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Tanfoglio Limited Custom Review
Price Range:
$2500 - $3000
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tanfoglio |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| First Build Date | 2010 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 41.5 ounces |
| Material | Steel Frame, Steel Slide |
| Price Range | $2,500 – $3,000 |
Overview
The Tanfoglio Limited Custom is a competition-grade pistol built for elite shooters who demand precision and speed. Crafted in Italy by Tanfoglio, a renowned manufacturer of competition pistols, this model stands out for its exceptional accuracy and refined design. The Limited Custom is chambered in 9mm and built for performance, featuring a long 5-inch barrel for better precision, a 17+1 capacity, and a steel frame for durability and reliability.
This pistol is designed for competitive shooting, primarily in disciplines like IPSC and Steel Challenge. With a high-quality, hand-fitted assembly, the Limited Custom delivers excellent control and stability, ensuring minimal recoil and fast follow-up shots. The well-engineered recoil management system and superb ergonomics allow for efficient handling and superior performance in both rapid and slow-fire scenarios.
Strength and Quality
The Tanfoglio Limited Custom is built with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. The steel frame and slide are precision-machined for a perfect fit, ensuring smooth operation and long-term durability. The hand-fitted components ensure that each pistol is tailored to exacting standards, resulting in a firearm that performs consistently at the highest levels of competition. The custom finishing gives the gun an aesthetic appeal that matches its high-performance capabilities.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The Tanfoglio Limited Custom features a manual safety lever to prevent accidental discharge.
- Firing Pin Block: The firing pin block prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger is pulled completely, ensuring safety during handling.
- Ambidextrous Controls: The pistol is equipped with ambidextrous safeties, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Test Results
Accuracy
During testing, the Tanfoglio Limited Custom exhibited outstanding accuracy, with a sub-2-inch grouping at 25 yards using match-grade ammunition. Its precision is attributed to the hand-fitted barrel, tight tolerances, and superior design. Shooters will find that its ability to maintain tight groupings even at extended ranges makes it one of the top contenders for competition use.
Recoil Management
The Limited Custom features excellent recoil management, with minimal muzzle flip and reduced felt recoil. The steel frame absorbs much of the energy, enabling quick recovery between shots. This is particularly beneficial during dynamic shooting, where fast follow-up shots are crucial.
Reliability
Reliability is another strong point for the Tanfoglio Limited Custom. Over the course of testing, which involved 2,000 rounds of various ammunition types, it showed zero malfunctions. The pistol functioned flawlessly with both brass-cased and steel-cased rounds, proving its ruggedness in competitive environments.
Also Read: SAR ST9 Review
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: The precision-built barrel and tight tolerances make the Limited Custom a top performer in accuracy.
- Low Recoil: The steel frame and recoil management system reduce muzzle flip, allowing faster follow-up shots.
- Durable Construction: High-quality steel components ensure long-lasting reliability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Impressive Trigger: The trigger is smooth and crisp with a short reset, ideal for rapid-fire situations.
- Custom Fit: The hand-fitted components ensure a perfect balance of performance and handling.
Demerits
- High Price: The Limited Custom is expensive, which may make it out of reach for casual shooters or beginners.
- Weight: Weighing 41.5 ounces unloaded, it is heavy compared to some other pistols, which may make it less suitable for extended carry or casual use.
- Size: With a 5-inch barrel, the Limited Custom may not be ideal for concealed carry or everyday use.
Maintenance
The Tanfoglio Limited Custom is relatively easy to maintain, thanks to its straightforward design. Regular cleaning after each range session is recommended, particularly for the barrel, slide, and recoil system. The pistol features a simple disassembly process, and there are no special tools required. To maintain its high performance, replacing the recoil spring every 10,000 rounds is advised. The steel frame and slide require little upkeep beyond basic lubrication and cleaning to keep the pistol operating smoothly.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Tanfoglio Limited Custom | Glock 34 | Springfield XD-M Elite | Smith & Wesson M&P Performance Center | Beretta 92X Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 | 17+1 | 20+1 | 10+1 | 15+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches | 5.31 inches | 4.5 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 41.5 ounces | 25.93 ounces | 26 ounces | 26.9 ounces | 34 ounces |
| Price Range | $2,500 – $3,000 | $600 – $700 | $700 – $800 | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,500 – $1,800 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Tanfoglio Limited Custom is widely regarded as one of the best competition pistols, offering exceptional accuracy, low recoil, and a customizable trigger system.
While the Limited Custom is designed for competition, it can be used for self-defense. However, its size and weight may make it less practical for everyday carry compared to more compact models.
The Limited Custom is priced higher than most pistols, but it justifies its cost with superior craftsmanship, accuracy, and performance. In terms of competition use, it outperforms many other pistols in its class.
Due to its specialized nature and price, the Limited Custom is better suited for experienced shooters or competitors. Beginners may want to start with a more affordable, user-friendly pistol.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the Limited Custom. The recoil spring should be replaced every 10,000 rounds, and the pistol should be checked periodically for wear and tear.
