2024 Handgun Of The Year: EAA MCP35 PI Ops

by
posted on May 15, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2024 Handgun Of The Year: EAA MCP35 PI Ops

The coveted Golden Bullseye Awards, now in their 22nd year, were created as a way for us to publicly recognize the firearm industry’s best-performing, highest-value and most innovative products from the previous year. This year, we were blessed with a sizable crop of great new guns that could have won an award, but below you will find our consensus winners.

“Last year was one of massive new-product introductions from the recreational shooting sports industry,” said NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin. “As a result, the editorial staff had some tough decisions to make to identify the best all-new products.”


2024 Handgun Of The Year: EAA MCP35 PI Ops
The situation looked bleak for fans of the P35 platform five years ago when Browning terminated its long-running Hi Power line, but the rest of the industry was unwilling to let such an important design fade into history. Now, according to Field Editor Justin Dyal in “Low-Profile High Powers,” not only is the High Power back, but thanks to the EAA MCP35 PI Ops, shooters can own factory-made handguns in a configuration that previously would have required an expensive trip to the gunsmith.

American Rifleman magazine cover June 2023 featuring EAA MCP35 PI Ops optic-ready high power handgun

Featuring a carry-length barrel, an extended beavertail, an undercut trigger guard, an accessory rail and an optic-cut slide—while losing the magazine-disconnect safety—he said the gun possesses many of the characteristics of the ultimate custom-carry P35.

American Rifleman magazine centerfold featuring two handguns with accessories

“I couldn’t help but look at the Girsan and wonder if the new pistol becomes a base gun for projects. Many of the things that would have required extensive artisan effort are built in with the MCP35 PI Ops,” Dyal said. “Now at a more modest cost, shooters might add some checkering to the frontstrap, tune the trigger pull to their specification or swap to a thumb safety of their preferences.”

EAA MCP35 PI Ops left-side exploded parts view

For being the first to bring the High Power fully into the 21st century, and for doing so economically, the EAA MCP35 PI Ops was an easy choice for Handgun Of The Year. For more information, visit eaacorp.com.

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.