Looking at a Witness for my first 10 mm. Problem is I haven't handled one. Nor have I fired ANY 10 mm. Not worried about recoil so much, carry an XDS .45 so can't be much worse than that, but still hear so much about it......Handled a Sig, and it really seemed like a big, clunky bear especially for only holding 8 rounds. Also a Delta Elite, likely the ergonomics of the DE/1911 style but again only 8 rounds, so back to Witness to start anyway.
My question is how does the Witness compare in handling to those? And, if I go Witness, should I go compact, standard, or match?
It's open carry, so size isn't as much of an issue---still a consideration, though. If I had my way I'd carry a 12 ga & 3 hand grenades but that gets tiresome....
The compact-of course smaller and still have a 12 rnd mag. How does it handle/shoot? Recoil a lot more than the standard? Give up a lot in accuracy?? Even considering it in composite but probably steel.
The match--honestly I just like the looks of this one more. Looks sharp with the 2 tone, and is only 1/4" longer---how does that translate into every day, rubber meets the road feel? Also 5-6 oz heavier--that plus a full mag would be a lot to carry. Does it seem a lot larger than the standard?
I know those are very subjective questions but since I haven't even seen one of these in person I appreciate any help/opinions. Also general on composite vs steel.
I have both a full size and a Match.
The full-size is a great utility gun. Carries easy, shoots well, is far more comfortable in my hand than a 1911, even though it has almost twice the capacity.
The Match shoots much better. And it looks sharp. Unfortunately it is sharp. Lots of un-blunted edges all over the gun, which really decreases it's utility as a carry gun. At least for me. It shoots great, and in all honesty, I bought it to carry. But it bites the holster on the way in and out, and bites my hands in general handling. Shoots like a dream, but I fear I will draw blood when I run a malfunction drill.
If the match got a melt job done, it would probably be a different opinion from me.
I don't have a compact. As much as I love the witness guns, I read too few stories from guys who got the compact running to a decent defensive failure standard. In fact, I don't know that I have ever read of someone who would bet there Witness compact would run 500 rounds without a malfunction. So I went Glock 29 for my small gun.
Thanks for the help sqlbullet. I'm guessing your full size is steel?
Yep. Originally had the Wonder finish. I found that seemed to stand for "I wonder how long til there is rust". It wears black cerakote now.
I have a compact steel, and I like the pistol, but I won't trust my life to it. I doubt I've had 100 consecutive without a failure to feed. Just when you think your getting somewhere, you get three failure to feed in a single magazine.
I also have a Limited Pro, and that gun is 100% reliable with just about any ammo. It is pretty heavy for carry though.
I like the SA/DA system in the Tanfoglio line, and the Match is SA only. They allow "uncocked and locked" which is my choice when I do have it with me. Its just another degree of making sure I don't poke holes in myself, and the DA pull isn't that bad.
I believe the problem with the compact lies with the magazine. The full size runs "K10" magazines, which makes them run like a sewing machine. The other option for carry duty is the "P-Carry", which uses the full size mags, has a shorter barrel, and uses a poly frame so it weighs less. It seems many have had great luck with them and I would consider that for carry purposes.
Currently I have a CZ2075 in 9mm, and a Gen4 Glock 20 that are reliable and are my carry choices. I have thought of a P-Carry to replace the G20 because I'm not totally comfortable with that light of a trigger and no real safety.
Greg
Just get the Compact Carry 14+1.
I carry a 10mm Semi Compact
Full Sized Frame, with a Compact Upper, 15+1
(https://i.imgur.com/6bbtQpu.jpg)
All the benefits of the Full sized Frame, but with the Compact length
Better Grip / Recoil Control, HiCap Mags, etc
If I were going to build a custom hybrid witness, I would take the parts DenStinett didn't use. The longer slide/barrel/action with the shorter grip/heel.
I don't have issues with barrel length causing me to print, it is the full-size grip. And in general grip length doesn't negatively impact reliability of the action, but action length and mass reductions can.
That is a nice looking gun, and I am glad it fits you needs!
Hey, since this open carry I say get the Match. I have that and the steel full size. Both are great guns. Somebody posted about the differences and I fully agree with what was said there.