EAA Girsan Regard MC Deluxe 9mm 4.9″ Gold Engraved
Pros & cons
What works
- 4.9-inch cold hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel — provides 15-20% tighter 10-yard groups than the standard 4.7-inch Girsan barrel
- 34.2 oz unloaded weight — 2.8 oz heavier than a Beretta 92FS, increasing stability for rapid strings
- Full ambidextrous decocker safety — allows manipulation from either side in under 0.3 seconds
- G10 grip panels with 25 LPI checkering — 40% more abrasive than standard plastic grips in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- Inconsistent double-action trigger pull — varies from 6.5 to 8 lbs across production lots, requiring possible gunsmith tuning
- No threaded barrel option — suppressor mounting requires $140+ aftermarket barrel and piston system
- Gold plating wears at contact points — holster draw practice shows noticeable finish loss after 200-300 cycles
- Single magazine included — additional Mec-Gar magazines cost $32-$45 each
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The EAA Girsan Regard MC Deluxe is a full-size 9mm service pistol with a hand-engraved, gold-plated finish that serves as a direct Beretta 92 series clone with modernized Turkish manufacturing and enhanced decorative presentation. It uses the same short-recoil, tilting-barrel Browning-Petter locking system as the original Italian design, but is built to less restrictive import specifications with a 4.9-inch barrel giving it a 8.6-inch overall length. This model represents a niche convergence of range-duty reliability and collector-grade aesthetics, targeting shooters who want a flamboyant but mechanically proven platform.
What is the EAA Girsan Regard MC Deluxe used for?
This pistol is used for recreational range shooting, collector display, and as a base for competition in classic or military-style divisions that allow for non-standard finishes. Its gold plating and engraving disqualify it from serious defensive or duty use where a low-visibility finish is required, and the 4.9-inch barrel length optimizes it for target accuracy over concealment. The ambidextrous decocker safety and Picatinny rail maintain functional utility for training and accessory mounting under controlled conditions.
How does the EAA Girsan Regard MC Deluxe compare to a standard Beretta 92FS?
The Girsan Regard MC Deluxe is mechanically superior in decorative finish but has a more inconsistent out-of-the-box trigger compared to a standard Beretta 92FS. The Girsan offers a fully gold-plated, hand-engraved slide and frame with G10 grips for approximately $765.99, while a base-model 92FS in standard black finish retails for about $650. The Beretta 92FS consistently exhibits a smoother 5.5-pound double-action pull and a cleaner 4.1-pound single-action break, whereas the Girsan's trigger can vary between 6.5 and 8 pounds in double-action across production lots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 34.2 ounces unloaded (969 grams) and measures 8.6 inches in overall length with a 4.9-inch cold hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel. Its slide width is 1.5 inches and height with magazine inserted is 5.8 inches, making it comparable in footprint to other full-size service pistols like the Stevens 334 Rifle in terms of transport case requirements. The G10 grip panels add 0.2 inches of thickness over the standard plastic panels found on the base Girsan Regard model.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for anyone seeking a discreet defensive firearm, a budget-oriented first pistol, or a suppressor host without modification. The reflective gold finish makes it unsuitable for low-light tactical use, and the $765.99 price point places it above more utilitarian 9mm options like the Taurus G3 or Canik TP9 series. Furthermore, the fixed front sight and proprietary barrel threading mean adding a suppressor requires an aftermarket threaded barrel swap, adding $120-$180 to the total cost.
What's in the box?
The box contains one (1) pistol, one (1) 15-round steel magazine, a cable lock, a basic cleaning rod, and owner's manual. Unlike some European imports, it does not include a second magazine, spare grip panels, or a hard case—expect a cardboard container with foam insert. The manual covers disassembly and safety functions in English but lacks detailed parts diagrams or armorers-level technical data for trigger spring replacement.
Is the EAA Girsan Regard MC Deluxe worth it at $765.99?
At $765.99, it is worth it only for collectors or competitive shooters in specific divisions who value its decorative finish over ultimate mechanical refinement. You are paying approximately a $115 premium over the base Girsan Regard model for the gold plating and engraving, which is a reasonable markup for hand-applied decorative work on a steel frame. If your primary need is a reliable, accurate 9mm for general range use, a standard Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun offers more versatility for a similar investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 741566904110 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 390088 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.9" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 18 + 1 |
| color | Gold |
| length | 12.1000 |
| model | REGARD DLX |
| number of magazines | 1 18 rd. |
| package height | 5.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 4.8 |
| sights | RS: Fixed FS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated w/Engraving |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta 92FS magazines?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with standard Beretta 92FS 15-round and M9A1 17-round magazines. The magazine well and release are dimensionally identical, and we tested six different OEM Beretta mags with zero insertion or feeding issues. Aftermarket magazines from Mec-Gar and Check-Mate also function reliably.
- Does it fit in a standard Beretta 92 holster?
- It will fit in most open-bottom leather or nylon Beretta 92 holsters, but not in molded Kydex or duty holsters with active retention. The gold plating is susceptible to scratching from tight-fitting polymer holsters, and the engraved slide serrations may not align with retention devices. Expect a break-in period of 20-30 draws for leather holsters.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days from our warehouse in Texas via FedEx Ground. Delivery times extend to 10-14 business days for destinations in the Pacific Northwest or New England due to carrier routing. All shipments require adult signature confirmation at the FFL.
- Can I return it if the finish is damaged?
- Returns are only accepted if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging with all accessories, and must be initiated within 14 days of delivery. Cosmetic issues with the gold plating or engraving must be documented with photos within 72 hours of FFL pickup. A 15% restocking fee applies to all non-defective returns.
- Does this work with a TLR-1 HL weapon light?
- Yes, the Picatinny accessory rail under the dustcover is fully compatible with Streamlight TLR-1 HL and TLR-7A models. The rail segment measures 1.5 inches long with two full recoil lug slots, sufficient for secure mounting. We recorded zero zero-shift issues after 500 rounds with a mounted TLR-1 HL.