So I was a reader over @ 10mmtalk and have been here for awhile as well. I'm looking for a 10mm shooter. I own an EAA witness wonder finish (the less desirable slide w/ scalloped slide) in 10mm. I bought it at a LGS going out of business sale. I bought a heavier recoil spring and recoil buffer, but never have felt comfortable enough to shoot it. It is still unfired, by me, the first owner. I would probably shoot it and use it, if I got a new slide form EAA. I called them a few years back with my concern and they didnt not care to help. I'm set on a Smith 1006, when one for the right price comes along, I will buy one. I'm a Smith guy, and have always wanted one. In addition to a 10XX, I would like to get something more practical that will handle full house loads, and is a double stack, that isn't so heavy. I feel 1911s are for 45s and I'm planning on buying a 10XX when the right one comes along for my single stack needs. I'm not a Glock guy, but I'm not opposed to polymer framed pistols. I carry a XD45C and a XDS45 regularly. The Glocks don't fit me well and aren't very easy on my eyes. I feel like I would appreciate the polymer light weigh frame over some of the other EAA models available(match, hunter). So for, my best thought is a Glock 20. What do I need if I want to shoot full house loads? Gen 3 or 4? I don't abuse or shoot any of my handguns a great deal, but don't want to worry if I shoot full 10mm loads. If I wanted to shoot .40 S&W rounds I would buy a .40. I'm a reloader and will roll my own if I end up shooting it very often. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
YoungBuck, welcome to the forum! I would explain your concerns and fears to EAA, explaining the horror stories as related to the contoured slide, just to see if they would upgrade it with a safer designed slide to ease your fears. Explain that they have had so many issues that your fear is real and they should repair yours based on all the damaged slides of others like yours.
Now about the S&W10xx guns, they are great guns and very robust, they have handled everything I have thrown at them very well. The only draw back is the lack of replacement parts from S&W even though there are some places that do have some parts.
Have you gotten a chance to wrap your hands around a Glock 29 lately? They have been great pistols from the smaller package, the only upgrades to mine was the Pearce Grip to the 10 round magazines for the pinky finger and the sleeve for the 15 round G-20 magazines that I dedicated to the G-29. I also went to a Wolff two piece non-captive recoil rod with the 21lb spring set.
The Gen 4 models have shown some issues in the G-20 and G-29, but some have been working just fine. The higher impulsed rounds seem to hinder the function with higher slide speeds and I think frame flex may also be part of this scenario.
Best regards! :D
With regard to the EAA..Shoot it or sell it. If it cracks, EAA will make it good, based on recent reports. They have figured that part out at least. Selling it is an option. If you decide to go that route, chances are there are plenty here who would pick it up.
As far as the other options you mention, I would not have any comment beyond what Shadow has said.
You don't say what does not fit you with the Glocks. I have a small hand so I had to go to the SF model in both G20 and G29. I tend to shoot the G29 better because the G20 is still a little bit big(long in the handle). If you handload it is really tough to beat the G29 with a KKM 4.6" barrel. Mine handles full power loads well. I get 1240 fps with 200 gr WFN cast using AA#9, no pressure problems and brass is re-usable. For medium loads Longshot is very good for about 1150 fps, same bullet and shoots in a 1 1/2" circle at 22 yds.
With the standard length barrel I lose about 50 fps. I installed a "Sightmount" rear sight/picatinny rail with a Trijicon RMR 06 RDS - makes it easier on my 69 year old eyes, but it is a very compact package for EDC with the standard length barrel or woods carry with the 4.6" barrel. The G20 has the additional option of a 6" KKM for more of a hunting application and probably handles the heavy loads at least as well as if not better than the G29 - but it is a bit bigger to pack around.
I haven't tried to push the envelope with the hot loads. I'm quite happy with 200 gr at 1240 fps for anything I want to tackle, but there might be room for a little more velocity if a person is inclined in that direction. If an extra 50 fps is your goal, I would lean toward the G20 with a 6"KKM.
I would say shoot the EAA.Your the original buyer. When it cracks send it back asking for the squared off slide. They been good with replacing to sq slide. No need to shoot hot stuff. 9mm were cracking with round slide.
Just wondering why you are afraid of shooting the Witness? How old is it? I see complete slides on Amazon if you don't want to go through EAA. I have just purchased a Witness in 10mm and love this gun and I do carry it. I put an 18lb Wolf recoil spring in it and have had no problems. I love the S&Ws also own quite a few but when I handled the Witness I wanted one. I looked at RIAs and didn't want to pay the price for a D W or Kimber and Knighthawk is out of my budget. The Witness with 15rds of true 10mm loads (I use Underwood Ammo as my carry ammo and shot my reloads for practice. Hoping to pick up a 22lr slide soon.