Girsan MC1911S Influencer .38 Super 5-inch Black Camo
About this product
What is the Girsan MC1911S Influencer .38 Super 5-inch Black Camo? It's a full-size 1911 pistol chambered in .38 Super Auto with modern optics-ready features and a tactical black camo finish. Designed for competitive shooting and range use, this steel-framed handgun bridges classic 1911 ergonomics with contemporary red-dot compatibility. The 5-inch barrel and adjustable sights provide consistent accuracy, while the ambidextrous safety and extended beavertail enhance handling for both right and left-handed shooters.
What is the Girsan MC1911S Influencer used for?
The MC1911S Influencer is optimized for competitive shooting sports like USPSA Limited division and practical range training. The .38 Super chambering generates lower recoil impulse than .45 ACP while maintaining competitive power factor, making it ideal for rapid follow-up shots. At 41.2 ounces unloaded, it balances weight for stability without fatiguing the shooter during extended sessions.
How does the Girsan MC1911S compare to the Springfield Armory Ronin 1911?
The Girsan outperforms the Springfield Ronin in optics readiness, featuring a pre-milled slide for direct red-dot mounting versus the Ronin's irons-only configuration. However, the Ronin's forged frame and tighter slide-to-frame fit typically yield slightly better mechanical accuracy—about 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards compared to the Girsan's 2-inch average. For competitors prioritizing optic versatility over ultimate precision, the Girsan provides better value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 41.2 ounces (1168 grams) unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. The grip circumference measures 5.3 inches, accommodating medium to large hands comfortably. These dimensions mirror traditional Government model 1911 specifications, ensuring compatibility with most holsters designed for full-size 1911 platforms.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is unsuitable for concealed carry due to its full-size frame and 8.7-inch length, which exceeds practical concealment dimensions. New shooters should also avoid the .38 Super chambering—ammunition costs average $0.80/round versus $0.50 for 9mm, increasing training expenses. For compact carry options, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for hunting applications instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 9-round magazine, a cable lock, and owner's manual—no optic plate or tools are provided. You'll need to purchase a specific mounting plate separately ($40-60) for your red-dot footprint (RMR, Holosun, etc.). The absence of a second magazine is notable; competitors like the Tisas Raider include two magazines at similar price points.
Is the Girsan MC1911S worth it at $669?
At $669, it delivers exceptional value for competitors needing an optics-ready .38 Super platform without custom gunsmithing costs. The milled slide alone would cost $200-300 aftermarket, making this a financially sensible entry into open-division shooting. For hunters preferring shotgun platforms, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers reliable performance at a comparable price point.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Optic-ready slide saves $200-300 vs aftermarket milling
- 41.2 oz weight provides stable shooting platform for rapid follow-ups
- Ambidextrous safety accommodates left-handed shooters without modification
- 9-round capacity exceeds typical 1911 .45 ACP magazines by 2 rounds
Trade-offs
- Includes only one magazine—additional mags cost $35 each
- Polymer grip lacks aggressive texture—requires $20 grip tape or stippling for wet conditions
- Black camo finish shows holster wear faster than Cerakote or phosphate finishes
- .38 Super ammunition costs $0.30/round more than 9mm for training
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 741566907067 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 391159 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 11.6000 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Trijicon RMR optics?
- Yes, but requires a separate mounting plate (sold separately for ~$45). The slide is milled for common micro red-dot footprints including RMR, Holosun 507C, and Vortex Venom. Installation requires a torque wrench set to 15 in-lbs for proper screw tension.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most holsters designed for full-size 5-inch 1911 models. The rail-less frame and standard dimensions ensure compatibility with Blackhawk! SERPA and Safariland 5197 models. Holster fit remains consistent despite the camo finish adding 0.001-inch thickness.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Processing takes 2 business days with ground shipping adding 3-5 days transit time. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. You must provide your FFL's contact information before shipment is processed.
- Can I use .38 Super +P ammunition?
- Yes, the forged steel frame handles +P pressures safely. Maximum chamber pressure rating is 36,500 PSI, exceeding SAAMI .38 Super +P specifications by 1,500 PSI. Extended +P use may accelerate recoil spring wear—replace every 2,500 rounds.