Tanfoglio (EAA "Witness")Combat or Standard model? - The Firearms Forum

antediluvianist · 08-21-2003, 12:22 PM

Tanfoglio (also known as EAA "Witness") Standard versus Combat
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I need your help, friends.

I have a decision to make :
- buy the Tanfoglio "Standard" (has a decocker, for DA on first shot/then SA on following shots, and safety is on slide);
- or buy the "Combat" model (has a good cocked-and-locked capability for SA on first shot- like a 1911- but no decocker, so if a DA-on-first-shot is desired the hammer must be dropped MANUALLY with fingertips of second hand after racking- danger, Will Robinson!! - and the safety is more conveniently on the frame).

My need is for range use and house defense. I lean towards the "Standard" because for house defense DA-first-shot capability is probably a good thing (faster and easier than having to remember to flick off a safety from cocked-and-locked mode), and the heavier pull of a DA trigger for the first shot will help prevent an unintended startle-discharge inside the house (at a family member?).

For ordinary range shooting (I don't shoot competition as my eyes are not good enough for that- I have some vision impairment), I suppose either system- decocker for DA first shot, or cocked-and-lock for SA first shot - will do.

What do you guys think? And for those of you who bought either the "Standard" or the "Combat" model of the tanfoglio, why did you pick what you did? Thanks.

JohnK3 · 08-21-2003, 01:01 PM

Are you dead-set on the Tanfoglio? They are mostly clones of the CZ-75 series of pistols. CZ has a wide range of options for you to consider and I, personally, think they are the better buy.

CZ-75B -- Several models, no decocker, manual safety on frame, comes in CZ-85, which is ambidextrous safety, a two-tone version, stainless and poly-coat black.

CZ-75BD -- Decocker version, no manual safety. Only comes in black polycoat.

CZ makes everything but the BD in .40 S&W as well as 9mm. I own a BD in 9mm. I like this gun very much.

ruffitt · 08-21-2003, 06:03 PM

I've owned an EAA Witness Limited in .45 ACP for a little over 4 years now and am thoroughly impressed with it's handling, capability to digest almost anything you put through it, and the way it functions. But most importantly, the ability to "convert" it to another caliber by just switching the barrel shroud and barrel. The conversion kits can be had in 9mm, 38Super, 40S&W, 45ACP and 10mm.

Like JohnK3 said, they are a clone of the Beretta 97's. They are not an exact clone thourh. The EAA is a bit thicker throughout, and weighs a bit more than the Beretta, and they also cost about 1/3 less. Your $600.00 Beretta can be had as an EAA for $450.00.

I don't worry about a decocker mechanism on my pistio(s) as the only time the hammer is back on one of my pieces is when I intend on pulling the trigger.

pickenup · 08-21-2003, 09:24 PM

I think you answered your own question. Very nicely I might add. Since you are going to use it for both uses, I consider one (home defense) a little more important than the other.

Quote:

My need is for range use and house defense. I lean towards the "Standard" because for house defense DA-first-shot capability is probably a good thing (faster and easier than having to remember to flick off a safety from cocked-and-locked mode), and the heavier pull of a DA trigger for the first shot will help prevent an unintended startle-discharge inside the house (at a family member?).

JohnK3 · 08-22-2003, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ruffitt
Like JohnK3 said, they are a clone of the Beretta 97's. They are not an exact clone thourh. The EAA is a bit thicker throughout, and weighs a bit more than the Beretta, and they also cost about 1/3 less. Your $600.00 Beretta can be had as an EAA for $450.00.

I did? [grin]

While I was aware that the EAA, the CZ, the BabyEagle and the Tanfoglio all use the same mags, I wasn't aware that they were based on another design, namely the Beretta 97. Learn something new every day!

