EAA Girsan Witness 2311 Tabletop Review and Field Strip

Published on December 6, 2023
Duration: 19:41

This video provides a detailed tabletop review and field strip of the EAA Girsan Witness 2311, a double-stack 1911 pistol chambered in 9mm. The presenter highlights its affordability compared to other double-stack 1911s, its inclusion of a red dot sight and cover plate, and walks through the disassembly process, noting the barrel bushing system and polymer lower. The review touches on trigger feel, ergonomics, and potential areas for improvement, setting expectations for a subsequent range test.

Quick Summary

The EAA Girsan Witness 2311 is an affordable 9mm double-stack 1911 pistol featuring a polymer lower, optic-ready slide, and a barrel bushing system for easier field stripping. Early models include a red dot sight. The manufacturer advises against using reloaded or high-pressure ammunition due to warranty voidance and safety concerns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Double Stack 1911s
  2. 00:48EAA Witness 2311 Overview
  3. 00:51Unboxing: Case Contents
  4. 01:01Included Red Dot Sight (Far Dot)
  5. 01:23Optic Cover Plate with Iron Sights
  6. 01:46Included Accessories (Lock, Brush, Magazine)
  7. 01:56Magazine Recommendations (Duramag)
  8. 02:24Manual Review & Specifications
  9. 02:45Ammunition Restrictions
  10. 03:14Field Strip Procedure (Manual)
  11. 04:16Gun Overview
  12. 04:28Warranty Information
  13. 04:43Red Dot Adjustment Tool
  14. 05:16Firearm Safety Check
  15. 05:20Magazine Ejection
  16. 05:46Clear and Safe Status
  17. 05:50Ambidextrous Safeties
  18. 05:58Front Cocking Serrations
  19. 06:06Barrel Length and Feel
  20. 06:13Weight and Cost Reduction
  21. 06:26Barrel Bushing System
  22. 06:44Bushing Fitment
  23. 07:00Full-Length Picatinny Rail
  24. 07:08Test Firing Confirmation
  25. 07:11Squared Off Trigger Guard
  26. 07:17Trigger Guard Texture
  27. 07:30Trigger Guard Undercut
  28. 07:37Trigger Adjustability
  29. 07:42Trigger Pull Analysis
  30. 08:01Trigger Reset
  31. 08:17Trigger Strength vs. Cost
  32. 08:40Trigger Job Options
  33. 08:56Front Strap Checkering
  34. 09:09Magwell Analysis
  35. 09:17Magazine Insertion Lip
  36. 09:28Toe Kick Ergonomics
  37. 09:43Fiber Optic Backup Sights
  38. 10:00Polymer Lower Receiver
  39. 10:07Beaver Tail and Grip Safety
  40. 10:16Grip Safety Resistance
  41. 10:32Slide to Frame Fit
  42. 11:03Ejection Port
  43. 11:15Ejection Mechanics
  44. 11:40Brass Deflection and Red Dots
  45. 11:56Red Dot Placement
  46. 12:04Ammunition Testing Plan
  47. 12:13Slide Movement Stiffness
  48. 12:21Barrel Unlock Hangup
  49. 12:30Rear Slide Bump
  50. 12:45Springfield Prodigy Comparison
  51. 12:52Field Strip: Witness 2311
  52. 12:57Barrel Bushing Retention
  53. 13:05Bushing Removal Tool
  54. 13:25Recoil Spring and Plug Removal
  55. 13:35Slide Stop Alignment
  56. 13:43Slide Stop Removal
  57. 13:54Slide Removal
  58. 14:03Frame Material (Polymer/Aluminum)
  59. 14:14Weight Debate in Handguns
  60. 14:33Guide Rod Removal
  61. 14:43Full-Length Guide Rod
  62. 15:08Barrel Removal
  63. 15:13Bushing Rotation
  64. 15:23Inside the Slide
  65. 15:2770 Series Design
  66. 15:33Machining Quality
  67. 15:35Factory Lubrication
  68. 15:41Feed Ramp
  69. 15:44Chamber Support Check
  70. 15:58Ammunition Drop Test
  71. 16:10Chamber Fitment and Sound
  72. 16:22Chamber Support Measurement
  73. 16:35Case Rupture Considerations
  74. 17:17Importance of Chamber Support
  75. 17:21Reassembly Overview
  76. 17:24Range Video Preview
  77. 17:34Two Opinions on Shooting
  78. 17:37Cold Shots (First Shots)
  79. 17:48Full Magazine Testing
  80. 17:53Magazine Manufacturer (Checkmate)
  81. 18:02Magazine Comparison (Duramag vs. Older)
  82. 18:12What's for Dinner Testing
  83. 18:21Slide Back Alignment
  84. 18:31Slide Stop Pin Insertion
  85. 18:43Recoil Spring Reinstallation
  86. 18:51Reliability Testing Summary
  87. 18:56Spinner for Sites and Trigger Control
  88. 19:01Practical Accuracy
  89. 19:06Concluding Thoughts
  90. 19:16Full Review Article Link
  91. 19:23Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EAA Girsan Witness 2311?

The EAA Girsan Witness 2311 is a 9mm double-stack 1911-style pistol known for its affordability, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in its class. It features a polymer lower receiver, a barrel bushing system, and is optic-ready.

What are the key features of the EAA Girsan Witness 2311?

Key features include its double-stack capacity for increased ammunition, an included red dot sight (on early models), an optic cover plate with iron sights, front cocking serrations, a full-length Picatinny rail, and a polymer lower receiver for weight reduction. It also has a barrel bushing for easier field stripping.

How do you field strip the EAA Girsan Witness 2311?

Field stripping involves removing the magazine, ensuring the firearm is clear, rotating the barrel bushing counter-clockwise, removing the recoil spring and guide rod, aligning the slide stop cutout with the lever, pushing out the slide stop, and then sliding the slide off the frame. The barrel is then removed from the slide.

What is the recommended ammunition for the EAA Girsan Witness 2311?

The manual for the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 warns against using reloaded, high-pressure, or hand-loaded ammunition, as it can be dangerous and will void the manufacturer's warranty. Standard 9mm ammunition is generally recommended, as the 4.25-inch barrel is well-suited for it.

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