EAA Witness

TXCOONDOG · November 24 2015 06:38:04 PM MST

I was looking at guns today and picked up a witness thicking it was a CZ.

I've been thicking about ever since so give me the good, bad and ugly.

PS: It was a SS model with a double and single action trigger (if that makes a difference) and it was priced at $450.00.

Geeman · November 25 2015 04:52:53 AM MST

Personally, I'd stay away from the compact versions. In 10mm, they are the 12 round magazine models. They have feeding problems and I have never gotten my compact steel model 100% reliable. Love the feel of the thing so much that its really frustrating to not get it running right.

Those full size models with K10 magazines are awesome guns. My Limited Pro is my favorite pistol.

Greg

Intercooler · November 25 2015 08:40:07 AM MST

Suck. Don't get one because they multiply.

pacapcop · November 25 2015 09:10:08 AM MST

I'm with Geeman. If they made the same mag as the K10, I'd be all over it again.

Intercooler · November 25 2015 09:15:46 AM MST

It might take work, but I think and even know the 12 rounders will work.

TXCOONDOG · November 25 2015 09:16:33 AM MST

I sold my Glock and I'm suffering from 10mm withdraws and play with my die set often ${$default_shocked_smiley}$ ${$default_grin_smiley}$

Recommendations (no glocks) for a reliable pistol welcome.

sqlbullet · November 25 2015 09:20:38 AM MST

At 450 DA/SA it was likely their "Wonder" finish, not SS. It is a silver looking finish they say is similar to tenifer.

I have this exact gun. Top right in this picture.

Here is my report.

This was my first 10mm of my second gun era (2007 - present). During my first gun era (1991 - 1993) I had a Delta Elite that was sold when I got married. Once my life stabilized as far as marriage, kids, job, etc, I decided to get back into handguns, and a 10mm was at the top of the list. I really wanted a CZ pattern gun, and lusted after a Witness Match, but they were impossible to find, so when a full-size wonder finish showed up at a local gun store new, I jumped. I paid $400.

I ordered 1000 rounds of Georgia Arms canned heat, with the plan being to save the brass and reload. In fact, the only reason for the order was at the time I could buy 1000 rounds assembled from them cheaper than I could buy brass, bullets, powder and primers to assemble. The canned heat load is a 180 grain TC loaded to about 1050 fps. Mild 10mm.

During the first 200 rounds I had numerous 3-point failures to feed. 1-2 per magazine were common. The common advice at the time was to add a 22-24 lb recoil spring. While ordering those I also got a 5-pack of extra power mag springs from wolff. These are the dreaded "red follower" mags.

After installing the recoil and mag springs, all my issues disappeared. Since that time I never had a jam while I was shooting. Novice shooters will experience a short cycle from time to time, but I attribute it to limp wristing the gun. I now have in excess of 10,000 rounds through the gun. And will gladly buy red follower mags from anyone who doesn't like them. They run great for me.

In my more informed opinion at this time, I think the issues with 3-point jams were related to and solved by the magazine spring. I have since run the gun once or twice with the original recoil spring without issue.

Once I had run 200 rounds jam free, I constructed an IWB holster and began carrying the gun. It was my EDC for several years. In 2010 I went on a camping trip with a local youth group. The Witness spent the entire week in the holster. To my dismay, when I got home and took the gun from the holster, I found some rust had formed, including some pitting on the frame dust cover. I was really bent about that, as I am pretty meticulous about care.

While removing the surface rust, the "wonder" finish wore through. I have my own thoughts about the wonder finish, like "I wonder why they bothered" or "I wonder what it is for". A few months later I picked up my Para P16-40, which was pretty beat up, and taught myself about gun finishes.

I sand blasted the witness, dunked it in manganese phosphate parkerizing solution and then sprayed it with black cerakote. The hole process is documented in the gunsmithing section here. I have been very happy with this treatment on the Witness.

About the only negative I can say about mine is the weight. It is a full half pound heavier than a Glock 20, and 1/4 lb heavier than the Para P16-40.

For $450 it is a solid gun. If it fits your hand well it will serve you great. I do suggest the extra power wolff mag springs right off the bat.

edwardmdoonan · November 25 2015 05:01:20 PM MST

I love mine, except for shooting low for my taste. I have over 400 rounds through mine half of those being Underwood and PBR no ftf no fte. One other thing is that the trigger rubs the bottom side of my finger raw, the exaggerated curve cradles the finger and the grooves on the trigger face do the damage.