Kimber CDP 2 or SA EMP

[s4255]

Thinking of 1911 for edc either Kimber CDP 2 or SA EMP. Have never owned either, and would like some feedback on them for those who have experience with them. Thanks in advance

[mrsig239]

Don't have a Kimber but I love my EMP. Lots of talk on the net how they are picky with ammo till you find the right one that will work. Also lots of them go back to SA to get problems ironed out. Once they run good you will find them a great little, accurate, light weight shooter. If you have small hands the EMP is even better as the frame is thinner and the trigger reach is shorter. I leave my light weight commander in the gun safe and carry the EMP whenever I can.

[OhioKahr]

I own a CDP II and have shot the EMP. For me, the Kimber fits better. I'm just about as accurate (when shooting slowly) with the CDP II as with a full size. Both classy, if you can shoot them both, you'll know what feels best. Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey to buy them both and then dispose of the non-winner w/o a loss.

[hollander]

Do not have a Kimber and have never shot one. I do have two EMP's. The 9 and the 40. Both are tack drivers and make you look like a great shooter. Springfield has fabulous customer service if you ever need it. I will never give up my 9mm EMP but am trading the 40 for a Springfield Loaded Ultra Compact which is the same size but in 45 - also hard to find and expensive.

[chovyman]

45 acp nothing smaller

[QuercusMax]

I got a Kimber Ultra CDP II last year and really like it. Has about 500 rounds through it with total reliability. I was skeptical at first about a 1911 in a small package, and but it feels good. Very nice looking gun too (I don't like ugly guns). And someday I'll start adding pictures to my words (Another "note to self".)

[harvs12]

I have both. A .45 and a 9 and love them both, can't go wrong IMHO I shoot the EMP 9 more since it's a bit cheaper of course.

[O'Dell]

Do not have a Kimber and have never shot one. I do have two EMP's. The 9 and the 40. Both are tack drivers and make you look like a great shooter. Springfield has fabulous customer service if you ever need it. I will never give up my 9mm EMP but am trading the 40 for a Springfield Loaded Ultra Compact which is the same size but in 45 - also hard to find and expensive.

I had a loaded SS Ultra Compact and liked it very much. Unfortunately, it was one of the pistols stolen in February. I replaced it with a SS Kimber Ultra Carry II and an STI Escort, both three inchers.

Speaking of Kimbers and getting back to the subject of the thread, if I was getting a 9mm or 40 1911, I think I would go with the EMP. I'm still a bit ticked off at Kimber for supplying a substandard mag with such an expensive gun. I had to buy two new mags to get the pistol to function properly.

[thinktwice]

I don't have the EMP but do have the Springfield Micro Compact, and the Kimber Ultra CDP 11. I like them both but I can honestly say I have had a few problems with the Micro Compact in the beginning. Such as brass hitting me in the head, and a few failures to return to battery. It runs fine now, but occasionally it will still throw brass hitting me in the head. I can't really say it's the pistols fault because everyone I have let soot it has never been hit with brass, so I really think shooter error, as other 1911's have done the same thing to me and not to others. As far as the Kimber Ultra CDP it has been 100% from day one, and have around 900 rounds through it. I really don't think you could go wrong with either. I have herd good things about the EMP, however in my opinion I would have to give the edge to Kimber solely based on the Micro Compact & Ultra CDP.