Tag Archives: 9mm

My Imported 2011: The EAA Witness Girsan 2311 CMXX

March 11, 2026pistols, Product review10mm, 2011, 2311, 45 acp, 9mm, CMX, CMXX, eaa, european american armory, girsan, witnesscoldboremiracle

Prologue

I speak to many folks in the firearms industry on a day to day basis. In one of those conversations somebody brought up Girsan 1911 pistols, and as the discussion continued my interest grew. So, when my opportunity to get one arose, I jumped on it. And that brings us to today’s review, and the model we are looking at is the EAA Girsan 2311 CMXX 9mm pistol. The CMXX is a double-stack 1911 style pistol chambered in 9mm, this style of pistol has colloquially become known as 2011 pistols. After the famed Staccato pistols that popularized the genre.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment, — the Witness 2311 CMXX fitted with a Nightstick Weapon Light, you can read about that one here

European American Armory (EAA) is the company that imports these pistols and distributes them in the US. Girsan manufactures a variety of firearms at their factory in Turkey and has done for over thirty years.

The Girsan 2311 CMXX

I said we often call them 2011 pistols, but it appears Girsan wanted to skip that and called theirs a 2311. There are some reasons I suppose behind that, and the CMXX definitely has some progressive features. Let’s get into this pistol and see what makes it tick.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm, .45ACP or 10mm
Magazine	Standard Double Stack 1911
Action	Single Action
Barrel	Bull Barrel Lock-Up with Compensator
Finish	Cerakote® Black
Optic Ready	RMSc Footprint
Grips	Improved High Texture
Sights	Removable 3-Dot Sights, Fiber Optic Front Sight
Slide	Lightening-Cut Slide
Safety	Auto Firing Pin-Block (No Grip Safety)
Thumb Safety	Ambidextrous Lever
Accessory Rail	Full Accessory Rail

I must start out by stating something obvious. As a happy owner of a Staccato XC, I find the Girsan CMXX to be so similarly styled that its impossible to ignore. So much so that the boys in the office and I have taken to calling the CMXX “the Turkkato”. Obviously I don’t mind, as I like my Staccato very much. Though it would be somewhat unfair to compare the two. That said, keep in mind throughout this review that this is coming from a guy who also shoots a Staccato.

A Different Grip

The Girsan CMXX follows the same pattern as many other 2011 style pistols. Using a polymer grip mated to a steel frame. The grip has an aggressive texture that makes it stick to your hand very well. At the base of the frame, you’ll find a magwell flare to aid in guiding magazines into the magwell. Above the grip area you’ll also find the typical dual safety levers on either side of the grip.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, grip,

Standing out from the crowd of other 2011 pistols, the CMXX does not feature a grip safety. The traditional 1911 feature that is depressed by the hand when you grip the pistol has been swapped for a firing pin block. Much like striker fired pistols, the CMXX firing pin is blocked from protrusion unless the trigger is pulled. When disassembled, you can see the very same features under the slide as you would on a Glock.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, optic, footprint, rmsc, firing pin safety, — here you can see the firing pin block safety that replaces the grip safety common on other 2011 pistols

Slide and Barrel

Moving our attention to the slide, it is more traditional 2011 design. Except for the firing pin block of course. The extractor is internal, and not visible when the slide is locked closed. Up front there is a compensator built into the 4.25-inch barrel, which also features the traditional link to attach to the frame. On the top of the frame there are some simple three-dot sights, the front one being a fiber optic orange.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, rear sight, — I removed the rear sight because I’m a red dot nerd

The rear sight can be removed using a couple center-aligned screws. Underneath you’ll find an optics cut with lugs for the popular RMSc red dot pattern. I would for sure use that very soon, since I’m a sucker for pistols with red dots. In fact, such a sucker that I tried various options. I used the Vortex Defender CCW, and the Enclosed Solar version, as well as the Holosun SCS Carry enclosed red dot.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, red dot, mounting, — installing one of the three red dots tested on the Girsan 2311

Range Preparations

Before I headed to the range with this pistol, I wanted to kit it out to my tastes of course. That would require a few accessories; the Vortex Defender would fit nicely on top for the initial trip, a Surefire X300 light, all tucked neatly into my Safariland ALS holster.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, safariland, als holster, — the Safariland ALS holster is my absolute favorite, and the CMXX fit perfectly

