EAA Witness Elite Match 45

[Flip]

Does anyone have experience with these in 45? I've read several reports of cracks with the 10 mm version of these. I'm wondering if anyone has knowledge of the issue like ...

- is it common to only the 10 mm?
- has the company fixed the issue?
- was this a common issue or a hot load issue
- would you buy the gun or are there other issues with it
- have they fixed their customer service issues?

Thnx

[speedy396]

I have the 9mm version and it has been a great shooter and very accurate. Can't comment on the 45/10mm versions or the cracks, but last year I called EAA to see if I could order mags and got a very curt "no..click" . I understand they probably get a lot of calls with the frenzy at that time, but I'd hate to try to get something fixed from them. I still don't have a second mag. I'd be leary buying a 45 or 10mm that seems to have critical issues especially with other options available. Maybe an older version if you really like them, but a CZ might be a better alternative if you like the design.

[Dakotared]

I have one in 45 and in 10mm. Neither has cracked. From what I have read it was one batch of slides that did not get heat treated right. They are awesome guns. EAA is every bit as bad to work with as you will read on the Internet. The safety on my 10mm broke and had to send it to them 2 times (at my cost) and they only kindof fixed it.

Even with how bad EAA is I will most likely buy more of them just because the guns are that good.

[Flip]

Hi Speedy,

Thanks for the input. BTW - I think buds may have your mags

[speedy396]

Thanks. I'll have to check them out.

I agree with Dakota as to EAA's value. Mine was a deal too good to pass on and I was a bit skeptical at first. Great ergonomics and mine has not had a single malfunction (1500 rounds) even with really cheap ammo. Good luck on your choice!

[JJ]

Does anyone have experience with these in 45? I've read several reports of cracks with the 10 mm version of these. I'm wondering if anyone has knowledge of the issue like ...

- is it common to only the 10 mm?
- has the company fixed the issue?
- was this a common issue or a hot load issue
- would you buy the gun or are there other issues with it
- have they fixed their customer service issues?

Thnx

I cracked a slide at the ejection port in a 40 S&W. 2000-2500rds of factory loads.

From what I've read, it seems to be limited to 40/10 and only present in the round slide "wonderfinish" guns. The older "slab side" uppers are not subject to it. in fact, when mine was repaired, i requested a slab side, and they obliged. i have since sold and a buddy has owned it for 4-5 years and it has run trouble free for him.

I have picked up one more Witness since then, and would have no issues buying another, as long as it's not a round top, wonderfinfish, 40/10. Any change to any of the three parameters above would make it purchase eligible.

I don't have too much trouble with CS, other than the fact they are difficult to get on the the phone. 7 (calendar) days from my UPS depot, back to my front door. I am actually really impressed from the stories I have heard, about EAA customer service.

Included with my return shipping check and letter I mentioned I would prefer a old style squared top replacement slide. Sure enough, they replaced the slide and a new barrel. Now the interesting thing. I forgot to include my Mag with the gun when I shipped it out. EAA was kind enough to ship me a brand new one when they sent it back.

[Bessy]

The cracked slides are in fact associated with the OLDER tanfoglio models, mostly the compact models.

I currently own several tanfolgios.

A stock II in 9mm,
A Stock I in 9mm,
A Limited in 40,
A match in 40 with 45, and 22 conversion slides.

I probably have more rounds on my limited 40, and stock 1, then most normal people shoot in their lifetimes. I have not seen any problems. I have quite a few rounds 10k on my match and have had no problems.

I would purchase an elite match in a heartbeat they are a tremendous gun for the money.

Obligatory tanfo porn

http://imgur.com/a/V5wHk

[JJ]

The cracked slides are in fact associated with the OLDER tanfoglio models, mostly the compact models.

I misspoke, been a while since I dealt with these, and I went back over to the CZ clone forum and got more info. Both the older generations and the newer round slides seem to be subject to it, most frequently with 40/10, and 45 to a lesser extent. The round slides like to crack below the ejection port (where mine occurred), and the slab sides around the locking block if i am not mistaken.

Most all of the reports i have ever read on it, limits it to the Wonderfinish guns. Over heat treating has made them overly brittle. From what I've ever read on it, it seems to be guns produced from about 2007-2010. I personally haven't ever read an account of any of the Match guns having the issue, but they may be out there.

[Bessy]

The cracked slides are in fact associated with the OLDER tanfoglio models, mostly the compact models.

I misspoke, been a while since I dealt with these, and I went back over to the CZ clone forum and got more info. Both the older generations and the newer round slides seem to be subject to it, most frequently with 40/10, and 45 to a lesser extent. The round slides like to crack below the ejection port (where mine occurred), and the slab sides around the locking block if i am not mistaken.

Most all of the reports i have ever read on it, limits it to the Wonderfinish guns. Over heat treating has made them overly brittle. From what I've ever read on it, it seems to be guns produced from about 2007-2010. I personally haven't ever read an account of any of the Match guns having the issue, but they may be out there.

I've never heard of non-rounded slides cracking. The only issues I've ever read of on match and custom frame guns was due to the guns being improperly sprung by the user, and beating themselves apart.

[JJ]

The cracked slides are in fact associated with the OLDER tanfoglio models, mostly the compact models.

I misspoke, been a while since I dealt with these, and I went back over to the CZ clone forum and got more info. Both the older generations and the newer round slides seem to be subject to it, most frequently with 40/10, and 45 to a lesser extent. The round slides like to crack below the ejection port (where mine occurred), and the slab sides around the locking block if i am not mistaken.

Most all of the reports i have ever read on it, limits it to the Wonderfinish guns. Over heat treating has made them overly brittle. From what I've ever read on it, it seems to be guns produced from about 2007-2010. I personally haven't ever read an account of any of the Match guns having the issue, but they may be out there.

I've never heard of non-rounded slides cracking. The only issues I've ever read of on match and custom frame guns was due to the guns being improperly sprung by the user, and beating themselves apart.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topi ... #msg228739

For the Match and Customs, the issue may very well be relegated to the round top uppers. But there are spotty reports (see above poster) of the Wonderfinish guns with this issue. more time spent over on the Clone board wil likely revela a couple more popping up as well. Personally, i believe the number of guns subject to this issue is relatively small, and i wouldn't hesitate to purchase another. One of the guns in my carry routine is a small frame Tanfo.

That said, I had one crack. Things happen. My photobucket pics are gone off that post, but I may have them floating around on my PC somewhere.

[Bessy]

I don't doubt you cracked a slide.

I don't believe the match, or custom frame guns ever shipped with the round topped slides. They have always been side slab guns.

[Seismic Sam]

FWIW, I have heard of cracked slides with the new rounded top slides, and no problems with the slab sides. I worked my slab side 45 up to 45 Super with Magnaporting, 22 lb recoil AND hammer springs , plus 4 turns of a another 22 lb spring, and a Sprinco 10mm recoil buffer. I can get a 185 grain to go 1260 FPS out of a 4.4" bbl. No problems noted so far. Over on CZforum, I hear more or less the same thing. FWIW. YMMV.

[floydster]

I have a Witness Elite Match in 45 ACP and in 38 super, both guns have well Over 10,000 rounds down range, nary a prob.
I have Hennings FO target sights on both guns, extremely accurate along side of my CZ's.
Just excellent guns.
Smokeyloads