EAA To buy or not to buy

[Coltitis]

Hi, new member and first post.   First a brief introduction.   Many, many years back I had a Colt Delta Elite, a couple of the Smith and Wesson autos, and 2 of the Smith and Wesson 610 revolvers( I wish I still had the 610's!).  I currently have 3 10mm pistols, a Wilson Tactical Elite and 2 Dan Wesson Razorbacks.

I've been wanting to add a new 10mm format pistol, something different than a 1911 based pistol.  For the past month I have been pouring through the info on this site and am getting close to making a decision, but I need a little help.  A Glock is out of the question as I have medium sized hands and the grip frame on the large frame Glocks are just too big for me to get a decent grip.  So with that in mind I am thinking of trying one of the EAA 10mm pistols. 

My concerns/questions are below.  I know that most, if not all of these have been addressed previously, but a little nudge may get me to take the leap:

1.  As mentioned above, I have medium size hands.  A 1911 fits me just perfect, the large framed Glock is too big.  I will not be able to handle one before I order it, so I am just a little concerned about the grip size.

2.  There are many, many different EAA models, and hope for some guidance.  My budget is up to $1200.00, could go over it if I need to.  I want a full size pistol, not a compact.  Other than just looks, is there any real advantages of the higher priced models over the lower priced ones?

3.  After reading the many sub forums, it seems that EAA customer support is dismal at best, is this correct or over stated?

4.  Are the better magazines(as mentioned in many posts), and other parts if needed readily available?

5.  Have you found a good gunsmith that is knowledgeable with the EAA line?

I hope that I did not wear you out with my first post, and I do appreciate any insight that you can offer.       

[sstewart]

 Yes highly recommend. My 1911 10mm is a RIA. have 2
Witness matches. I would buy elite limited ( think that's the model ) the one with full dust over and magwell if I had 1200 to spend. 

[Geeman]

I have the Limited Pro, and its a thumbs up from me. 

Look through the models.

Differences between models include:
Single vs double action
full dust cover vs partial
barrel lengths and styles
some minor sight differences.

As far as grip compared to a Glock, there is no comparison.  The Witness line (full size) fits most hands very well.

I cannot give any info on service, other than what others have said.  Mine hasn't left my possession yet.

Greg

[The_Shadow]

Coltitis, welcome to the forum!  The upper end EAA's are the better models like the Match, Limited & Hunter, they would serve you well in the 10mm caliber.  Just be sure of the action as some are single action and double action.  There are some suggested mods that can help such as the recoil rod and springs for the system...

Good luck and best regards! 

[Intercooler]

1. Night and day difference. The CZ style grip is one of the best ever and well known.
2. I think your money is best spent going with a Match on up to a Hunter or Limited versus the lower models.
3. It's better these days, but does still have issues.
4. Parts are available to do just about anything.
5. Their are some out there although most people DIY. They aren't very hard to work on, change parts, etc... and tons of videos exist on how to work them.

[sqlbullet]

For a budget range gun, really hard to beat the Witness Elite Match.  Love mine.  Dead nuts reliable, laser accurate.

If you think you ever might wanna carry, I would look hard at the Elite Stock.  Slightly shorter barrel than the match, and a DA/SA action vs SA only.

All they guys here that have gone with any EAA gun model that starts with Elite have been happy.

[Coltitis]

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions.  After reading your suggestions I double checked what features etc. that I was wanting.  Well I just placed an order for a LTD Pro which should be in my hands next Wednesday or Thursday.

While waiting to receive the LTD Pro I would like to go ahead and order anything that will I will need to be range ready.  So please bear with the new guy as I have a couple more questions: 

1.  I plan on shooting rounds from mild up through the full power range.  With this in mind what, if any, aftermarket parts do I need to get?  And where do I get them from?

2.  If I understand correctly I need to get some of the K10 mags with the black follower.  Can you suggest a some good sources for these?

Anything else than you can suggest will be greatly appreciated.

[Intercooler]

I have a Limited Pro too. Call Henning up and order a flat bottom firing pin retaining block, cone guide rod and a 20lb spring. All you will ever need to make it last forever.

[Coltitis]

I have a Limited Pro too. Call Henning up and order a flat bottom firing pin retaining block, cone guide rod and a 20lb spring. All you will ever need to make it last forever.

Thank you for the info.  I prematurely hit the post button before I was done with my post, so I have gone back and edited it.

Can you give me Henning's contact info?

[Intercooler]

You should get 1 or 2 K10's with your pistol. I would then look to Ebay and Gunbroker or Midway USA for spares.

