Witness compact, standard or match for open carry

[FishNFam]

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.

[sqlbullet]

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.

[FishNFam]

Thanks for the help sqlbullet.  I'm guessing your full size is steel?

[sqlbullet]

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.

[Geeman]

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

[Intercooler]

Just get the Compact Carry 14+1.

[DenStinett]

I carry a 10mm Semi Compact
Full Sized Frame, with a Compact Upper, 15+1


All the benefits of the Full sized Frame, but with the Compact length
Better Grip / Recoil Control, HiCap Mags, etc

[sqlbullet]

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!

[Dave84]

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.