if I could get away with carrying that over the EMP. I prefer the all-stainless construction of the Target model, but the EMP was redesigned for the 9mm/.40 and would be better suited to carrying OWB, which is often how it would be carried.

I'd love to find a Springer Champion or Ultra Compact in 9mm (all-stainless), but my concern there is about the gun functioning properly, I've read plenty of stories about those not being reliable in 9mm.

[Squib Joe]

I can tell you that the EMP is probably one of the most accurate, comfortable 1911s in a small frame out there. If possible, try one out first before you buy.

[Inspiribomb]

Oh I know that the EMP is a terrific handgun. I owned one in .40 and loved it, but sold it because I switched over to 9mm. My only gripe about the 9mm EMP is that it has an aluminum frame (I like a gun with some heft to it). I'm fairly certain that the EMP is what I want, but there are other guns out there that are tempting.

[rugersol]

Sounds like yer comparing 25oz vs. 38oz ... 50% increase in weight ... over what's arguably, a heavy carry gun, already.

I think a 9mm lightweight 1911 is a superb carry gun. IIRC, Colt jest came out with a 9mm Defender. Not sure why most other manufacturers don't offer something similar.

Don't see the need to go with EMP ... 'less ya got really small hands.

IIRC, Colt's got a Ltd. Ed. Lightweight Commander 70 series ... I think that's a .45, though.

[45Badger]

If you want to try out the stainless 9mm, w can hook up at Bill's south or Burnsville and you can borrow ours.

[1911fan]

JoeH has one and he loves it....bought it from Al in WBL>...

[JoeH]

Yes, I have one. It's a great shooter. It's a range gun and a game gun, not a carry gun IMHO. If I'm carrying something that heavy it had better say "45ACP" on the barrel. As you know it has a rear target sight which I do not like for carry because it will snag on clothing and can even break.

That said, the only opinion that matters is yours. If you want it, buy it, carry it, love it.

[Inspiribomb]

Yes, I have one. It's a great shooter. It's a range gun and a game gun, not a carry gun IMHO. If I'm carrying something that heavy it had better say "45ACP" on the barrel. As you know it has a rear target sight which I do not like for carry because it will snag on clothing and can even break.

That said, the only opinion that matters is yours. If you want it, buy it, carry it, love it.

These are excellent points, and I think it may be one of those guns I don't want to risk dinging up or scratching, which means it would end up in the safe and not on my hip. Need to go pick up an EMP now, just need to decide from where

[hammAR]

The point for correction is "Deciding between two Springfield 1911's" and we know that this statement is just wrong........

[Spartan117]

As stated above, target sights are for the range, not carry. As a general rule, I don't trust 3" 1911s, but I've heard good things about the EMP. It certainly feels nice. I carry a 4" Wilson CQB compact when I'm dressed lightly, and I have no problem concealing a full-size Les Baer TRS when I'm dressed heavier.