Henning

(720) 999-6512

[Coltitis]

You should get 1 or 2 K10's with your pistol. I would then look to Ebay and Gunbroker or Midway USA for spares.

Henning

(720) 999-6512

Thanks Intercooler

[Bongo Boy]

1.  As mentioned above, I have medium size hands.  A 1911 fits me just perfect, the large framed Glock is too big.  I will not be able to handle one before I order it, so I am just a little concerned about the grip size.

The grip in the Witness Hunter is excellent, especially if you're comfortable with the 1911. My hands are average and I find the Hunter extremely comfortable, with sharp checkering on the standard walnut grips and both front and back straps.

2.  There are many, many different EAA models, and hope for some guidance.  My budget is up to $1200.00, could go over it if I need to.  I want a full size pistol, not a compact.  Other than just looks, is there any real advantages of the higher priced models over the lower priced ones?

The Hunter is right at $1,200.

3.  After reading the many sub forums, it seems that EAA customer support is dismal at best, is this correct or over stated?

I contacted them once to get a replacement retainer pin for the guide rod assembly ( a $0.75 part), and they immediately sent me a new, complete guide rod assembly with no questions.

[

4.  Are the better magazines(as mentioned in many posts), and other parts if needed readily available?

I have purchased magazines and a recoil spring or two from Midway.

5.  Have you found a good gunsmith that is knowledgeable with the EAA line?

I have not looked for one, but I believe there are a few out there who specialize in Tanfoglio.

The Hunter is the only Tanfoglio weapon I've owned. It's an all-steel double-stack firearm that I'd say is as close to being a 1911 as you can get without being a 1911, with a single action trigger that is 'pretty good'. It is goofy in appearance, and aftermarket trigger levers are available to tighten up the lateral play the stock trigger has. This has never been a factor in my shooting, it's an aesthetic thing I'd like to have 'fixed'.

Overall, it is extremely well-fitted, well-finished and is, to me, a bargain at $1,200. I have had challenges with the adjustable rear sight staying tight, and I'm not aware of any major manufacturers who make replacement sights for it (although there very well could be). I find it very accurate despite that challenge, and a real pleasure to hold and shoot. It is, to me, the model for how all 1911 frames should be built for the 10mm--a double-stack that is barely wider than a standard 1911 (about 1/8" thicker, tops).

[Intercooler]

    Love my Hunter! I fixed my rear sight by getting the elevation perfect making note of the screw position and turns. Take it out and apply some Red Loctite, install it back toe same location and let sit for a couple of days. It has held perfectly through some nasty rounds!

[Coltitis]

Bongo Boy - Thank you for your detailed post.  Yesterday I ordered a LTD Pro, but it was a toss up between that and the Hunter.   

[Coltitis]

Update - Yesterday I picked up the Limited Pro.  I wanted to take it to the range yesterday but the 101 degree temperature was a bit more than I wanted to endure.  It came with one magazine but I had ordered three additional magazines and they came in the mail yesterday too.  Per Intercooler's suggestion I have the following parts coming from Henning; a flat bottom firing pin retaining block, cone guide rod and a 20lb spring.  While talking to Mr. Henning he mentioned that he was working on a couple of different sizes of brass shock buffs, so I will be trying them too.

Following are some of my observations, keep in mind that this is my first CZ type pistol:

1.  I have medium sized hands and the pistol feels very nice in my hand.  My little finger doesn't wrap around as much as I would like, so I will need to see what other options are available.  From my brief research I see that aluminum grip panels are available.  Any recommendations would be appreciated. 

2.  While inserting or removing the magazines there is a lot of drag present, I had to apply a bit of pressure to insert or remove two of them.  I removed the grip panels and could see that the inside of the top edge of the mag well was rubbing the sides of the magazines.  I could clearly see where the edges was scrapping off the finish from the sides of the magazines.  The edges a pretty sharp so I will do a little polishing to break the edge.  The magazines do not drop free after suppressing the magazine release, must be pulled out.

3.  Field stripping is very simple and straight forward.

4.  The safety works fine, but does not exhibit the "snap" that I am used too.  Not mushy, just does not click/snap.  I'm a 1911 fan, so this just is something that I will have to get used to.

5.  The sights are good and the elevation and windage screws click into place with a loud audible "CLICK".

Overall I am very impressed with this pistol.  With todays 20 degree drop in temperature I am very tempted to head out to the range with it.  I should wait until the parts from Hennings arrive, but man I want to shoot this thing.  I plan on shortening the ejector as per Intercooler's suggestion, but will shoot it prior to that modification so that I will have a baseline to work with.