As I removed the rear sight, I found the firing pin block neatly tucked underneath. I had to carefully remove the sight and replace it with my red dot. It would be very easy to lose the pin-safety spring during this process so be careful.

the full picatinny accessory rail allows you to line up your weapon light where you choose

Under the front of the pistol there is a complete picatinny rail, giving you various positions to mount weapon lights. I like this feature as many other pistols don’t have it. I grabbed a few boxes of Magtech, Blaser, and Federal ammo before heading out to shoot the CMXX.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, CCW, enclosed, red dot, holosun, scs carry, magtech, ammunition, — the CMXX worked great with my **Staccato 20-round magazines** too

Shooting the Girsan 2311 CMXX

My very first shots through the CMXX were at an indoor range, weather required me to do my shooting under a roof. This quickly made me aware of the concussion from the compensator of the pistol. Its louder than un-comped pistols, but certainly not a problem. And the reduction in muzzle-rise is well worth the racket.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, muzzle, compensator,

I put several magazines through the 2311, and was quite happy with how it ran. In fact it seemed after just a box or so of shooting, the pistol seemed significantly smoother and softer. Over the course of several weeks, I spent several trips to the range and other places to pump ammo through the CMXX.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, — I ended up keeping the **Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro red dot** on the gun, more on that later

I used both the 17-round magazines that came with the Girsan 2311, as well as some of the 20-round Staccato magazines. All of them functioned flawlessly, and the CMXX churned through ammo. I even took the liberty of removing the flared magwell, just to see how my reloads went. Perhaps if you were going to carry this gun that would be helpful, but I ended up putting it back.

Reliability

During the course of my shooting, we only experienced one malfunction. One failure to go into battery that I can’t be sure was the fault of the pistol or some of the remanufactured ammo I was shooting that day.

hard to see, but the Holosun SCS Carry red dot was also a great choice and fit

The ejection pattern of the pistol was slightly different than expected. It seemed like most of the time brass would eject more in the up direction than to the side. It would occasionally get scooped forward by the red dot and thrown forward. But it never caused any problems.

Shootability

Standing alone, this pistol shoots great. It is smoother and flatter-shooting than my striker-fired guns. Of course it is very hard not to compare it to my Staccato, being as they are so similar. But that would be an unfair comparison as the Staccato costs four times more.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, surefire x300, Staccato, staccato XC, holosun, 507comp, — not comparable at all! 😀

The trigger has smoothed up a bit since it came out of the box, but it still has a very slight gritty-ness to it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still nice, just not as nice as it could be. The gun feels fantastic in my hand but for the cross-pin that secures the flared magwell. The texture is very grippy, and the controls are crisp. The safety detent is stiffer than I anticipated, hopefully it wears in.

I love the texture on the slide, it makes for excellent purchase when grabbing the slide. The flat-coil recoil spring is stiffer than I expected too, I wouldn’t mind putting a softer spring in it if I could get it to work.

Shooting with the iron sights was fine, but I prefer using a red dot. Even so, using the red dot’s built-in notch as a rear sight was still perfectly usable with the front sight.

Quality

I’ve handled quite a few 2011 pistols in the last year or so. At SHOT Show alone I grabbed way too many. Generally they feel fantastic, as do their nineteenth-century counterparts. The Witness CMXX feels well built, smooth fitting, and not sloppy. Its a touch stiffer than other 2011 pistols, but it still has that quality feel. For a pistol at this price point I feel its quality is more than adequate.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, solar, Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, — been using the **Walkers Game Ear Suppressor ear buds** too

Value

As the field of 2011 options continues to deepen, I see this as an excellent modest option. So many options are out there, and this isn’t even the cheapest one of them. But I can say it is certainly worth the price in my opinion. Girsan is no stranger to making 1911 style pistols, so I expect this gun will continue performing well into the future. I’m tempted to buy another in 10mm.

Continue Reading Here

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, match x, streamlight, holosun, — also for comparison, the CMXX’s older brother, the **Girsan Match X** (5-inch) wearing a Holosun 407 and **Streamlight**

SilencerCo Omega 36M

July 4, 2025Product review, suppressors338, 36m, 9mm, asr, omega, omega 36m, QD suppressor, SiCo, silencer, silencerco, suppressorcoldboremiracle

Introduction

An incredible amount of activity has happened in the suppressor market over the last ten or so years. And it would be difficult to talk about much of this activity without mentioning one of the big players in the game. SilencerCo has been one of the most recognizable names in the suppressor market since I started playing stamp collector. Today I bring you something fresh from SilencerCo, fresh at least to me. I’ve got a few can’s from the company, but this is the first one in the last few years. The suppressor we are looking at today is the SilencerCo Omega 36M.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, apex optics, rival, two vets tripod, two vets, no-name inverted, — the **SRS A1 Covert** in 8.6 Blk made a great host for the Omega, the **Sig Sauer Tango 6** is also a perfect match

What’s all the Hubbub?

