Took my new Springfield EMP4 to the range today along with my Sig P225-A1. Put 100 rounds and rotated each so I could get a good comparison. The P225 is about a year old and have put about 500 rounds through it over the year.

I purchased the Springfield as it just felt good in my hand and I have not owned a 1911 type weapon in some time. I am currently interested in only 9 mm so it seemed a good fit to join the others in my collection.


Overall the EMP felt balanced. The grip is more narrow and a little longer than the Sig and personally a single stack pistol fits my hand anyway so this weapon just felt right. Overall the top end are about the same size but the EMP seems smaller due to the rounded slide and thin grip. I believe the weight of the EMP is slightly less than the 225 by a couple of ounces. The EMP has a replaceable fiber optic front red sight and is comes with extra red and green replacements. I think the fiber optic sight was helpful for me to focus on the front sigh but don’t know if I am going to like a replaceable sight. I guess it will need maintenance or replacement would not be provided. But it sure looks cool. The EMP mag is 10 round capacity so it’s 10+1 while the 225 is 8+1 definitely a plus for the EMP.


It took a few rounds to find the EMP is sighted at 6:00 or else I was shooting high, but after that, was able to hold a good group at 10 and 15 yards. I don't generally shoot further than 15 yards as I find I am not as steady and eyes are not as good as used to be. The EMP does have more of a muzzle flip than the Sig and I suppose that is expected due to the 1911 configuration but it did drop back nicely when double tapped. Only used American Eagle round ammo and had no feed issues. The trigger does feel rough compared to the Sig but it may smooth with wear. All in in all it was fun to shoot.

However, the Sig once again proved why I love these guns. The 225 holds better on target and seems more accurate that the EMP but that may be that I am used to shooting Sigs. As indicated the Sig trigger is much better than the EMP; smother and with less travel. So the 225 takes my vote as winner in this comparison but I will enjoy future range time with the EMP.

DA/SA Sigs with SRT are pretty much as good as you can get stock without a factory custom. Slick and lighten the DA and they are pretty dang good.

Informative review and interesting to compare those particular handguns.

Some comparison pics would be nice also.

When comparing the EMP4 9mm to some of my Sigs I find it comparable in quality and build. I like you plan to enjoy this pistol.

quote:

Originally posted by vsm:

Finally got photos to post..yea..

Thanks for the nice report. Both of these guns have caught my attention.

Interesting comparison, though for myself I'd rather work with even a 'meh' 1911 trigger than a SIG DA/SA myself, no matter how 'good' the latter may be. Then again, consider the source; I'm not much of a proponent for DA/SA.

Thanks for the review. I have a P225-A1 and have been thinking about adding an EMP. Like you, I really like the P225-A1; it fits my hand well and I really like the SRT.

as I understand it, the EMP 9mm looks like a 1911, but it. and its parts, are smaller than those of 1911. Result is that the plentiful 1911 parts are not available to tailor the trigger/action as is done with real 1911 pistols.
All of the benefits of a 1911, and weight reduction of EMP, are in Colt's 9mm Light weight Commander or even Ruger's equivalent.

Be interesting to see the size comparison of the emp 9-10 round mags vs the p225 8 round mag.

Is the 225A1 better/different than a 239? I look at the specs and cannot see any reason the 225 exists. What am I missing.

From the pictures and size data available the better comparison might be the EMP4 vs the 239 which can also be had in 40 S&W like the EMP. Even better, Sig 357 is available.

quote:

Originally posted by ACP1:
Is the 225A1 better/different than a 239? I look at the specs and cannot see any reason the 225 exists. What am I missing.

From the pictures and size data available the better comparison might be the EMP4 vs the 239 which can also be had in 40 S&W like the EMP. Even better, Sig 357 is available.

Well, the main difference is ergos. The 239 has a flat front strap and crowds the fingers for some. The 225 A1 has the same capacity, but is a mid sized pistol. If the 239 feels fine to you the 225 A1 is superfluous. If the 239 cramps your grip, and you like a single stack SIG, the 225 A1 is for you.

Had not considered the grip difference as I didn't notice that in the photos. Thanks for the input, will try to find a LGS that has both to try.