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Tanfoglio Witness Elite Review
Price Range:
$1300 - $1500
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tanfoglio |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| First Build Date | 1985 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.75 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 40 ounces |
| Material | Steel Frame, Steel Slide |
| Price Range | $1,300 – $1,500 |
Overview
The Tanfoglio Witness Elite is a semi-automatic pistol that delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability. It is part of Tanfoglio’s Witness line, known for high-performance pistols that excel in both tactical and competitive shooting environments. Chambered in 9mm, the Witness Elite is designed for shooters seeking a blend of precision, ergonomics, and durability.
This pistol is renowned for its excellent recoil management, superior trigger, and overall performance. Its steel frame and slide offer a solid, durable platform, while the 4.75-inch barrel provides a good balance of accuracy and maneuverability. The Witness Elite is often used in IPSC and other competitive shooting sports, but it also serves well as a reliable handgun for personal defense or range shooting.
Strength and Quality
The Tanfoglio Witness Elite is built with premium materials, ensuring long-lasting durability. The steel frame and slide are precision-machined and expertly finished. The handgun has a solid feel in the hand, with minimal flex or play in the action, which adds to its overall sense of quality. The ergonomic design fits most hand sizes comfortably, and the controls are intuitive and easy to operate.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The Tanfoglio Witness Elite is equipped with a manual safety switch, which adds an extra layer of security during handling.
- Firing Pin Block: The firing pin block prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger is fully depressed, enhancing safety during mishandling.
- Ambidextrous Controls: The controls are ambidextrous, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed users.
Test Results
Accuracy
During testing, the Tanfoglio Witness Elite showed remarkable precision, with 2.5-inch groupings at 25 yards using high-quality ammunition. The handgun’s barrel and slide are finely tuned, making it a competitive choice for those who prioritize accuracy in rapid-fire or long-distance shooting scenarios.
Recoil Management
The recoil management on the Witness Elite is superb, thanks to its heavy steel frame. It absorbs most of the recoil, minimizing muzzle flip, which allows for quicker follow-up shots. This is a critical feature for competition shooters who need to maintain control during high-speed firing.
Reliability
In terms of reliability, the Tanfoglio Witness Elite performed flawlessly, with no malfunctions during a 1,500-round endurance test. It reliably fed and fired a variety of ammunition, including both brass and steel-cased rounds. The pistol is highly regarded for its reliability, making it an excellent choice for both professional and recreational use.
Also Read: Savage Stance 9mm Pistol Review
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: With its finely tuned barrel and precision manufacturing, the Witness Elite delivers excellent accuracy at both short and long distances.
- Reliable Performance: Known for its durability and reliability, it can handle various types of ammunition with no issues.
- Great Trigger: The trigger is smooth, with a clean break and short reset, making it ideal for rapid-fire situations.
- Strong Recoil Management: The steel frame absorbs much of the recoil, providing quicker recovery times between shots.
- High Customizability: The Witness Elite features a modular design that allows for custom grips, sights, and other modifications.
Demerits
- Heavy Weight: Weighing in at 40 ounces unloaded, the Witness Elite is relatively heavy compared to other pistols, which may make it less ideal for concealed carry.
- Price: While it offers excellent performance, the price can be prohibitive for casual shooters or beginners.
- Size: The pistol is larger in size, making it more difficult to conceal, especially for those with smaller frames.
Maintenance
The Tanfoglio Witness Elite requires basic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. After every use, it should be cleaned thoroughly, particularly the barrel, slide, and recoil system. The pistol’s modular design allows for easy disassembly without special tools. It is also recommended to lubricate the moving parts regularly to prevent wear and tear. The recoil spring should be replaced periodically to maintain optimal performance, and the barrel should be inspected for any signs of excessive wear.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Tanfoglio Witness Elite | Glock 19 | Springfield XD-M Elite | Smith & Wesson M&P 9 | Beretta 92FS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 | 15+1 | 20+1 | 17+1 | 15+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.75 inches | 4.02 inches | 4.5 inches | 4.25 inches | 4.9 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 40 ounces | 23.65 ounces | 26 ounces | 24.7 ounces | 33.3 ounces |
| Price Range | $1,300 – $1,500 | $500 – $600 | $700 – $800 | $600 – $700 | $600 – $700 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Tanfoglio Witness Elite is highly regarded in the competitive shooting community for its precision, accuracy, and recoil management, making it an excellent choice for competition.
While it can be used for self-defense, its larger size and weight make it less ideal for concealed carry. However, it performs well in a home defense or range shooting scenario.
It requires regular cleaning and lubrication after each use. The recoil spring should be replaced every 10,000 rounds, and the barrel should be inspected for wear. Basic disassembly makes maintenance relatively simple.
The Witness Elite stands out for its superior accuracy, high-quality construction, and excellent recoil management. It may be heavier and more expensive than some competitors, but its performance justifies the cost.
Due to its weight, size, and price, the Witness Elite is better suited for experienced shooters or competitors. Beginners may find it more challenging to handle, and more affordable options might be better for them.
