NRA Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive EAA Girsan MC1911S XLV

by
posted on November 11, 2022
** 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. **

Girsan’s Turkish-built M1911s have gained popularity since their importation to the U.S., thanks to European American Armory Corp. (EAA) and currently, the company offers many variations, as seen here on AmericanRifleman.org. Despite the myriad options EAA supplies to the market, one model you won't find from the import firm is the MC1911S XLV, which is the product of an exclusive partnership with Davidson's.

Founded in 1932 as an auto-parts supplier, Davidson’s expanded into firearms distribution in the 1980s. Today, it’s one of the largest firearm distributors in the country. Due to its prominent position in the marketplace, Davidson’s can work with manufacturers around the world to develop exclusive offerings and specially finished models you’ll find nowhere else. One of those models is this MC1911S XLV. Watch the video above to see it in use on the NRA Tech Range.

Man shooting Girsan MC1911S XLV pistol indoors wearing protective gear

The Girsan XLV model is a fullsize M1911 equipped with a 5" barrel and treated with Davidson’s Dark Earth Cerakote finish. Notice that the Davidson’s Exclusive XLV also only features slide serrations at the rear, unlike most of EAA’s other M1911 offerings. Completing the package is a set of unique polymer grip panels that stand out from EAA’s other offerings, providing an effective checkering pattern and the Girsan logo. The upgrades don’t end there, though.

Girsan MC1911S XLV pistol brown color black accessories davidson's exclusive gun

At the top of the gun, there are beveled, low-profile sights dovetailed into the slide for future adjustments. A skeletonized hammer is included to shorten lock time. A flared and enlarged ejection port comes standard for increased reliability, while the nitride-treated barrel adds natural lubricity and provides corrosion resistance. The MC1911S XLV's frame houses features to improve the shooter's experience by enhanced control points; flaring on either side at the rear of the trigger guard for improve trigger reach, as well as a textured frontstrap and checkered mainspring housing for a solid grip. Protecting the user's hand from hammer- and slide-bite, while also enabling a high hold for improved control, the Davidson's exclusive MC1911S XLV provides a generous beavertail grip safety.

Girsan MC1911S XLV pistol closeup slide hammer safety

The MC1911S XLV offers an upgrade in the way of extended ambidextrous thumb safeties, but you’ll only find a single-sided slide-stop lever and push-button magazine release, in true M1911 fashion. A solid-body curved trigger offers a traditional feel for this upgraded platform. Shooting the Davidson’s Exclusive MC1911S XLV brought us back to Browning’s iconic platform in a positive way. Of course, XLV, in Roman numerals, means “45,” indicating the gun’s traditional chambering. Despite its classic chambering and standard frame size, Davidson’s ships each pistol with an eight-round magazine, giving you one more pull of the trigger over standard seven-round M1911 magazines.

Specifications
Importer: European American Armory Corp.
Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic centerfire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5" nitride-treated steel
Frame: steel, Davidson’s Dark Earth Cerakote finish
Slide: steel, Davidson’s Dark Earth Cerakote finish
Sights: dovetailed; square-notch rear, post front
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Overall Length: 8.75"
Height: 32.5 ozs.
MSRP: $629

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.