I own a full-sized Tanfoglio Witness in 9x19. I bought it because I happened to run across a LNIB "Wonderfinish" with two full cap mags at a shop for $225. I was curious about the CZ-75 design and those weren't as yet being imported.
All I can tell you is that it's been a great bargain for me. In nearly 8K rds I've experienced a total of 2 malfs, both with "remanufactured" gun show ammo.
Nothing's broken, and the only parts that've been replaced were routine recoil and FP springs at approx. 5K.
The finish is tough and durable. Even now there is only minor polishing visible on the bearing surfaces. I may opt for a Bar-Sto barrel in another couple of K rds, although it is still giving me 2" or slightly better 5-rd. groups from the bench at 25 yds with 115 gr. Silvertips when I do my part right.
Generally, Italian QC in most things was infamous for its inconsistency. Think "Fiat", "Vespa", and the Ducati motorcycles of the '70's, '80's and early '90's.
That's gotten a good deal better in most respects, but apparently hasn't gone away entirely as yet. The biggest single factor, IMO, is that Tanfoglio's importer, EAA, developed a poor CS attitude back when they had huge backorders and little serious competition which they've done little of substance to correct.
Fortunately, I've not had to deal with them other than when I ordered ambi thumb safeties for my Witness and my CZ-97B. In both cases delivery was extremely slow (shortest time: 6 wks.) and telephone inquiries handled with long "holds" and a curt "It'll get there when it gets there" attitude. If I'd had any other recourse for the parts, I'd have used it.
While I'd buy another Tanfoglio, I'd feel a lot better about if EAA weren't involved.