The last few years in particular have shown a huge development in modularity in suppressor design. One of the main changes and one I fully endorse is the adoption of common hub mounting systems among suppressor manufacturers.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, — the short configured Omega mounted to my Desert Tech WLVRN

Another big change has been the stackable module designs, allowing you to use a suppressor in stages. Giving you the option for short suppressor when needed, or full noise control if you choose.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor — the **Omega 36M** with the front section removed

The SilencerCo Omega 36M fits into this group of suppressors. The M in the 36M stands for modular I assume, as it incorporates a removable chamber on the muzzle end. As well as interchangeable end caps to adapt to additional caliber options.

And on the breach end, the Omega uses the popular ASR mounting system that has a locking ring to prevent coming off it’s mount. There is a great variety of ASR mounts options that are bound to fit whatever firearm you wish to host the 36M.

Howa Mini, 22 ARC, lucid Optics MLX, Silencerco, omega 36m, marmot, chuck, varmint hunting, varmint, — The **Omega 36M** was quite at home on this **Howa Mini 22 ARC**

Specifications

SilencerCo Omega 36M Specifications
Caliber Compatibility	5.7×28 up to 9mm, 5.56N up to .338LM
Full-Auto Rated	Yes
Construction	Fully Welded
Materials	Cobalt 6, Inconel, Titanium, & 17-4 SS
Length	4.90 or 6.85 inches
Diameter	1.57 Inches
Weight	9.8 or 12.5 Ounces
Mounting Options	Direct Thread, ASR Mount, Piston Mount, 3-Lug Mount
Front Cap Options	.223/5.56, .30/7.62, .355/9mm
Included Accessories	Charlie ASR Mount, SiCo Disassembly Tools

The overwhelming theme with this suppressor is modularity. The modular design allows you to customize the suppressor to fit the host.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, — the Omega 36M comes with tools to service and configure the suppressor

Shooting with the Omega 36M

With a variety of ASR mounts, I would be able to put the Omega to use on a wide variety of host firearms. Varying from semi-auto carbines to bolt-action rifles, in calibers from 5.56 up to .338. Shortening the Omega 36M for more compact duties as needed.

One of the first projects where the Omega fit into place, was on my 8.6 Blackout project. A 16-inch barrel for my Desert Tech SRS A1 Covert. The Omega did a fine job of holding back the hiss of the this stubby and fun cartridge.

I also used the Omega during a variety of varmint hunts, shooting prairie dogs and marmots across various states. The Omega did an excellent job suppressing the Howa Mini 22 ARC, as well as my Desert Tech SRS M2 chambered in both 6.5CM and 223 Remington.

Additionally, the Omega 36M did some time on a couple short carbines. Both 300Blk and 5.56 carbines were suppressed, with short barrels like 7-inch and 11-inch. Both in its short configuration and its long one, of course being more effective with the additional baffles.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, ar15, trijicon MRO, quattro-15, goonbeam, — this little Desert tech/CMMG hybrid carbine is a 5.56 outfitted with a **Trijicon MRO** and a Goonbeam Weaponlight

Results

After a few months using the Omega 36M, I have put together a few of my thoughts on the 36M.

Sound Suppression

On all the firearms I tested using the Omega 36M, the sound suppression was more than adequate. I’ll quantify that statement saying as long as a suppressor is pleasant to listen to in the outdoors I’m good with it. I don’t have any high-tech measuring devices, just my ears.

With that said, the Omega was comparable to most other suppressors of similar construction and design. It was very pleasant to my ears, and the reduction in recoil varied from one caliber to the next but was always better. I really like the ability to change out the end cap for caliber specific applications.

In the short configuration, the 36M wasn’t hearing safe on some firearms. But it definitely took the edge off. Super short K cans are often that way, simply designed to stop the concussion at the muzzle.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, WLVRN, 300blk, us optics, TXH 3-18, — My **Desert Tech WLVRN**

Modularity

Converting from one caliber to another, and changing lengths is a nice option to have. It makes you feel like you have more than one suppressor without having to pay the crown’s randsome twice. I really like the modularity that Silencer Co put into this design, and the fact that these designs are interchangeable with other SiCo options gives you a reason to stick with the brand.

