Double-stack 1911s have grabbed the attention of the shooting sports world, and that is a good thing. With higher ammunition capacities than standard 1911s, these 2X ck platforms offer fans of the 1911 the functions they want with the added firepower previously found only in poly-framed pistols.

But let’s not forget that the single-stack 1911 is not simply a shooting icon, but a steady and reliable seller. For very good reasons, including their impressive functionality, great triggers and their very important place in American firearms history.

Among the new-for-2025 single stacks deserving of attention is the Girsan Influencer X line. The Influencer X is imported into the United States from the Girsan manufacturing facility in Turkey exclusively by the European American Armory Corp.

The Influencer X line consists of four models, with chamberings in 9mm, 38 Super, 10mm Auto and 45 Auto. The bigger differences between the four models really comes down to ammunition capacity. The 9mm and 38 Super models hold 9+1 rounds, the 10mm and 45 Auto hold 8+1.

Otherwise, all four Influencer X builds follow a standard 1911 Government design and sport similar looks.  

What sets this line of pistols apart, though, is that they offer consumers a large number of premium features for prices at least a couple hundred dollars below what most other gun makers charge. Features include competition barrels, fully machined forged steel frames, machined steel slides, flared magazine wells, with suggested retail prices starting at $739.00.

Influencer X models will fulfill the requirements for competition, personal protection, and critical duty. The 10mm Auto option is fully hunting capable, too.

True to Roots

Government-sized though they are, the Influencer X pistols are definitely updated compared to their 1911 ancestors. This is instantly apparent from the three lightning cuts at the front sides of the slide and the two-tone Cerakote finish, with a black slide black and the frame a nice Tungsten gray.

Other updates include the nicely textured polymer grip panels and the full-length under barrel accessory rail, plus a deeply beveled magazine well.

But make no mistake, this pistol’s DNA is straight from John Browning’s original 1911 and includes a 5-inch government-sized barrel, a steel frame and slide, and a grip safety in addition to the manual safety. In the case of the Influencer X, the manual safety is ambidextrous. 

Heavy Lifting

For my test shooting, EAA provided me with a new Influencer X in my favorite pistol caliber, 10mm AUTO. 

My test pistol weighed in at a hefty 41.0 ounces unloaded. That weight actually balanced very nicely and helped tone down the 10mm recoil.

The rear sight was fully adjustable and was complimented by a white-dot front post. Removing the rear sight exposed a slide cut for mounting a reflex optic with the RMSc footprint. 

The trigger on my Influencer X broke at a crisp 2 pounds, 3 ounces on average.  

My hands adhered to the side panel grips very positively thanks to its raised sandpaper-like texture. Each panel also featured a handy thumb rest. The front strap and back strap were also checkered for added grip, and the handgun’s extended beavertail proved a real help in stabilizing the pistol, too. 

The relatively narrow single-stack pistol grip, it should be noted, will fit some shooter’s hands much better than the wider and often bulkier double-stack platforms.

The Influencer X pistols sell with two Check-Mate magazines. With my 10mm Auto model, a pair of eight-round Check-Mate stainless steel magazines were included. Given the mag well’s deep beveling, I think my test pistol could also use a 10-round magazine for additional firepower, though I’m not sure if such a magazine exists.

Good Groups

At my outdoor range, I ran the Influencer X with the open sights. 

For 10mm Auto ammunition, I used a practice ammo in the form of Federal Premium Synthetic Range loaded with a 205-grain synthetic coated bullet. For personal defense purposes, I ran Nosler’s ASP featuring an 180-grain jacketed hollow point, and my hunting option was Remington Core-Lokt Handgun, and its 200-grain jacketed hollow point.

I first zeroed the Influencer X at 12 yards from a rest using the Federal ammo. The pistol sights were pretty much on and just needed some elevation adjustment to the rear sight. I placed a number of five shot groups at 1.5 inches.

I switched over to the Nosler and shot this ammunition at 7 yards offhand. More 1.5-inch and some slightly better groups.

Core-Lokt provided much the same results at 12 yards from a rest. But it’s a hunting round so I eventually extended my distance to 25 yards. Once I was comfortable at this range, I shot an 8+1 group that came in at just over 2.5 inches, with seven of the nine shots at 1.5 inches. 

Last, I finished my shooting at that distance with a three round cluster at 1 inch.

Fairly impressive accuracy with the open sights, though I don’t doubt a person could tighten up those groups a bit with an optic mounted onto the Influencer X.

Smooth Operator

Recoil? Stout. Even with the pistol’s considerable weight. But not objectionable. It had a tight recoil spring, too. Both were realities I expected with a pistol chambered in the powerful 10mm Auto. No doubt the spring will ease up a bit with use. 

In over 125 rounds, I experienced no failures to load rounds or to eject empty brass. I switched between the two provided Check-Mate magazines, and they loaded easily enough. Meanwhile, the pistol’s magazine release popped them out very positively.

Sales Tactics

The Influencer X is in the pistol case or maybe is sitting atop that case on its own stand. A potential customer notices the two-tone finish and the upgraded features and asks sales staff: What’s the deal with this 1911?

“This is a match quality pistol at entry-level pricing,” says Omar Martinez, who heads up EAA’s Marketing. “Point out the upgraded features like the full length accessory rail, adjustable rear sight, reverse crown barrel, slide lightening cuts, tuned trigger, and textured grips for better control.”

Don’t forget to mention the RMSc optics-ready capability of the Influencer X, too. In fact, a display idea that could lead to extra sales is to mount a red-dot onto the pistol. Let customers handle the pistol and bring that optic to their eyes. Consider, too, offering the Influencer X with an optic as a package deal. 

“We currently don't sell directly to dealers,” Martinez says. “However, any dealer is able to order from our main distributors for which we offer good margins.”

 EAA Corp works exclusively through their wholesale distributors which can be found here: https://eaacorp.com/how-to-buy/.

As part of its marketing efforts, EAA invests heavily in digital and print publications to help and support sales. Platforms include those operated by the Outdoor Sportsman Group, Newsmax, the National Rifle Association, and Recoil. 

A number of print and web articles have already appeared reviewing and featuring various Influencer X models, as well as several YouTubes. All have been very positive and should not only bring in interested customers, but can also help train sales staff.