By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Springfield recently introduced the Enhanced Micro Pistol Ronin, a less expensive version of the original EMP, and I had the opportunity to put it through its paces.
While reliable and useful, the Ronin treatment of the pistol isn’t quite as evolved as the original EMP, as things go in the 1911 world. But good sights, a good trigger and a speed safety are really all we need.
The Springfield EMP Ronin 9mm is among the smallest 1911 handguns available. It features excellent high profile sights, with the front featuring a bright red fiber optic. The rear sight is serrated on the rear face and features two white dot inserts. The contrast between the rear and front sights is good.
The slide is a nicely finished blue without tool marks or skips in the markings. I don’t like billboard type markings on the slide. The Springfield 9mm is low key. The slide lock safety is a speed type. Indent and lockup are positive with the safety snapping in place positively. This pistol has a well-designed beavertail grip safety, which properly releases its hold on the trigger about halfway into compression.
A three-inch bull barrel locks into the slide in a positive manner.
The frame’s Cerakote finish is a departure from the usual anodized treatment for aluminum frames. My overall impression is that this pistol is light enough for constant carry.
My only gripe is that a single magazine is provided. There really be another magazine included. Three is even better with one in the pistol one on the belt and one resting in rotation. The MecGar-made magazines are of excellent quality. Magazine capacity is nine cartridges.
A nicely checkered set of wooden stocks are well fitted to the frame.
To disassemble the pistol first clear the magazine and chamber. With the pistol unloaded, retract the slide, line up the slide lock in the slide notch and press the slide out, and forward off of the frame. The recoil spring and guide are removed and the barrel is subsequently removed from the front of the slide.
The Springfield EMP Ronin requires little maintenance. Since the barrel is a ramped, the cartridge case head is supported, taking the worry out of +P loads. Feed reliability has proven excellent.
Balanced against the short slide and 3-inch barrel is an Officer’s Model size frame. The short handle and short slide allow good concealment. Speed from leather is excellent, as well. The pistol proved to get on target quickly and offers good practical accuracy. It is necessary to concentrate on your sights in all types of shooting while the EMP Ronin’s short sight radius makes concentration vital.
Since primers and powder are starting to be widely available once more, I was able to test the pistol with favorite recipes. A stout charge of Unique behind a Hornady 124-grain FMJ produces ammunition that feeds reliably and provides good performance in any 9mm I have tested. I also fired a load using the Hornady 115-grain XTP and enough Titegroup powder for 1,100 fps. Feed, function, and control are excellent.
I expended 100 rounds of handloads during the initial familiarization. The pistol comes on target quickly and offers real speed in fast-paced drills. Pay attention to the sight picture and remember that alignment is essential in a pistol with a short sight radius.
The Springfield EMP Ronin, like all 1911 handguns, features a low bore axis and straight to the rear recoil. Muzzle flip is limited and recoil modest. The pistol is easier to use well than any other 9mm of this size I am aware of.
I also fired a good number of factory defense loads. These included the Hornady 115-grain Extreme Terminal Performance XTP, American Gunner 124-grain +P, and Hornady’s 135-grain Flex Lock.
Reliability is a given with a quality handgun and Hornady ammunition. These cartridges have good quality control cartridge integrity a clean powder burn and good accuracy potential. I bench rested the Springfield over a pistol bag to brace the EMP Ronin. At 15 yards, I fired two five-shot groups with the Hornady 115-grain XTP and one with my 124-grain handload. Average grouping is five shots into 1.8 inches. The EMP Ronin is a credible defense choice well worth its price.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: Ronin EMP 3 1911
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 nches
Weight: 24 oz.
