CZ .45 vs. EAA Witness .45 same dimensions?

[chickenfried]

Hey guys,
Checked out an EAA witness in .45 ACP today. Surprised that I really liked how it felt. I've always heard the CZ's in .45 might be too big for people with small hands. I'd rather have a CZ than a Witness but they didn't have any CZ's in stock, I'd have to order it. Since the Witness is a CZ clone does it make sense that if I like the feel of the Witness, a CZ will feel similar? Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Apparently the CZ-97B is at least somewhat larger than the EAA, and the EAA has a much better shaped and located trigger.

The EAA trigger is more curved and placed farther back in the trigger guard.

The CZ trigger can be corrected by cutting the finger piece off, making a new trigger piece and welding it on.

By careful fitting you can give the CZ a more curved trigger placed back like the EAA, but this requires a good gunsmith.

The EAA is an excellent gun and I really like my early stainless .45.
However, I lust for a CZ-97B.

Most every one I've seen shoots fantastic groups.

 

[Big Mike]

They take the same magazine, but without even knowing exact measurements I can say they are very different in dimensions. I have large hands and found myself having to "reach" a bit for the trigger when holding the CZ... SA shooting probably wouldn't be a problem though. I have owned a Witness 45 and found it to be the most comfortable and natural grip I have ever had on a pistol. Mike

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You don't have to cut on the 97B trigger. You can substitute the more-curved trigger from the P-01 (which is very similar to the EAA trigger.)

The 97B is a heftier gun: grip is slightly larger, frame is a little wider, the slide is thicker, etc.

I like the 97B better in almost all respects, but its just a hair too big for my hand -- and heavy. (Great for range work but a chore for carry.)

 

[chickenfried]

Thanks for the info guys. Too bad the CZ's a litte bigger. I'm a little reluctant to buy the Witness.

 

[dfariswheel]

I wouldn't be.
Most people who buy the Witness are quite happy with them.

In past years, the only problems with EAA was apparently a customer service department run by cave men and bossed by Don Rickles.

Last year, EAA announced a push to improve their position in the market, and among the changes were promises to straighten out the service department.

The guns themselves are quite good, especially considering the low price.

The guns are actually made in Italy by Tanfoglio, who were the actual makers of just about ALL the CZ "clones" over the years, including top-of-the-line models like the Springfield P9, the Swiss Action Arms AT guns, and others.

Currently, EAA is putting some VERY good looking "race guns" on the market.

As for the EAA .45, I'm totally pleased with mine, and most buyers are.
For the price, it just may be the best buy on the market in a DA high-capacity .45.

 

[chickenfried]

The stories of bad customer service are part of the reason. Another is the availability of parts and accessories. Not that I'm much of a tinkerer, it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing there's an abundance of stuff for my gun.

But then again it did feel nice in my hand and I like the finish and caliber. What do you think about the price, dealer wanted $395 for it would probably take $20 off. I'm in California where prices tend to be a little high.

 

[chickenfried]

forgot to add it's the wonder finish model

 

[dfariswheel]

I have no feel on pricing where you are, but that's a little higher than most places.
Being California, it's probably about right.

The EAA .45 has few accessories available simply because there's not much accesorizing possible.
Unlike the 1911, there just isn't a whole lot to change other than sights, grips, and safeties.

EAA sells ambi safeties and optional sights.
Aftermarket grips are available, especially from a foreign maker who sells in the US. He goes by the name "Hakan" and offers some of the finest grips around.
http://www.imageseek.com/hakan/

Since the CZ design doesn't have a grip safety, barrel bushing, mainspring housing, or easily replaceable trigger assembly, not much is offered or needed.
It already has a mainspring guide rod and a high-capacity magazine, and the stock safety and slide stop are almost ideally located, needing no extended custom versions.

 

[chickenfried]

I'm getting closer and closer to heading back to the gun store to pick this one up. After a little research found

Steel frame 38super, 45acp, 10mm can be converted to: 9mm, 40sw, 38super, 45acp, 10mm or 22lr

Spreaking of Hakans



Thanks for the help