Tanfoglio vs Sig 226 advice

[young_shooter22]

Hello All,

I have been looking for a steel frame 9mm as a range/HD gun to give my dad this Xmas and was looking at something in the $300-$500 range. I was set on a police trade in P226 w night sights(not E2, the old style) which would have cost $500 (including shipping to FFl+txr). The only thing that gave me pause was that I heard the p226 is built for people with large hands. My dad has medium-small sized hands.

Then yesterday on Gunbroker I came across a great condition full size, steel Tanfoglio/EAA witness for $375 at a GA pawn shop. I pulled the trigger and am going to see/pick it up it on Thursday. I’ve read good reviews about the 9mm and aside from EAA customer service the gun seems to be ok.

I spoke to the owner and he said he’d let me come look over the gun before walking out with it. So I ask you:

Is there anything Tanfoglio/Witness specific I should look for besides the usual stuff? (slide/frame fit, pitting etc)

Is $375(possibly $400 due to sales tax) a good deal for a gently used full size witness? Do these guns last well? Do you think they would hold their value($400)?

And finally should I decline the gun, offer $20 for his trouble(unsure about GB etiquette) and just buy the p226 outright? Keep in mind that this will be a range/HD gun and he will not be carrying it.

I’ve heard that the 10mm Witness have slide cracking issues but the 9mm doesn’t. There is a range at the store as well so I’m going to test it out before buying.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Clarke123]

The Tanfoglio / EAA Witness is an excellent value in firearms: good function, great accuracy, and durability.
I've owned 3 of the All Steel models (standard DA/SA models) and every last one of them shot as good or better than
any pistol I have ever owned (Beretta, HK, FN, GLOCK). The problem with this pistol is not that it isn't
made well, nor is it patterned after junk (CZ 75), but the owner of EAA (who has the reputation of making even the Pope curse).

If you want a solid performer that you intend to shoot and keep ... BUy IT!
Just be aware that it will never go up in value ... even though should!!!

Look at GunBroker.COM ... You should be able to get one there for a very reasonable price
I prefer the Full Size Steel (Not the P - polymer version), and if your father prefers a SA only model, then
a MATCH model would give him that as well as a pistol well suited for competitive "match" shooting!

If I could get my hands on one of their Limited OR Sport Versions at a decent price ... I would buy it right now!

Take a look at this site for more information (BTW: They no longer do work on them)

http://savvysurvivor.com/gearrevewtangfoglio_witness_series_pistol.htm

 

[Gunfighter]

I vote SIG. Because its a SIG...
I never cared much for the CZ and its clones.
An E² kit is like 60 bucks and you dad will LOVE the ergos of it. Plus he can throw in a SRT and make it even better!

 

[robcushman]

Hi, I have a good P226 9mm full size that I'm about to list for $499... includes gun with tactical grip and Hogue rubberized grips, 2 original Sig Sauer 15-round magazines with rubber base plates, 1 original Sig Sauer 10 round magazine with plastic base plate, nice black leather Galco "Cop" slot holster. Will throw in 64 rounds of Federal Hydra-shok ammo and 300 rounds fmj range ammo. Any interest?

 

[Speed6]

Hi, I have a good P226 9mm full size that I'm about to list for $499... includes gun with tactical grip and Hogue rubberized grips, 2 original Sig Sauer 15-round magazines with rubber base plates, 1 original Sig Sauer 10 round magazine with plastic base plate, nice black leather Galco "Cop" slot holster. Will throw in 64 rounds of Federal Hydra-shok ammo and 300 rounds fmj range ammo. Any interest?

Very cool man...I would go this route hands down... The Eea is a good pistol but not in the same class..Sig will go up in value too..

Id be interested if the op is not!..oh that's an awesome gift Man!

 

[Speed6]

Please put me down for seconds if Youngshooter 22 passes.. Thanks!