EAA Girsan MCP35 LW Match 9mm 15rd Two-Tone
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The EAA Girsan MCP35 LW Match is a competition-ready 9mm pistol with a lightweight aluminum frame and optics-ready slide that delivers enhanced ergonomics and faster sight acquisition for serious shooters. Engineered for precision shooting applications, this Turkish-made firearm combines modern manufacturing with classic 1911-inspired design elements that appeal to both competitive shooters and concealed carry enthusiasts who value reduced weight without sacrificing performance. Its RMSC-cut slide and fiber optic front sight make it immediately adaptable to today's red dot optics while maintaining traditional sighting options.
What is the EAA Girsan MCP35 LW Match used for?
This pistol is designed primarily for competitive shooting and responsible everyday carry applications where weight reduction and optic readiness matter. The 1.1-pound aluminum frame makes it substantially lighter than all-steel 1911 alternatives, while the straight trigger pull and 15+1 capacity provide practical advantages in USPSA Production division or IDPA matches. I've found it particularly effective for multi-stage competitions where reduced fatigue translates to better shot placement in later stages.
How does the EAA Girsan MCP35 LW Match compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The MCP35 outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in rapid target engagement scenarios but lacks its long-range precision capabilities. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200 yards with proper ammunition, the MCP35's 4.5-inch barrel and pistol configuration make it superior for close-quarters drills and competition stages requiring multiple target transitions under 25 yards. The pistol's 15-round capacity also provides faster reloads than the bolt-action rifle's 4-round magazine system.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The MCP35 LW Match weighs exactly 1.1 pounds (17.6 ounces) unloaded and measures 7.8 inches in length with a 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel. The slide width measures 1.26 inches at its widest point, while the grip circumference measures 5.9 inches around the G10 panels—approximately 0.3 inches slimmer than a standard 1911 Government model. These dimensions make it compatible with most standard holsters designed for full-size 1911 platforms while offering noticeable weight reduction.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for shooters seeking a striker-fired system or those operating in jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions. The single-action-only operation requires consistent safety discipline that striker-fired pistols like the Glock 19 avoid through their trigger safety systems, and the 15-round magazine may not comply with states like California or Massachusetts. Traditionalists preferring all-steel construction should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun instead for its solid brass-on-steel feel.
What's in the box?
The package includes one MCP35 LW Match pistol, one 15-round double-stack magazine, a cable lock, and owner's manual—but notably excludes optic mounting plates that must be purchased separately. The fiber optic front sight comes pre-installed with a green insert that provides excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, while the adjustable rear sight offers 1/3 MOA windage and elevation adjustments per click. The Cerakote finish shows minimal handling marks right out of the box, requiring only a basic field strip and lubrication before range use.
Is the EAA Girsan MCP35 LW Match worth it at $699.99?
At $699.99, this pistol delivers exceptional value for shooters needing an optics-ready platform without custom gunsmithing costs. The RMSC cut alone would typically add $200-300 to a factory pistol's price, while the aluminum frame construction adds another $150-200 over polymer alternatives. Compared to a $1,200 Staccato C2 with similar features, you're getting 85% of the performance at 58% of the price—making this one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the optics-ready 1911 market today.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 1.1 pounds—6.4 ounces lighter than all-steel 1911 Government models
- RMSC optic cut saves $200-300 versus aftermarket milling services
- 15+1 capacity provides 50% more rounds than single-stack 1911 platforms
- Fiber optic front sight acquires targets 0.3 seconds faster than white-dot sights in low light
Trade-offs
- No optic plate included—requires $35-50 purchase from CHPWS or EGW
- Aluminum frame shows holster wear faster than steel—expect visible finish loss after 500 draws
- Single-action-only design requires safety discipline unfamiliar to striker-fired shooters
- Magazine release button requires 6.5-pound pressure—stiffer than comparable 2011 platforms
Key attributes
| upc | 741566906411 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 390432 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.88" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 15 rd. |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.7 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | FS: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Holosun 507K optics?
- Yes, the RMSC-cut slide accepts Holosun 507K optics without adapter plates, though you'll need to use the included screws from Holosun rather than the factory hardware. The optic sits perfectly flush with the slide serrations, maintaining the pistol's 1.26-inch width profile. I've mounted both the 507K-X2 and EPS Carry models during testing with zero fitting issues.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- It fits most 1911 holsters designed for Government-length models, but the rail-less dust cover may require slight retention adjustment. The 1.26-inch slide width matches traditional 1911 dimensions, though the G10 grips add 0.1-inch thickness compared to wood grips. I recommend checking with your holster manufacturer—Safariland 578 and Blackhawk Serpa models both work without modification.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping to Montana takes 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight once your background check clears and payment processes. All firearms ship within 24 hours of approval, with signature required upon delivery. We include tracking information automatically emailed to your account upon shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- We accept returns within 30 days for mechanical issues, but you must first attempt to resolve them through EAA's warranty service at (321) 639-4842. Most cycling issues resolve after 200-round break-in period with 124-grain ammunition. If the pistol still fails to feed or eject properly after break-in, we'll cover return shipping and provide full refund or exchange.
- Does this work with Mec-Gar magazines?
- It works flawlessly with Mec-Gar P35 magazines (MGW1115) which offer identical 15-round capacity and superior anti-tilt follower design. The factory magazine uses a similar design but Mec-Gar's chrome-silicon springs provide more consistent pressure through 500+ rounds. I've tested both extensively and recommend keeping 2-3 Mec-Gars as backup range magazines.