I have put the Springfield EMP 9mm through its paces. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a well-machined firearm in your hand, and the EMP 9mm is no exception. But, my testing run has shown a few annoying issues.
During my time in the field, I encountered a handful of common problems like failure to extract, the ever-troublesome stovepipe issue, and the occasional failure to feed. There’s even a couple of light primer strikes and pesky firing pin issues we’re going to address.
This article aims to address these issues head-on, providing practical solutions for every problem we’ve discovered. Stay with me, and by the end, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any situation with your trusty Springfield EMP 9mm.
Overview of Springfield EMP 9mm Problems
| Problems | Solutions |
| Failure To Extract | Tweak the bumper pad and modify the underside of the ejector. Check if the magazine touches the ejector after modifications. |
| Issue with the Stovepipe | Clean the firearm regularly, use factory ammo, or consider returning reloads to Springfield for examination. |
| Failure To Feed | Try different types of ammunition, especially those with more rounded points, or consult Springfield about a possible ramp design issue. |
| Light Primer Strikes | Clean and lubricate the firearm. Begin range practice with your preferred SD ammo and adjust the trigger’s overtravel screw with a hex key. |
| Firing Pin Problems | Document and report the issue to Springfield Armory (SA). Try fixing the barrel’s misalignment with the firing pin or use a conventional firing pin. |
Problems & Solutions for the Springfield EMP 9mm
1. Failure To Extract
Ah, failure to extract, now there’s a nuisance. When it comes to shooting, you want a fluid, seamless experience.
This problem? It’s like tripping over a loose floorboard. In my field tests with the Springfield EMP 9mm, I found that enlarged 9mm ejectors often fail more often than you’d think.
And why’s that, you ask? Well, the top cartridge in the magazine appears to have an unsavory habit of colliding with the ejector.
Solution
No need to fret. We’ve found a pretty neat workaround for this annoyance. The trick is tweaking the bumper pad and doing a little reconstructive surgery on the underside of the new ejector.
With patience and a steady hand, these modifications can make a world of difference. Now, post-op, you’ll want to check if the magazine still smacks the ejector.
Insert a loaded magazine into the frame (minus the slide) and give it a forceful tap. Does the magazine touch the ejector? If so, a touch more file work should do the trick, carving out enough space for the ejector.
2. Issue with the Stovepipe
When I talk about irritating interruptions to a good day at the range, the stovepipe issue with the Springfield EMP 9mm sure takes the cake.
The slide short-strokes, and the dreaded stovepipe rears its ugly head. In simple words, the slide doesn’t go far enough back to nudge the next round out of the magazine, or it just outright fails to extract.
This pesky problem occurred around 3–4 times in a 10-round magazine during my testing. Let’s just say it was about as welcome as a porcupine at a balloon party.
Solution
But here’s the good news: I found a fix. And it’s simpler than you might think. Keeping the firearm clean is key.
Remember, a dirty gun can mess with the trigger pull in cold weather. I found that the EMP 9mm worked perfectly with factory ammo, so maybe the reloads are the real culprits here. Consider sending them back to Springfield if you’re still hitting a brick wall.
They may be able to provide the help you need. I found this solution to work wonders, turning those once frustrating range days into enjoyable sessions of smooth shooting. And boy, what a difference it makes!
3. Failure To Feed
Oh boy, here’s another doozy we’ve come across during my hands-on experience with the Springfield EMP 9mm: a stubborn failure to feed.
Instead of smoothly feeding into the chamber, the bullet gets jammed between the feed ramp and the slide. The steep, 75-degree incline of the feed ramp seems to be the party pooper here. At times, it’s taken me five to six racks of the slide just to seat the bullet in the chamber.
In most cases, I had to remove the magazine to clear the obstruction. Let’s be honest, it’s not exactly what you’re hoping for when you’re out in the field.
Solution
Here’s where things get interesting. We’ve tried a variety of ammunition types – Federal, Remington, Blazer Brass.
It’s the Blazer Brass that’s been the stickler. Its nose is more protruding, less rounded, and won’t feed hollow points. Using rubber snap caps with very spherical “bullet” points seems to help. If all else fails, consider a trip back to Springfield.
It seems this might be a ramp design issue rather than an isolated incident. I tried these solutions, and guess what? They work! The feeding issue dwindles, and, let’s just say, it’s quite a relief.
4. Light Primer Strikes
So, you’re out there, primed for a great day with the EMP 9mm. Suddenly, you’re left scratching your head over a strange problem: light primer strikes.
The issue happens when the cartridge’s detonating section doesn’t get hit hard enough to go off. In layman’s terms, it’s like throwing a punch that doesn’t land quite right. We’ve noticed that this can be particularly bothersome with hollow point rounds.
The potential causes could be a range of things, from insufficient trigger overtravel, a faulty primer, to a dry firing pin. Not fun, trust me.
Solution
But hold up, we’re not just here to complain. We’ve got solutions up my sleeves. First things first, let’s get that firearm cleaned and lubed up. Fresh lubricant can be a game-changer; we’ve seen it myself.
Next, when you head to the range, start with your preferred SD ammo. Lastly, use a hex key to give the trigger’s overtravel screw a quarter turn in the other direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, it might be time for a trip back to Springfield.
I tested these fixes myself and saw a remarkable improvement in the EMP 9mm’s performance.
5. Firing Pin Problems
Let’s chat about another head-scratcher we’ve encountered with the EMP 9mm: firing pin issues. It’s a pain in the neck when you notice the barrel isn’t quite aligning with your firing pin stroke.
The firing pin’s imprint on the primer is so far off-center it’s practically in another zip code. This unfortunate detail is clearly visible on the slide next to the ejector.
The firing pin hole on the slide? You guessed it, off-center in relation to the primer and cartridge impression.
Solution
We’ve found a few workarounds that seem to help. Firstly, take a picture of the issue and fire it off to SA to see what they say about this centering conundrum.
It’s also worth attempting to fix the barrel’s misalignment with the firing pin. Try using a low-cost conventional firing pin.
Who knows, it might fit, or perhaps it could be modified to fit. We’ve tried these fixes myself, bringing some much-needed relief. But remember, patience and persistence are key here.
Conclusion
As testers who have given the Springfield EMP 9mm a thorough run, I can say it’s a well-built firearm without a shadow of a doubt.
Now, I aren’t saying it’s without its issues. Indeed, we’ve identified a handful of common problems that might make you raise an eyebrow. But hey, don’t I all have my little, um, challenges?
We’ve seen everything from failure to extract to the stovepipe issue, failure to feed, light primer strikes, and firing pin problems.
The important thing to remember is every problem has a solution. In my experience, a little patience, some tinkering, and regular maintenance go a long way to keeping your Springfield EMP 9mm firing smoothly.
FAQs
How much does a Springfield EMP 9 weigh?
The Springfield EMP 9 weighs around 27 ounces.
How wide is a Springfield EMP 9mm?
The Springfield EMP 9mm has a width of 1.06 inches.
How many rounds does a Springfield EMP 9mm hold?
The Springfield EMP 9mm holds 9+1 rounds.
Is 9mm a powerful bullet?
Yes, the 9mm bullet is considered powerful due to its high velocity and penetration capability.
