Range Report

localangler · May 12, 2011

Well I finally got out to the range today and got to shoot my EMP 40. It shot like a dream and was grouping far better than I could maintain today. That is the good news. The bad news is shortly after shooting a qualification course with it it developed a hick up. It decided it did not want to eject all of the Speer Lawman ammo I was shooting. It would pull it partially from the the chamber and let go of it. It did this with two different shooters. So we switched to the Federal Hydra-Shok. No malfunctions with it. We then alternated between the Hydra-Shok and Lawmen stuff in a single mag. No problems again. Then I get home and tear it apart for a closer look. We notice unusual wear on the extractor. Time to call up Springfield and see if they will fix it. The gun has less than 500 rounds down range so at first I was hoping it was a new gun just needing to be shot but the wear on the extractor shouldn't look like it does. I will try to get a picture later today or Friday if I can.

As a side note the two Glocks went bang every time the trigger was pulled and ejected it all. I know that is shocking isn't it.

Frost · May 12, 2011

Sorry to hear about the problem.
I hope they resolve things with a minimum of fuss.

Glocks are work horses...

localangler · May 12, 2011

Anything new can have issues so it isn't a big deal as long as they make it right. Of course with a defensive carry gun I need to have faith that it will work when needed. So after I get it repaired I will just have to shoot it more to be satisfied with the repairs. Maybe they should buy me a case of confidence ammunition. Nothing says we're sorry like free ammunition.

I guess the glocks will have to work a bit longer before they can take a break.

mcdaniel · May 12, 2011

localangler said:
I guess the glocks will have to work a bit longer before they can take a break.

You said it right there, if you are .40 guy, just grab a 23 or a 27, call it done and quit trying to carry a fancy peice of hardware. Carry that glock til you wear it out. That "bit longer" will be forever if you are searching for something more dependable for a carry piece than a glock.

localangler · May 12, 2011

I like the glocks. I carry a 22 and 23 a lot but sometimes I need something a little easier to conceal. The 27 hasn't ever felt right to me but one day one may wander into the fold. Also a keltec or another pocket pistol but that's another story. A man can't have to many guns.

mcdaniel · May 12, 2011

localangler said:
I like the glocks. I carry a 22 and 23 a lot but sometimes I need something a little easier to conceal. The 27 hasn't ever felt right to me but one day one may wander into the fold. Also a keltec or another pocket pistol but that's another story. A man can't have to many guns.

A man after my own heart.

On a serious note, do you find the EMP easier to conceal than a 23? I have looked before and didn't think there would be much of a difference. Good luck!

localangler · May 12, 2011

Yes because of the shape. Overall it isn't much different but the edges don't grab clothes and print like the workhorses (glocks) do. And that is with the glock having a nicer holster. It could be that the EMP is thinner though too. Each gun has its advantages and disadvantages. The glock will not be forgotten. They are just going to be different tools for different applications. Sometimes you need or want dependable high capacity working girls over sleek higher maintenance girls for certain tasks.

localangler · May 13, 2011

Spoke to Mr Wolf in customer service just a few minutes ago. The conversation went something along the lines of:
First I offer him the serial number and other pertinent information
Him: So what's the problem?

Me: Well, the gun isn't ejecting fully. The extractor grabs the spent case and removes it partially from the chamber before slipping off. After the range time I discover unusual wear on the extractor.

Him: How many rounds has it fired?

Me: About 200 or so

Him: Any other problems like failure to feed or anything else? (I can hear typing in the background)

Me: No sir, but I can't be certain because a new round can't go in unless the old case is ejected.

Him: You are right. We will check that when we get your pistol to us. I have sent FedEx your information and they will send you all the lables you need. We will have your gun for 2-4 weeks and when it gets back it will be running smooth.

So first off my customer service rep was not from a India or elsewhere because he understood my SC language and they didn't jerk me around trying to make me feel like it was operator error. Springfield Armory is doing okay so far with the exception of allowing a flawed product out the door but it happens. However, a quick google search makes me think it may be more than a single isolated incident. Hopefully, they will fix it and I can shoot the gun enough to trust it on my side to protect my family if need be. Otherwise someone can get them a new safe queen but my guns are purchased for use. If it is only good for a range gun or safe queen I don't need it but I think most here agree with that statement.