The whole suppressor industry is moving into the modular design market, this design of SiCo’s predates much of that. I will say this, I love the universal hub system that most manufacturers are moving to. While there are plenty of options for this Omega, I would like the cross-compatibility of the universal hub.

While I have a great many other suppressors that also are modular, I appreciate the design of the Omega 36. With the assortment of ASR Brakes, I can rapidly switch the Omega back and forth between various rifles with ease.

Mounting

Speaking on mounts; the variety of ASR mounts gives you options. I have both brake designs, as well as bird-cage and three-prong flash hider designs. The only complaint I could muster up would be I don’t like timing muzzle devices. But the side-brake devices did come with a shim kit to time the brakes properly.

Here’s a hint for you, if you’re only going to shoot suppressed you needn’t time the brake anyway. This has been a lazy practice of mine for years now.

The locking ring that secures the Omega to its ASR mounts is easily operated. In all my installation and removal, it never gave me any issues. I did notice that if you managed to lock the ring before bottoming out the threads, you got a ratcheting sensation as you make the last turn. The locking teeth grab the mount well, keeping the suppressor from coming loose. Of course securing the various ASR mounts is required if you don’t want things coming loose. I never put thread-locker on my muzzle threads, they are used far too often. But the SiCo instructions give direction on how this should be done.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, tikka, t3x, 25 creedmoor, kahles 318i, KRG bravo, — the **Omega 36M** made a great companion to my custom Tikka T3x 25 Creedmoor

Accuracy

I only have interest in accurate rifles, so in my opinion a suppressor that deteriorates the accuracy of a rifle is a no-go. I was very happy to see that the Omega had no adverse effects on the accuracy of the host firearms. If anything it was better, and it for sure calmed the rifles down.

Durability

I am not particularly hard on my cans, so this is one spot where I’d lean on other’s results. The Omega 36M is full-auto rated, and I’ve seen plenty of folks who have abused them repeatedly with heavy fire. Because this can is far from new, there has been quite a bit of testing done. I expect this can will serve me for years to come.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, cole-tac, python, suppressor cover, — Suppressor covers like the **Python from Cole-TAC** keeps cans warm and protected

I did notice that the finish of the Omega was a bit easy to mar or scratch. This is not a huge deal to me, as I typically Cerkote my suppressors every now and then to keep them looking clean. Also, suppressor covers have become very popular, keeping your cans wrapped avoids scratches if you’re worried about such a thing.

Conclusion

As I had suspected, the SilencerCo Omega 36M turned out to be just what I expected. A reliably robust can, that I can abuse between a wide variety of rifles. The only drawback if there is one is the uniqueness of the mounting systems, though with the different Charlie mounting options like direct threading to your muzzle you can go almost any way you choose.

I look forward to working this can over more, and seeing how it stands the test of time and round count. I have every expectation it will do very well, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a multi-purpose suppressor they can suppress an entire collection. With that in mind, I may have to look into another Omega, for some other calibers….

-CBM

Check out more suppressor reviews HERE

Glock 47 Gen 5 9mm pistol

March 5, 2025pistols, Product review9mm, g47, glock, glock 17, glock 45coldboremiracle

Introduction

We’ve brought you various different Glock pistol reviews over the years, as well as many of the new Glock clones. As a convert to the Glock cult, I often feel like a fresh set of eyes on most of their pistols. And today I bring you a fresh look at the Glock 47 Gen5 9mm pistol.

According to the manufacturer, the G47 was developed for US federal agent use by Customs and Border Protection. But don’t hold that against the gun, it also has great use for other people and patriots alike. The G47 is essentially a modified version of the prolific G17, perhaps one of the most used pistols in the world by law enforcement and other shooters.

The G47 has basic part interchangeability with the G17 and its siblings, the main difference is a shorter pic rail under the front of the slide. I wouldn’t consider this a downside since this is a full size pistol.

