G20 4th Generation or EAA Witness for average-size mitts

[Snowdog]

I'm again in the market for a 10mm but this year will actually purchase one for trail use within the week.

I want a 10mm with a 15-round capacity. However, I want one that I'll find acceptably ergonomic for me and I have "average" size hands to my knowledge.

I've had a EAA Witness in .40S&W for a few years and it fit my hand great. However, I don't know if the 10mm models are similar in grip size.

I've also had experience with the G20 and the earlier (pre-3rd gen) model I've dealt with doesn't fit me. However, I've never had experience with the G20SF or 4th generation G20s.

For those with average sized hands with experience with either the 4th generation Glock 20 or EAA witness 10mm, what are your experiences as far as comfort goes?

None of the gunshops in my area has either available to handle. I might just bite the bullet on one of those to and either keep or sell it. I'm hoping to get some info here to steer me in the right direction.

 

[Torian]

I have average sized hands, but long fingers. The 10mm Elite Match felt better in the hand compared to the Glock. If you are only considering double-stack 10mm platforms, you are going to be pretty limited choice-wise.

I tend to shoot bruiser loads in 10mm, so I preferred the Elite Match due to its heft. The trigger pull is outstanding.

 

[TexAg]

All I can tell you is the old full size Glock frames felt too big for me, but once the SF came out I felt much more comfortable. I now own a 20sf.

 

[Snowdog]

Torian, that's actually one of the models I'm considering. I want a double stack 10mm as my original intention was to convert my Kimber Classic Custom (series 1) to .460 Rowland for the role but don't know how I feel about subjecting my Kimber to that kind of pounding.

I guess the higher capacity is my justification for opting the 10mm. The .460 Rowland is a beast to say the least. However, I also admit those 10mm loads offered by Underwood, Buffalo Boer and the ilk are quite impressive.

TexAg, my original intention was to focus on the G20sf as the alternative, but now I find out there's a 4th generation G20. Oy

 

[Edarnold]

If your .40 S&W Witness uses current magazines, it's built on the 'universal' frame that Tanfoglio uses for all calibers. So, the grip is going to be the same in 10mm. The thing I like about the standard steel 10mm Witness is not just the grip, but the balance of the gun. I tried the Glock 20 at the time I was buying my 10mm, and while the Glock grip was acceptable, the balance of the gun was so top-heavy that it felt like it was more suited to pounding nails than instinctive shooting.

The other deciding factor was the continuing doubts about the Glock 20 case support in 10mm. While the actual number of KaBooms is probably small, and the claims are that newer models have cured the problem, I also keep seeing mention of installing an aftermarket barrel as a 'just in case' remedy. I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling from a design that needs to be fixed in order to safely fire full-power loads: that should the manufacturers job, not the customers. The Witness has had problems over the years with cracking frames and slides, also in small numbers, but I've never heard of any shooter injuries from these failures, and the warranty will cover replacing the failed parts.

I'm not trashing the Glock line in general, they have long since proved themselves accurate reliable pistols at decent prices. My problem is specifically with the 10mm clambering, where I think they have bitten off more than they can consistently supply. Same goes for the Colt Delta Elite, which has been specifically named as not safe with some of the hottest factory loads. Some of the Colts worked fine, others blew out magazines and split grips when cases failed from poor support. In my book, not acceptable from a major manufacturers $1,000 gun.

 

[ku4hx]

For those with average sized hands with experience with either the 4th generation Glock 20 or EAA witness 10mm, what are your experiences as far as comfort goes?

I've held a Gen4 20 and it is rather comfortable in the hand. But given on occasion I do load and shoot true full power 10mm, I prefer a meatier grip.

I've had a Gen2 20 since 1991. Shortly after buying it, I installed a Hogue Handall. I have pretty average size hands with rather short fingers. I like a handful of gun when it comes to a 10mm and I like the heft and feel of my setup. I took the Houge off a couple of years ago but shortly thereafter put it back on.

I also own a Smith 1006 (about as slim a single stack as you can get) but I prefer my Glock 20. To me, a larger grip means nothing more than my hand is full, grip is more positive and recoil is mitigated. YMMV.

 

[tommy.duncan]

I love 10mm's. I own a EAA Witness in 9mm and the grip is very close. The G20 has a large grip, you might have a problem with little mitts. The biggest problem with EAA's is getting extra magazines. I have had my 9mm EAA for a little over a year and I still cannot find correct magazines. The "old frames" magazines do not fit the newer pistols. They only come with 1 factory supplied magazine. Finding extra magazines will prove to be difficult for this pistol.
______________________________________________________________________
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
Albert Einstein

 

[ATLDave]

As others have noted, EAA frames have been standardized, regardless of caliber, for several years. The 10mm has the same grip size as the 9mm or .40. Or .38 super, or .45acp.

Re: extra magazines, Henning is a good source. http://www.henningshootsguns.com/shop/magazines.html

 

[Torian]

As others have noted, EAA frames have been standardized, regardless of caliber, for several years. The 10mm has the same grip size as the 9mm or .40. Or .38 super, or .45acp.

Re: extra magazines, Henning is a good source. http://www.henningshootsguns.com/shop/magazines.html

Since Dave brought him up, he's good for a whole lot more than mags too. I purchased an upgraded guide rod as well as a 20 pound recoil spring from these guys.

Great service and prices...specifically catering to those die-hard Tangfolio fans like us