The 2011 market of hybrid-framed, double-stack, 1911-pattern handguns has grown immensely over the past five years, with the design moving from high-end and pricey competition guns to affordable models that are at home in a duty holster or in a nightstand. In this crowded sphere, manufacturers are adding their own innovations to the design in an attempt to stand out from what has become a rather large crowd.
European American Armory (EAA) Corp. introduced its first 2011 design with the company's Witness2311 in 2023. Last year, the company brought out the CMX, a handgun that took the 2011 design a step further, followed by the CMXX. New for 2026, the company is downsizing the CMX design with the CMX XXX and SC9 XXX, two handguns that are built around a new magazine.
With the XXX series, EAA sought to “to reduce the overall footprint of the double stack 1911 platform without sacrificing performance, interchangeability or capacity.”
EAA partnered with Checkmate to design a new flush-fit, slim-profile magazine that was purpose-built to fit in a compact 2011 grip module, yet still affording a capacity of 16 rounds. Both the CMX XXX and SC9 XXX are designed around this new magazine, with a compact grip module that has a low-profile magwell. Both have a 3.4-inch bushingless bull barrel and are chambered in 9 mm Luger.
The CMX XXX is based on the architecture of the CMX, a design that updates the 2011 concept by eliminating the grip safety and adding a firing pin safety. A fixed aluminum beavertail takes the grip safety’s place. Other shared features include an optics-ready slide that uses a RMSc footprint, front and rear slide serrations, and lightening cuts on the top and sides of the slide.
Earlier this year, the company released the CMXX, which has a 4.25-inch barrel and compensator. The CMX XXX, with its new magazine, takes the concept in a compact direction. The result has an overall length of 7 inches and weighs 22.4 ounces. Its aluminum frame has an accessory rail and is given a Tungsten Cerakote finish, while the steel slide has a Black Cerakote finish. Two magazines are included with each pistol and the CMX XXX has an MSRP of $899.
The SC9 XXX follows the traditional 2011-pattern, with a grip safety, and is a no-frills model that lacks the forward slide serrations, lightening cuts, and optics cut. The pistol has an overall length of 7 inches and weighs 22.4 ounces with its aluminum frame. All parts are given a business-like Black Cerakote finish. One magazine is included with each pistol and the SC9 XXX has an MSRP of $599.
For more information, visit the EAA Corp. website here.
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