Springfield EMP .40 vs Kimber ultra carry II

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  • sig1473

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    101   0   0
    May 28, 2009
    2,760
    12
    The Greater Good
    I own a Kimber Tactical Pro II and an EMP 9. Fit and finish hands down go to the EMP. Function once again goes to the EMP. It is a nice little tack driver. For both guns being +1k, my vote definitely goes to the EMP. Not really impressed at all with Kimber.:twocents:
     

    lrs019

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    May 30, 2010
    18
    1
    I haven't shot an EMP, but own a Kimber custom target in .45 and I love it. My husband has a Kimber 1911 also...which is his everyday carry gun and also uses it for IDPA, I just use mine for fun (plinking, and I shoot PPC). Hubby has put more rounds through his than I have, but neither of us have had any problems with them. I've had mine for about 11-12 yrs., and my hubby has had his longer. They're reliable, easy to field strip and clean, and perform very well. Mine has 2 safeties...one is on the backstrap and the other is a switch, like a run-of-the-mill safety. As a woman, it's kinda hard for me to conceal a 1911, but I would have no problems carrying it cocked and ready to go because of the safety system on it. The trigger does have a lighter pull, which I've heard some people say they don't like, but I like it that way. Good luck with your choice.
     

    Indy574

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    38   0   0
    Jun 25, 2011
    580
    27
    Marshall County
    I have only handled these two guns so for what it is worth. I really think the SA EMP has it's stuff together, I think it has a better feel in "my" hand. I just really wish they would offer it in a .45.
     

    Johnny C

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    8   0   0
    May 18, 2009
    1,534
    48
    Solsberry , In
    I have a 9mm EMP and it has FTF and stovepipe issues with all 3 magazines.
    I bought it used, and I don't know if it is an early model or not.
    I need to send it back to springfield one of these days...sigh

    Johnny C
     

    sig1473

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    101   0   0
    May 28, 2009
    2,760
    12
    The Greater Good
    I have a 9mm EMP and it has FTF and stovepipe issues with all 3 magazines.
    I bought it used, and I don't know if it is an early model or not.
    I need to send it back to springfield one of these days...sigh

    Johnny C


    I had to send a gun back to Springfield! Great customer service and they will pay for everything. My EMP has had NO issues yet, but I have a newer one.
     
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    Wild Deuce

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    26   0   0
    Dec 2, 2009
    4,947
    12
    I have a 9mm EMP and it has FTF and stovepipe issues with all 3 magazines.
    I bought it used, and I don't know if it is an early model or not.
    I need to send it back to springfield one of these days...sigh

    Johnny C

    I had to send a gun back to Springfield! Great customer service and they will pay for everything. My EMP has had any issues yet, but I have a newer one.

    Johny C, do NOT delay any longer. Call Springfield Armory first thing in the morning. They will either snail mail you a return label or email you instructions with a Return Authorization number and how to get your gun picked up for repair. They will want the gun, all three magazines, description (manufacturer/type/weight) of the ammo and a detailed note of the problem.

    I had to do a return with SA before (not the EMP). From the time I picked up the phone (first contact) until I had the repaired gun back in my hands was about 98 hours.
    **Oh yeah. Forgot to mention ... it was all on their dime.
     
    Last edited:

    sig1473

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    101   0   0
    May 28, 2009
    2,760
    12
    The Greater Good
    Johny C, do NOT delay any longer. Call Springfield Armory first thing in the morning. They will either snail mail you a return label or email you instructions with a Return Authorization number and how to get your gun picked up for repair. They will want the gun, all three magazines, description (manufacturer/type/weight) of the ammo and a detailed note of the problem.

    I had to do a return with SA before (not the EMP). From the time I picked up the phone (first contact) until I had the repaired gun back in my hands was about 98 hours.

    Yeah, it doesn't matter if you are the original owner or 20th. By far the best customer service I have dealt with over the years concerning guns.
     

    Knuckle Head

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 22, 2011
    60
    6
    NWI
    I have friends with Kimbers and I have yet to hear any complaints about them. Either choice sounds like a fine one, I own the EMP. I have the 9 not the 40, but it doesn't matter, they both have purty mouths..................decisions, decisions,:nailbite:.
     

    triplerider

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jun 23, 2011
    3
    1
    Amazing! In about two weeks time my EMP is back from Springfield with a new and pinned ejector. Looks like a heavy duty version of the original, so it oughtta work fine.
    Colt, are you paying attention to the turnaround time? ahh, I woke you? Sorry...
     

    LLDJR

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Sep 2, 2009
    1,833
    38
    Southside/Southport
    Wow, I am going thru this same dilemma, except I am considering the Kimber Ultra Carry II , EMP 40 and the STI Escort. I'm thinking .40 caliber is OK too.

    I have a Kimber, no issues and love the feel of the Ultra, and I love the feel of the EMP as well, but I cant find an Escort to look at anywhere local.:dunno:
     

    LLDJR

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Sep 2, 2009
    1,833
    38
    Southside/Southport
    Decision made,, held the EMP, held the Ultra Carry II, held the EMP, held the Ultra Carry II,, went back, repeated the process.


    Bought an Stainless Ultra Carry II ,
    carrot.gif
    To be continued...
     

    dboz

    Marksman
    Rating - 100%
    26   0   0
    Dec 26, 2009
    293
    18
    Greenwood
    You won't be disappointed. I never even had break in period with mine, just 100% reliable shooting from day one. And I like that the stainless finish does not show the carry wear. If it were not for the top of the sights showing finish wear, the gun that I have carried daily for 3 years could pass for a safe queen. I hope you enjoy yours.
     

    Cam

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Oct 7, 2008
    994
    18
    Tipton County
    Decision made,, held the EMP, held the Ultra Carry II, held the EMP, held the Ultra Carry II,, went back, repeated the process.


    Bought an Stainless Ultra Carry II ,
    carrot.gif
    To be continued...

    Recently picked up an Ultra Carry as well. I couldn't be happier with it. Been completely problem free for close to 700 rounds so far.
     

    Cemetery-man

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Oct 26, 2009
    2,999
    38
    Bremen
    You made the right decision. My Kimber Ultra carry II is the best handgun in my collection and the only choice for me to carry. Never a single issue, shoots great, feels great in hand, etc., etc..
     
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