The Glock 47

Caliber	9mm Parabellum
Capacity	17 rounds
Barrel Length	4.5 Inches
Weight (unloaded)	25.93 Ounces
Weight (loaded)	34.29 Ounces approx
Trigger Pull Weight	5.8 Pounds
Length	7.95 Inches
Width	1.34 Inches
Height	5.47 Inches

I mentioned the G47 shares much of its features with the G17, to be honest I am not entirely sure why the separation between the two pistols even exists. According to those who know more than me, its to allow agencies to use both the G19 and G47 models without having to hold separate parts and service for both. The interchangeability is what they were after.

the Glock 47 boast front and rear slide serrations for easy manipulation

I really enjoy shooting full size pistols, one of them is a G17 clone, my Shadow Systems DR920. I’ve really enjoyed shooting this pistol over the years, and if the G47 is comparable I was sure to like it as well.

The full-size grip is very nice for shooting, it allows full purchase of the grip and helps manipulate the pistol better. It also allows for the seventeen-round capacity that gives this pistol such a commanding presence. The standard Glock grip texturing is ok in my opinion, and the other Gen 5 frame features are also welcome.

The rounded edges where it matters on the slide make it easier to pocket when you need to. And the optics cut on the rear of the slide is a must have these days, as red dots are taking over the pistol world. The addition of ambidextrous slide release is a breath of fresh air for left-handed shooters.

reloading was quick and smooth with the added **Strike Industries magwell flare**

Setting up the Glock 47

I mentioned I was a Glock convert, so I have a few things that will go with the G47. I would also incorporate one of my Surefire X300 weapon lights, in my humble opinion they are a perfect match for the pistol. In addition to lighting up your target area, they also bring some weight to the front of the pistol which reduces some muzzle rise.

Also while shooting the G47 I would be using one of my Safariland ALS holsters. In my limited experience these are excellent holsters which help you get the most out of your pistol shooting.

For ammunition, I would be using bulk packed 115 grain ammo from Mountain West Lethal Precision. As well as some 115 grain ammunition from PMC.

the Glock 47 uses the shorter recoil spring like the Glock 19

On the Range with the Glock 47

Shooting the Glock 47 was an outdoor adventure, my children and I went into the open country of the nearby mountains. I took several hundred rounds of ammunition of various types, as well as a few different magazine options to see how the G47 functioned.

The plan was to run through all the ammo, and get a good feel for how the gun draws, points, cycles, and reloads. Running through both 17 and 19 round magazines the G47 never skipped a beat. I regret that I was unable to get a red dot mounted during the review. It’s a shame the Glock doesn’t have the optics mounting built into the slide, like so many others have done.

But we still ran the G47 through quite a bit of shooting. I like shooting single rounds loaded in each mag over and over. It helps build muscle memory for reloads, and it also gives each magazine an opportunity to fail locking back the action. All three magazine types used worked great in that aspect.

Drawing and shooting the G47 from my Safariland holster felt natural and smooth. Reinforcing the excellent grip angle and point of aim of the G47, the whole experience was pleasant. This of course came as no surprise since I quite enjoy shooting my G17 clone.

my **Safariland ALS holsters** fit perfectly with the model 47

Shootability

The G47 has the Gen 5 features that many shooters enjoy, the removal of the finger grooves on the grip area make it a little more universal-fitting. The texture on the grip allows good purchase, though I feel like I prefer the more aggressive grip of other brands.

The sights are typical Glock sights, which in my experience are great for getting a quick sight picture. Again, I would have preferred a red dot though. That said, I had no issues hitting what I aimed at.

Adding a slightly flared magwell made it even easier to load magazines, not that it’s hard to hit them without it. The polymer frame makes it easy to drop and insert mags quickly while keeping eyes on the target. I found the grip to be more than adequate as is, but it’s nice to know that you can change the backstrap out to custom fit your hand.

The controls on the G47 are very Glock, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. They are exactly where and what you’d expect, making for smooth reloads and operation. The large grip area gives lots of room to hold on, keeping the gun secure through recoil impulses.

Ergonomics

Glock pistols have almost always seemed a little “no-frills” to me, the huge stippling aftermarket seems to support my theory. That said, the G47 is comfortable to hold on to. The large grip area and beavertail give very adequate hold of the pistol. The undercut trigger guard allows you to keep your fingers mostly together while gripping the gun.

The magazine release seems pretty low profile, staying out of the way while shooting and carrying. But it’s in just the right spot when the time comes to use it. And speaking of controls, the ambidextrous slide release must be great for the lefties out there.

The customizable backstrap is another great feature for those who need it. Adding both the ability to thicken the grip size, as well as add to the beavertail thickness should you desire.