Springfield Ultra Compact 9mm vs. EMP???

[h&kbama]

I recently read an article on the new Springfield EMP. The article stated that Springfield completely redesigned the dimensions of the 1911 to create the EMP around the 9mm cartridge. If this is true, what does that say for the old Ultra Compact 9mm? Is it an ill fitting, poorly functioning 9mm 1911? I am curious, because I am planning on purchasing a slightly used Ultra Compact 9mm in less than 24 hours. The fit and function of the weapon appear to be stellar, but I have only looked and handled it, never fired it. Any info provided would be helpful. Thanks. By the way, does anyone out there know why they stopped making the Ultra Compact 9mm? Poor sales maybe???

[sheepdog]

Not in personal experience, but from reading, I know that there are a number of 1911 shooters who will say that shooting a cartridge shorter than a .45 ACP in a gun engineered for that cartridge can lead to reliability issues. That is why you see the 9mm magazines with the steps, blocks in back, etc....to make it fit. As to the gun you are looking at, it may work just fine, as is the case with any short slide version of the 1911. It looks like the EMP was just designed and made to get around any of the problems of slide travel/cartridge length/timing issues, in addition to being easier to carry.
Best, and maybe test firing the gun first might be worth an effort?

[Jim Watson]

I have a UC 9mm. It took a little work to convert the integral barrel ramp into a feed ramp, and a few personal items like trigger adjustment/de-ILS, standard thickness grips, and single sided thumb safety. It is now a fine little gun.
But I'd want to test fire a second hand one before I laid my money down. Some are ok, some are like mine and need attention.

The only EMP I know of actually being shot much is also a fine little gun, limited only by single sourcing of parts and magazines.

[h&kbama]

Thanks for the info yall. I bought the pistol a few days ago,and I must say I am very impressed. It feeds any ammo I give it, and I am very happy thus far. I still need to pick-up some leather for it and a few spare mags. Just curious, does anyone know when Springfield stopped making this pistol, and how long they made them altogether? I have also found several holster makers that make leather specifically for this pstol, but I wonder if it would fit a standard 1911 holster made for a 3 1/2 barrel? Any help on these other matters as always is greatly appreciated. Does Wilson make mags for this gun???

[DAVE RICHARDS]

A buddy at the range has an Ultra Compact in 9mm and although he loves the gun it does give him problems. According to him it's in the magazines. To get the 9mm round in the proper position to feed they use a shim in the magazine. Evidently it causes lots of problems. One of the reasons SA totally redesigned the EMP. It was supposed to correct these problems. I'd get the EMP. It's had some early teething problems but they should be worked out. Good luck on whatever you choice.