[SHOT 2022] Is 2022 The Year of the Hi-Power? Girsan MCP35 and Other new Pistols from EAA
First Shots with the Girsan MCP35
Stopping by EAA’s booth at range day, their was a whole lotta of firearms to choose from. First off, I elected to try a few magazines with the Girsan MCP35, a Browning Hi-Power clone being imported by EAA. The MCP35 can be had in quite a few different colors and finishes (including gold, if that’s your thing) as well as with a number of different grip styles.
Of highest import for those that know the Browning Hi-Power design, certain models of the MCP35 will be available without a magazine disconnect. Deleting this “feature” is likely to improve the trigger pull and feel on this platform. Variety is a good thing, and those looking for a Hi-Power to add to their collection will be able choose from offering from Springfield Armory, EAA, and FN’s SHOT-announced offering as well.
I found the MCP35 to be a competent copy of the HI-Power for “fun at the range” purposes. The finish on the two-tone model was not the most outstanding, but it would do for a fun and reasonably priced example of the Hi-Power if one would want to add it to one’s collection. I had similar feelings about the trigger pull and sights, but I am pretty confident that the trigger pull on any of their non-magazine disconnect models should be better. MSRP is $544 for the base model and goes up from there.
MC9 T
Also new for 2022 is EAA’s Girsan MC9T. Building off the MC9 series introduced just last year, the MC9T has a flared aluminum magwell, a metal two piece re-profiled trigger without trigger safety, and lightening cuts in the slide. MC9 pistols are “Far-Dot” compatible, and the rear sights are integrated into the body of the RDS. The MC9T that I got to try out did have a decent trigger pull and very short reset as well, though the Far-Dot seemed to be a bit worse for wear in the Southern Nevada dust.
With “Regards” to the 92
Also on hand was the Girsan Regard MC Sport Gen 3, a Beretta 92 clone with a grip window and windowed magazines, RDS compatibility, an accessory rail, enlarged magazine release, and a frame mounted, rather than slide mounted safety.
Having always had a passion for firearms, Rusty S. has had experience in gunsmithing, firearms retail, hunting, competitive shooting, range construction, as an IDPA certified range safety officer and a certified instructor. He has received military, law enforcement, and private training in the use of firearms. Editor at Outdoorhub.com
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I guess FEG will be coming out with their clone again, I imaging the tooling is still there. The see-saw trigger bar is the weird thing in the Hi-power and I know of no other design that is similar. Tight fitment of the slide and frame is a must for a good trigger. I believe this trigger design was a work around due to Colt having the stirrup style trigger patent on the 1911 . My FEG clone Hi-power is a little sloppy on the slide-frame so even with the mag safety removed one can feel the slack in the fit being taken up in the trigger squeeze. Still I do love the Hi-power weird trigger and all.
All fn had to do was extend the tang to prevent hammer bite, remove the disconnect, and update the the sights and everyone would have been happy