Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video! We’re on the range this week with a Performance Improved Lightweight Match version of the High Power, and this one is imported stateside by European American Armory. Watch our video above to see this version of Girsan's High Power in use on the range.
Florida-based firearm importer European American Armory Corporation (EAA) works closely with overseas partners to design and build feature-rich and affordable options for American shooters. And what’s neat is its partner company’s ability to turn out clones that pay homage to the industry’s most successful designs. We saw it first in the company’s M1911s, among others, and now it is has recreated FN’s High Power with the Girsan MC P35 series unveiled in 2021. To start, a simple clone of the famed pistol wasn’t enough. EAA went to Girsan to make the High Power into a 21st century marvel, which brings us here to the range with the MC P35 PI LW Match.
The story of the High Power has been written 100 times over, and then some, but what is important to know is the original High Power was a major step in handgun development. As most guns were fed with single-column magazines with limited capacity, the FN High Power rivaled and topped the best available at the time, packing nearly twice as much ammunition into a similar hand-filling space. And this Girsan High Power clone takes up to 16 rounds of 9 mm Luger in a package that weighs just over 21 ozs. empty.
Although the MC P35 PI LW Match nomenclature is a tongue twister, unpacking it reveals the gun is Performance Improved (PI) and Light Weight (LW). The gun is built on an enhanced-aluminum, full-size frame, which is a stark divergence from the steel frame of the original. The gun’s Match callout signifies a few touches that help to improve a shooter’s ability on the range with features such as the forward-protruding pinky lip ground into the bottom of the slick-faced frontstrap and the frame’s generous beavertail—these work in concert to allow for a solid grip, especially during rapid strings of fire.
Further improvements on this High Power clone include left- and right-side safety levers, which is not a feature found on the originals. Also, there’s a Cylinder & Slide, Commander-style Rowel hammer and all corners are reduced to prevent wear on clothing when carried for protection. But, most importantly, this version of the MC P35 from Girsan sports an integrated plate that doubles as the rear sight. Once removed, optics of the RMS/RMSc footprint can be direct mounted to the gun, making it easier for tired eyes to find the target. Although the factory irons are sufficient for defensive work and include a fiber-optic post up front.
Our testers thoroughly enjoyed range sessions with the EAA Girsan MC P35 Performance Improved Light Weight Match pistol. The gun’s G10 stocks respond well to tactical maneuvers, while the optic-ready capability of the platform opens the doors to further upgrades. Between its form factor and scant weight, we see this as a do-all gun for any occasion, whether riding to the barbeque or hitched tight to the waist when out and about.
EAA Girsan MCP35 PI LW Match Specifications
Importer: European American Armory Corp. (EAA)
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.88"
Slide: 416 stainless steel
Frame: aluminum alloy
Magazine: 15-round, detachable box
Sights: U-notch rear, fiber-optic post front; optic-ready removable plate
Trigger: 7-lb., 2-oz. pull
Overall Length: 6.25"
Height: 4.99"
Weight: 21.4 ozs.
MSRP: $749
