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Recently purchased a Springfield EMP pistol. Shoots great and runs flawlessly, so of course I decided to do a few tweaks and upgrades. Sorry, no pics along the way.
Installed a Wilson Combat single sided safety. For what I thought should be a quick install this took me over 3 hours to properly fit and install this thing. It was my first safety install so there was quite a bit of trial and error. From looking at the reviews I guess the part was hit or miss, most needed some fitting to install so i wasn't surprised. But, I learned a few things along the way and was happy with the end result. Safety worked great.
Also put in a matching WC extended slide release at the same time. It was the only true drop-in part I installed. Wasn't sure I was going to like it but overall I think it is a nice upgrade. No need to break my grip to release the slide with my right thumb. Of course if you use a two handed grip it is just as easy to use your left thumb, but whatever. I like that the finish on the slide release and the thumb safety match the finish on the slide almost perfectly. If I had to do it over I would pass on the extended slide release and buy the standard for my tastes, it seems a bit busy with the matching extensions.
Also wanted to ditch the stupid ILS and install a magwell along the way. So I placed a call to Smith & Alexander as they seemed to be the only source for an EMP specific magwell. Also bought the mainspring and plungers from them as well. It really was a drop in part with no issues for fit to the frame. There is a small hairline gap between the magwell and the frame but the gap is covered nicely with the slightly longer magwell cut Raasco grips. I did however run into a problem with the magwell and current EMP magazines. Seems that the slam pad is contacting the magwell and is not allowing the magazine to fully seat into position. I know some magwells need fitting and blending, but I also know it was beyond my capabilities to make it look nice when I was finished if I did any fitting. After thinking about the problem overnight I decided the only course of action was to modify the magazines. A little ginding, sanding, and polishing on the slam pads was all they needed to properly fit without having to force them into position. A quick call the S&A this morning confirmed they knew about the problem and my soloution was what they would have recommended. One thing that I was pleased to hear was that they said was that if I had to do any fitting and had any unfinished edges or surfaces, and if I paid for shipping both ways they would beadblast and refinish the part free of charge. I'm glad to say I didn't need this service but it was nice to hear that they stand behind their products 100% and will take care of their customers if they need help.
My finished product. Turned out pretty well, I think. The fnish on the magwell is slightly darker than the slide but it close enough that I won't worry about it.
Installed a Wilson Combat single sided safety. For what I thought should be a quick install this took me over 3 hours to properly fit and install this thing. It was my first safety install so there was quite a bit of trial and error. From looking at the reviews I guess the part was hit or miss, most needed some fitting to install so i wasn't surprised. But, I learned a few things along the way and was happy with the end result. Safety worked great.
Also put in a matching WC extended slide release at the same time. It was the only true drop-in part I installed. Wasn't sure I was going to like it but overall I think it is a nice upgrade. No need to break my grip to release the slide with my right thumb. Of course if you use a two handed grip it is just as easy to use your left thumb, but whatever. I like that the finish on the slide release and the thumb safety match the finish on the slide almost perfectly. If I had to do it over I would pass on the extended slide release and buy the standard for my tastes, it seems a bit busy with the matching extensions.
Also wanted to ditch the stupid ILS and install a magwell along the way. So I placed a call to Smith & Alexander as they seemed to be the only source for an EMP specific magwell. Also bought the mainspring and plungers from them as well. It really was a drop in part with no issues for fit to the frame. There is a small hairline gap between the magwell and the frame but the gap is covered nicely with the slightly longer magwell cut Raasco grips. I did however run into a problem with the magwell and current EMP magazines. Seems that the slam pad is contacting the magwell and is not allowing the magazine to fully seat into position. I know some magwells need fitting and blending, but I also know it was beyond my capabilities to make it look nice when I was finished if I did any fitting. After thinking about the problem overnight I decided the only course of action was to modify the magazines. A little ginding, sanding, and polishing on the slam pads was all they needed to properly fit without having to force them into position. A quick call the S&A this morning confirmed they knew about the problem and my soloution was what they would have recommended. One thing that I was pleased to hear was that they said was that if I had to do any fitting and had any unfinished edges or surfaces, and if I paid for shipping both ways they would beadblast and refinish the part free of charge. I'm glad to say I didn't need this service but it was nice to hear that they stand behind their products 100% and will take care of their customers if they need help.
My finished product. Turned out pretty well, I think. The fnish on the magwell is slightly darker than the slide but it close enough that I won't worry about it.
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