Bob Ouellette · May 15, 2011

That's great that they're handling it so well. As far as Kel Tec's go, I've got a P11 and find it to be pretty dependable. I've got a belt clip mounted to the side of it for easy concealment left or right side (on the left side, I just hang it on my belt). The only thing is I don't think they make high capacity mags for it. I've taken a few 9mm Luger mags and modified them to fit the magazine catch and they work great. It's great having a gun I can conceal with just a t-shirt instead of a pair of shirts in this southern heat.

localangler · May 31, 2011

Well, my lost sheep is now back in the fold. So in this short time it was shipped to Springfield, checked out, test fired by them, and shipped back to me. They called Friday to confirm that this morning would be a good delivery date. It would have been back yesterday but fedex was on vacation. The rep stated the extractor was tuned up and they went ahead and polished the feed ramp while they had the gun. Now to test the gun myself and see if it is fixed.

Overall though Springfield has stepped up to the plate on this problem for me and been more than willing to make me happy.

cc1911 · Jun 1, 2011

Bob Ouellette said:
That's great that they're handling it so well. As far as Kel Tec's go, I've got a P11 and find it to be pretty dependable. I've got a belt clip mounted to the side of it for easy concealment left or right side (on the left side, I just hang it on my belt). The only thing is I don't think they make high capacity mags for it. I've taken a few 9mm Luger mags and modified them to fit the magazine catch and they work great. It's great having a gun I can conceal with just a t-shirt instead of a pair of shirts in this southern heat.

If memory serves me correctly S&W model 5906 mags work in the p11 without mods......

GTrav · Jun 1, 2011

The 5906 magazine will fit the P11 and Kel-Tec offers a sleeve/extension also. Check on their website. The SW magazine works best. I have had feed issues with aftermarket magazines.

localangler · Jun 30, 2011

Took the gun back to the range yesterday. FAILURE AGAIN! Same issues and another call to the factory. I spoke to the gunsmith not a customer service rep for half an hour. I politely made it clear that a gun used for personal defense should not be having this kind of problem and that I was losing faith in their ability to produce a quality life insurance policy for me and my family. I quit counting at 20 failure to ejects in under 100 rounds of factory Speer ammo.

Enjay · Jun 30, 2011

Real sorry to hear that your weapon is functioning worse than it was before you sent it in for repairs.
If you don't mind my asking, what are they going to do about it?

localangler · Jul 1, 2011

I would of swore I replied to your post last night but guess it got lost or I failed to hit submit. I guess I'm getting old.

They want the gun back again to check it out. Honestly, it is doing the same thing that they "fixed" already so I don't have high hopes of a proper repair this time around. If it can't be fixed a replacement has been mentioned and by them first no less. So that made me start looking around a little harder on the internet for other EMP problems. Seems several people have had to have the guns replaced for FTE and FTF problems. Customer service has been professional and courteous on the upside. I haven't heard anyone blame me or question what I've done so far. Of course I've been answering all their questions fully and giving extra pertinent information. My answers haven't been I don't know or anything like that. But I also suspect that the average purchaser of a SA or Kimber isn't a first time gun buyer who wants a gun just because. After all my first pistol was a Glock and I still have it. Doubt I will ever part with it because it just doesn't know how to fail.

I am begining to feel like a Italian sports car owner. What I wanted to be my pride and daily concealed carry piece is spending more time in a FedEx box and the factory than on my hip.

Halfcocked · Jul 7, 2011

I deal with manufacturers on a daily basis and Springfield has the best customer service of any, hands down. Taurus has to be the worst.

localangler · Aug 11, 2011

Well SA replaced the pistol. It just makes me wonder what was wrong with it the second time that was non-repairable but they thought they could fix the first time. Now to get to the range and see if this one will work.

Midnight Raver · Aug 11, 2011

Hopefully the other one was just cursed or something- new firearm, new start...

I bet everything will be fine this time!

Enjay · Aug 11, 2011

While I'm sorry to hear that they had to replace it, I'm glad that they stepped up. I do hope that this one works well for you.

localangler · Aug 12, 2011

New firearm has already needed trimming on factory grips for safety to function properly. Apparently SA knows that the G10 grips for the EMP are catching on the right side grip. However, a final inspection before shipping does not call for a function check to ensure that all pieces function as a single unit before shipping. :roll: But, hopefully this one will run like a swiss watch, now to find range time and several hundred rounds to show that it can compete with the Glock for belt time.