You both make good points. Shot placement is important, as is stopping power. But I personally feel that having a gun that fits your grip is more important yet. In defensive situations, you need a weapon that you feel confident and in control of.

I own both the EMP in 9mm and a Kimber CDP Pro in .45ACP. Both are extremely accurate inside 15 yards, where any real defensive shooting would take place. I have owned the Kimber for about 10 years, and bought the EMP about 5 years ago, shortly after it was introduced. My intent was to have a 1911 style pistol that would be cheaper to shoot. Honestly, shooting .45ACP for an hour or two at the range adds up fast. I would often go through 200 rounds, costing up to $100 per session. The SA ammo saves me $50 each time. Well, it’s more like $25 per session, since I split up the shooting between the two guns.

But the bottom line is, as much as I like the EMP, I shoot much better with the Kimber simply because it fits my hand better. My groups are noticeably tighter in comparable use. I can shoot faster while holding the same level of accuracy (or even better).

As Rick described, I had a Marvel .22 conversion kit for the Kimber and used that a bit for a while. But I found that it wasn’t comparable to shooting the real ammo due to the lack of recoil. If anything, it was teaching me bad habits. Eventually, I only used it when I brought a newcomer to the range and wanted to give them a more user-friendly introduction to shooting.

Bottom line: I think the EMP is a great gun, and is very comparable to a true 1911. The size difference in the hand is very minor and could be a plus or minus depending on your hand and preference. Fit and finish of the gun is outstanding. It is to the same level as the Kimber, with everything tight and functioning flawlessly. I’ve used both for concealed carry and the EMP fits slightly better behind the hip, but the Kimber is slightly easier to draw. I’d consider them about equal for different reasons. But if I had to choose just one gun, I’d take the Kimber in .45ACP because it’s the gun that I have more confidence in. I’d just have to suck it up when it comes to resupplying ammo.

Fortunately, I don’t have to choose.