EAA Girsan Witness 2311 CMXX 45acp
- Graham Baates
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
*Some of the external links found on this website are affiliate links. Those links use cookies to generate revenue and fund continuation of this website. By clicking an external link you are consenting to a temporary cookie, by purchasing from that link you are supporting this website. To opt out of cookies do not click external links.
In 2023 we took a look at the then-record-breakingly-affordable EAA Girsan Witness 2311. The cost-, and therefore price-reducing measure were apparent, but it was the least-expensive way to get into a doublestack 1911 and showed the potential to be a fun project gun for those who like to tinker. In 2025 we saw EAA and Girsan step things up with the Witness 2311 Match which added many sought-after features and build design without adding much to the price. EAA and Girsan have continued their work with the CMXX line which is available in popular 9mm, but also in 45ACP and 10mm; two calibers with underserved fans.
What Is It? The EAA Girsan Witness 2311 CMXX is a carry-oriented, compensated, doublestack 1911 available in three calibers. Barrel length is 4.25" regardless of caliber. Changes have been made to the safety system, grip texture, and magazine well from the earlier Witness 2311 models reviewed.
Who's it for? Overall the Witness 2311 CMXX could serve multiple roles. The size is closer to a carry gun than a range gun. Omission of a grip safety (replaced by a firing pin block plunger) means shooters new to 1911s don't have to stress over their grip, and the compensator, steel frame, and grippy texture lean towards range/competition gun. I personally do not like the idea of a compensator or port for carry, but I understand that's a personal choice and we all carry in different conditions and lifestyles.
4.25" 45acp? If you're wondering about a pistol that warns against +p ammunition, but is barreled shorter than the SAAMI test standard of 5" for 45acp I suggest you take a look at the GBGunsDepot 45acp ammo energy test. The right load is out there.
Take a Look at the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 CMXX 45 in the tabletop video below and let me know which role you think it's most suited for assuming this 45acp isn't afraid of hollow points (more on that later). Rumble Link
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm, .45ACP or 10mm
Magazine: Standard Double Stack 1911
Action: Single Action
Trigger: Black Anodized Aluminum
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
Warranty: EAA Limited Lifetime
MSRP: Starting at $1,149
Prices around the web as of 24MAY26
click links for current pricing and availability
It had been a long time since I'd fired a doublestack 1911 in 45acp, and would be the first day new GBGuns range member Anna ever fired 45acp. I was curious how effective the compensator might be since the big bore of 45acp drops pressure rapidly. Keeping things fair the GBGuns Range Protocol was used for this first trip to the range including:
Cold Shots: Truly our first shots through the gun.
Full Magazine +1: Suprisingly some modern guns still struggle with this. It's a test of how much play is in the magazine as well as how the slide cycles with pressure. This is also when I do my best to learn the trigger.
What's For Dinnerâ„¢: A test to see what ammunition the gun will eat. Does the gun feed the round from slide lock, will it cycle and feed another round of the same type, does the slide lock to the rear on empty, and is there any notable point of impact change with different loads.
For this gun the following ammunition was used:
Priced and linked where found at the time this article was written
78gr+p Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense $43.99 / 20 at Sportsman's Warehouse
155gr Alchemist Ammunition Frangible Out of production?
185gr Hornady Critical Defense $26.22 / 20 at Target Sports USA
185gr SCHP Steinel Out of Production?
185gr Barnes TAC XPD $33.03 / 20 at Global Ordnance
230gr Federal Premium Tactical HST $35.70 / 20 at Global Ordnance
230gr CCI Blazer Aluminum $20.42 / 50 at Global Ordnance
230gr Nosler Match JHP Out of Production
230gr Armscor JHP Out of Production?
230gr AMMO, Inc JHP Out of production
Standard Range amunition was 230gr PMC FMJ $30.13 / 50 at Global Ordnance
Sights & Trigger Control: on a 6" spinner target at a distance of 12-ish yards. We got this from Titan Great Outdoors and use it to gauge how learnable the trigger is and usable the sights are for forced, timed, precise shots.
Practical Accuracy: Five shots from a distance of seven yards at a one inch target. This isn't so much about printing a tight group as it is a culmination of the shooting experience and time for to collect thoughts prior to making a conclusion.
After Shots: Final impressions and reflections from the range session.
Watch the process from the very first shot for the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 CMXX 45 in the Shooting Impressions video below and please welcome Anna in her first range review. Rumble Link
On the range I was immediately struck by how effective the compensator was. The grip somehow also didn't feel as fat in hand as other doublestack 45acp guns, perhaps because there was no grip safety to contend with. For the first 50 rounds or so the trigger was definitly rough, and enough so that it made accuracy a challenge for both new-shooter Anna and my more experienced hands, but as the range session went on things started to smooth out.
Despite the trigger starting to get smoother we were still having random accuracy issues until we later discovered the fiber optic tube had become loose and was sliding back and forth with the recoil of the gun. This is a classic problem that can happen with fiber optic sights and not necessarily indicative of a quality issue with Girsan. I venture to guess that the hot gasses exiting the port like accelerated the pipe coming loose. We will return to the range with an optic mounted and try grouping again as well as some other drills.
Overall the CMXX was an enjoyable experience and a gun that I feel can fill multiple roles. While I won't personally carry a gun with a compensator, this compensator really works and helps keep the nose down for quicker follow up shots.
