Witness Stock III

[cgreth]

I'm looking to buy a new Witness Stock III. 

My LGS is recommending against it.   They had several bad Witnesses (not sure what models) in 10mm come thru the store a couple of years ago and left several customers unhappy.
They do acknowledge that it was several years ago.  Interesting that of all the pistols that I have ordered thru them, this is the only time that they have actively tried to talk me out of it.

So I'm asking the forum.  Anyone have a Witness Stock III that they currently own or previously owned?    If so, what is your experience with the pistol?

In addition to the above, what are must have tweaks?   Stiffer recoil springs?  Guide Rod and etc?

Thanks for your time.

[Intercooler]

I don't have a SIII, but know they have a good reputation. He must have been thinking a WHILE back on the lower end units. If you like the place, ignore him and buy it there. If you don't, buy it on-line (usually the cheaper route)... but buy it!

[Intercooler]

Member 01deuce did a good job in here going over it with a review, pictures and some custom modifications he did to his: http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/stock-iii/

[cgreth]

I was pretty much leaning towards getting one.   Thanks for the thread, I had missed that one. 

My LGS will get anything that I want, good people, they were just trying to caution me against this one.   

I've just placed the order, should see it by the end of the week.   

QQ.  I'm not usually one to start replacing parts on pistols.   I definitely do replace polymer guide rods with metal ones.   

And I will beef up recoil springs once I determine if the gun feels undersprung or not.

Glock 20 - running 22 lb recoil spring, never had a cycling problem and brass piles up behind me and to the right.
Sig P220 (10mm) - stock spring - didn't feel undersprung.   100% stock
Arex Rex 01 (9mm) - definitely undersprung.   Popped in a Sig P226 16lb recoil spring and the weird slide impulse went away.

Other than the marketing surrounding the Hennings cone guide rod, what is so special about it?   They say the cone allows for better contact and less wear and tear.   I have to believe if the factory one was causing problems that the manufacturer would be changing it.   Or am I just that naive? 

Thanks for the responses.

[Intercooler]

   The Xtreme competition line of pistols do come with a copy of Henning's Cone-Fit from the factory. The Hunter has a big block on the end which is a factory piece and resembles the Cone-Fit except on a grander scale.

   It really depends on how many rounds you put through it and Power Factor. When Henning had his issue, it was after thousands of rounds and competition matches. I put them in all of my EAA pistols FWIW.

    I can almost say with certainty the gun place told you a mixed story based on older pistols. The SIII in 10mm is kind of rare like a Golden Egg. Not many floating around and I bet they have no first hand knowledge to relay a factual story. It's a tank!

   

[cgreth]

Hennings guide rod and 20lb recoil spring on the way. 

[Intercooler]

Done! Now you can just enjoy it forever!

[sqlbullet]

A couple (maybe 5) years ago there were a batch of 10mm Witness Standard Models that went out the door with an incorrect temper on the slides.  They were too hard and brittle and cracked.  This was magnified by EAA stonewalling at first and blaming ammo.  They finally came around, found it to be a true manufacturing defect and took care of customers.

But, it only affect the standard model line, only the "scalloped" slide version that had a two radius top, and then only a subset.  All the Elite line guns have been fine.

[cgreth]

That must have been them.   He mentioned cracks.

He had no qualms about getting it in a lighter caliber, only the 10mm were they recommending against.   

And it was not a refusal to get the pistol.   these are good guys that I have a relationship with and they were trying to look out for me.   

[sqlbullet]

Cool.  You might wanna let them know the details about the incident as well.  I hate too see the excellent Elite class of guns maligned for a problem they were only associated with by brand rollmark. 

[scubadds]

Had one and sold it; regret it
It shot fine;

I bought a 9mm and was going to just get a conversion for the 10mm; but they are out of stock now....


I think the Witness line had more problems than the stock 3.....
Most dealers are not that familiar with the stock 3 etc

[cgreth]

Thanks for all the input.   I'm now the proud owner of a Stock III.   

[Intercooler]

Cool! I'm still debating doing that .460 Rowland thing to a Hunter.