Pics Official 1911 Photo Thread

[Californio]

Stan Chen magwells are sick but never occurred to me to put them on an EMP.

Mine is a CCW so I’ve personalized it for slimness. So far, G10 grips that’re a tad skinnier than stock and deleting the ambi safety. Probably only saved about 1/8” of width, but it was a fun project nonetheless.

Currently waiting on some Heinie’s “straight eight” night sights just because I prefer them to three dots.

Also recently discovered an aftermarket guide rod set

It does increase the footprint, just not much. I have VZ Grips to go along with it.

Stan Chen magwells are sick but never occurred to me to put them on an EMP.

Mine is a CCW so I’ve personalized it for slimness. So far, G10 grips that’re a tad skinnier than stock and deleting the ambi safety. Probably only saved about 1/8” of width, but it was a fun project nonetheless.

Currently waiting on some Heinie’s “straight eight” night sights just because I prefer them to three dots.

Also recently discovered an aftermarket guide rod set that I might try.

Does that magwell increase the footprint much?

It does increase the footprint, just not much. I have VZ Grips to go with it. He sends a little Halloween-style packet of M&Ms to go along with the magwell, the idea being you can install the new magwell before finishing the M&Ms.

My EMP is for CCW, too.

My XS sights are for "dotting the i." So no three dots. A vertical line at the back and a big bright dot on the front. I had the sun in my eyes and snow around one day at the range and could't make shots that I would usually make easily. So I got the XS Sights and am pretty happy.

Where did you discover the aftermarket guide rod set?

 

[Californio]

MAGAZINE WELL, BLUE

Our custom magazine well is the perfect addition to any firearm, offering a wide beveled opening that allows for lightning-fast magazine changes without taking up too much space.

wilsoncombat.com

I put this on my EMP4 with a little elbow grease before sending off the whole thing to get DLC'd. It took some very minor material removal on the inside of my stock wood grips near the grip bushings for it to mount. I also am very fortunate to have a buddy in TX who'll buy non-barrel parts and mail it to me due to years of good friendship.

Where'd you have it DLC'd?

 

[dvoncock]

It does increase the footprint, just not much. I have VZ Grips to go with it. He sends a little Halloween-style packet of M&Ms to go along with the magwell, the idea being you can install the new magwell before finishing the M&Ms.

My EMP is for CCW, too.

My XS sights are for "dotting the i." So no three dots. A vertical line at the back and a big bright dot on the front. I had the sun in my eyes and snow around one day at the range and could't make shots that I would usually make easily. So I got the XS Sights and am pretty happy.

Where did you discover the aftermarket guide rod set?

I have a Beretta 3032 with sights kind of like that. The front dot is so big that it reminds me of a lollipop. For some reason that setup always gives me trouble. Could be the gun though—the sight radius is practically nonexistent!

Found that guide rod set on Evolution Gun Works’ website. They describe it as compatible with Ronin EMP 3. I’m not 100% certain it will work. EGW told me they’re not sure either, but that I can return it if it’s not compatible.

 

[chiroken007]

I’ve had this one on my watch list as well to upgrade or replace. From what people have said. The original is good for about 2k.

Guide Rod Kit For 3" 1911s Stainless 9mm, .38, .40 (Colt Defender, New Agent, LDA, Etc)

The ultimate reliability upgrade for your 3-inch 1911. Our stainless steel guide rod kit for Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra Carry & more ensures flawless cycling and corrosion resistance.

egwguns.com

 

[dvoncock]

I’ve had this one on my watch list as well to upgrade or replace. From what people have said. The original is good for about 2k.

Guide Rod Kit For 3" 1911s Stainless 9mm, .38, .40 (Colt Defender, New Agent, LDA, Etc)

The ultimate reliability upgrade for your 3-inch 1911. Our stainless steel guide rod kit for Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra Carry & more ensures flawless cycling and corrosion resistance.

egwguns.com

That’s the one I asked EGW about. Not sure about longevity, but the OEM guide rod set up is definitely a pain to take apart and clean. That’s my main reason for wanting to switch. And the threaded rod on my EMP sometimes works itself loose from the plate that interfaces with the barrel, which is annoying.

 

[chiroken007]

Threaded rod. Is that a Wilson combat?

 

[dvoncock]

Threaded rod. Is that a Wilson combat?

No, it’s the one that comes stock from Springfield.

 

[chiroken007]

Ah I see! Haven't had that issue and didn’t inspect it enough to realize it’s threaded. I will say it’s possible to take down the EMP without using the awful plastic clip. At least I can with mine.

 

[Ragnvaldr]

Where'd you have it DLC'd?

Dual Hammer Industries

 

[Californio]

Dual Hammer Industries

Thank you!

 

[Californio]

Dual Hammer Industries

Did you get more work done on your EMP through them? I'm almost considering a red dot on mine after looking at the photos.

 

[Californio]

I have a Beretta 3032 with sights kind of like that. The front dot is so big that it reminds me of a lollipop. For some reason that setup always gives me trouble. Could be the gun though—the sight radius is practically nonexistent!

Found that guide rod set on Evolution Gun Works’ website. They describe it as compatible with Ronin EMP 3. I’m not 100% certain it will work. EGW told me they’re not sure either, but that I can return it if it’s not compatible.

Thanks. Looks like Harrison Design does a lot of EMP work, too.

 

[Californio]

Hard to get those Stan Chens it seems! Did you sign up for a waitlist?

No, I just kept checking his website.

 

[dvoncock]

Thanks. Looks like Harrison Design does a lot of EMP work, too.

Thanks for the tip. I’ll check them out. The EMP was my first foray into anything 1911 adjacent, and knew very little about the platform at the time. It’s been a crash course learning more as I slowly optimize my EMP. They’re great out the box, but as I’ve leaned, half the fun of 1911s is tweaking them to (your own personal) perfection.

 

[Californio]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll check them out. The EMP was my first foray into anything 1911 adjacent, and knew very little about the platform at the time. It’s been a crash course learning more as I slowly optimize my EMP. They’re great out the box, but as I’ve leaned, half the fun of 1911s is tweaking them to (your own personal) perfection.

Nice to talk to another EMP fan! I'm also learning as much as I can. Sometimes I have to tell myself, "Patience, Grasshopper." There are only so many hours in the day and for the range, dryfiring, etc.

 

[Ragnvaldr]

Did you get more work done on your EMP through them? I'm almost considering a red dot on mine after looking at the photos.

They installed a Dawson Precision plate meant for Staccatos on my EMP4 so I could put an EPS on, DLC'd my slide and magwell, milled front cocking serrations, and Copper PVD/Rose Gold'd my Barrel (it's the one in their reference shot).

 

[freedomtire]

Still one of the best pistol platforms on earth!

 

[Chipperchoi]

Another EMP 4. 5000+ rounds (stopped counting after 5000).

Issues with rounds nose diving in the first 200 rounds but have been trouble free since.