1badmagnum · 10-11-2003, 09:16 PM

I own the eaa witness in 10 mm,and it functions flawlessly,shoots extremely accurately,and will leave your wallet some extra cash for ammo.
I would have no regrets buying a cz either,they make some fantastic pistols,but they have nothing in 10 mm,what a shame!
my witness is a favorite of mine,the 10 mm is an awesome shooter.

ruffitt · 10-12-2003, 05:13 AM

JohnK3 ~

Quote:

While I was aware that the EAA, the CZ, the BabyEagle and the Tanfoglio all use the same mags, I wasn't aware that they were based on another design, namely the Beretta 97. Learn something new every day!

Beretta 97??? Howinhell did I get that one put in there? Must be I got my tongue tangled around my eye tooth and couldn't see what I was typing.

My mistake (oh no, I've made another one), of course I meant the CZ75.

All else that I sated still applies though.

08-21-2003, 12:22 PM	#1
antediluvianist Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 22	Tanfoglio (EAA "Witness")Combat or Standard model? Tanfoglio (also known as EAA "Witness") Standard versus Combat -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I need your help, friends. I have a decision to make : - buy the Tanfoglio "Standard" (has a decocker, for DA on first shot/then SA on following shots, and safety is on slide); - or buy the "Combat" model (has a good cocked-and-locked capability for SA on first shot- like a 1911- but no decocker, so if a DA-on-first-shot is desired the hammer must be dropped MANUALLY with fingertips of second hand after racking- danger, Will Robinson!! - and the safety is more conveniently on the frame). My need is for range use and house defense. I lean towards the "Standard" because for house defense DA-first-shot capability is probably a good thing (faster and easier than having to remember to flick off a safety from cocked-and-locked mode), and the heavier pull of a DA trigger for the first shot will help prevent an unintended startle-discharge inside the house (at a family member?). For ordinary range shooting (I don't shoot competition as my eyes are not good enough for that- I have some vision impairment), I suppose either system- decocker for DA first shot, or cocked-and-lock for SA first shot - will do. What do you guys think? And for those of you who bought either the "Standard" or the "Combat" model of the tanfoglio, why did you pick what you did? Thanks. -->

08-21-2003, 06:03 PM	#3
ruffitt TFF Admin Staff In Heaven Now Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sparta, MI / Now In Heaven Also Posts: 2,880	I've owned an EAA Witness Limited in .45 ACP for a little over 4 years now and am thoroughly impressed with it's handling, capability to digest almost anything you put through it, and the way it functions. But most importantly, the ability to "convert" it to another caliber by just switching the barrel shroud and barrel. The conversion kits can be had in 9mm, 38Super, 40S&W, 45ACP and 10mm. Like JohnK3 said, they are a clone of the Beretta 97's. They are not an exact clone thourh. The EAA is a bit thicker throughout, and weighs a bit more than the Beretta, and they also cost about 1/3 less. Your $600.00 Beretta can be had as an EAA for $450.00. I don't worry about a decocker mechanism on my pistio(s) as the only time the hammer is back on one of my pieces is when I intend on pulling the trigger. __________________ Any politician who doesn't trust me to own a weapon is not someone worthy of my vote, my respect, ~~ or my tax dollars.

10-11-2003, 09:16 PM	#6
1badmagnum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: cleveland ohio usa Posts: 15	I own the eaa witness in 10 mm,and it functions flawlessly,shoots extremely accurately,and will leave your wallet some extra cash for ammo. I would have no regrets buying a cz either,they make some fantastic pistols,but they have nothing in 10 mm,what a shame! my witness is a favorite of mine,the 10 mm is an awesome shooter. __________________ desert eagle shooter

08-21-2003, 01:01 PM	#2
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Are you dead-set on the Tanfoglio? They are mostly clones of the CZ-75 series of pistols. CZ has a wide range of options for you to consider and I, personally, think they are the better buy. CZ-75B -- Several models, no decocker, manual safety on frame, comes in CZ-85, which is ambidextrous safety, a two-tone version, stainless and poly-coat black. CZ-75BD -- Decocker version, no manual safety. Only comes in black polycoat. CZ makes everything but the BD in .40 S&W as well as 9mm. I own a BD in 9mm. I like this gun very much.