"E" is for Edge and EMP

[Quack]

did some cleaning today and took some pice of the Edge and EMP.

First up we have the STI Edge. The Edge is a well built gun, and for most people it falls in the "High End" production gun area. I bought the gun because i always wanted one, and it was my 1st step into "expensive" (over $1500) 1911's (i know it's not a 1911, but a 2011). When i handled the Edge in the store, it was very smooth. The previous "expensive" 1911 that i had was a TRP, which i thought was a nice gun as well. The Edge is double stack and has a long/wide frame which means that the frame is as long and wide as the slide.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1004764513_tg7UX-L.jpg

Looking at the exterior, one can see that the Edge is nicely fit and better than most "production" guns.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059091772_L9kiB-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059092104_hs8YG-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059092433_y95Vh-L-1.jpg

The Edge is a really accurate gun. The bull barrel locks up tight and there is no movement at the muzzle.
http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059092746_4QdMU-L.jpg

As with the Springfield TGO-1, the Edge also has a "hidden leaf cut" for the rear adjustable sight. This requires additional machining and is a nice touch. You can also see that the extractor is flush with the rear of the slide.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059093082_7aRpi-L.jpg

[Quack]

The frame is nicely machined and has minimal machining marks for a production gun.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059094153_hJUi4-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059094465_PSJzQ-L.jpg

The frame rails were originally black, but you can see in the pics that they were fit to the slide perfectly as the rails are now shiny and even. I have put around 3000rounds through the Edge so far.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059093449_T9DzR-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059093826_qdXgL-L.jpg

The same careful machining was done on the slide as well.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059094827_gGAwJ-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059095266_bH6fb-L.jpg

[Quack]

The EMP is one of my CCW's. I bought it to replace my Kimber Tactical Ultra II. It's design came from Springfield's .45GAP Defender that they had designed, but scrapped the project. A few years later the EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) was born, with 15 "re-engineered" parts for the shorter 9mm and .40S&W round.

These parts are:
slide
frame
left grip panel
right grip panel
firing pin
firing pin spring
extractor
plunger tube
plunger spring
trigger
magazine tube
magazine follower
magazine spring
magazine base plate
magazine base pad

The grip frame is about 1/4" smaller in circumference than the .45ACP Micro Compact. This reduction center's around the smaller cartridge used.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1004741341_7XLZN-L.jpg

The grip safety is fit similar to Springfield's other production guns.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059088822_rA6Wy-L.jpg

When the EMP was new, the slide was tightly fit the the frame. After ~2000rds, it has loosened up just a little, but still much tighter than my Loaded.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059088512_AavXE-L-1.jpg

The barrel locks up tight and the bull barrel has no movement.
http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059089174_88pE9-L.jpg

The hard anodized alloy frame is machined much nicer than the Loaded, and similar to the Trophy Match or TRP. I have not personally confirmed it, but have read that the EMP frames start as US forged frames.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059090165_FhMr2-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059090494_DvtKM-L.jpg

[Quack]

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059089516_7bnrR-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059089830_68j6J-L.jpg

the slide is nicely machined compared to my Loaded.

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059091089_RV8P4-L.jpg

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1059091418_grGcF-L.jpg

[andy4731]

I have wanted an EMP for a long time and these pics definitely do no help! :crying:

[bac1023]

Very nice, Quack. :)

[Quack]

Thanks!!!

was just doing some deep cleaning today.

[knedrgr]

That STI is one of the SMOOTHEST pistol I've ever shot.

[Hokie1911]

That STI is one of the SMOOTHEST pistol I've ever shot.

Totally agree. Thanks Don. Really appreciate the trigger time and ammo with your babies. :thumbsup:

[Morgo]

http://photosbydon.smugmug.com/photos/1004764513_tg7UX-L.jpg


Great photography Quack :)

[Tactical black]

Great pictures thanks for sharing. :cool:

[WellArmedSheep]

Nice photos. I'll own an Edge one of these days...and an Eagle (for IDPA).

Until then my Trojan will have to suffice (and it's COMPLETELY sufficient).

[Sarge43]

I bought a new EMP 9mm this year (I intended only to use it to fit grips to, not carry), and took it to the range. In the first 5 shots, I had 3 misfeeds. I just put it back in the bag and moved on. It's in the shop now where I use it to fit to as I originally intended anyway. I'm sure with a little break in maintenance, or worst case a visit to SA for their legendary customer service, it would run fine. I really never gave it a chance. I was surprised as I had read about problems with the .40 doing that, but not the 9mm.
Sarge

[rsxr22]

good write up Don! Im still debating on either a Trojan AND EMP or a Wilson XTAC.. Not sure what to do, but Brian's going to order one for the store and hopefully thatll make me buy it LOL