Larger Caliber pistol

If your considering trying bowling pins and having some versatility with your new-to-be pistol, I would suggest you look at what the competitors typically use in any of the events you might try. Look at brands also, and what the average competitors use, not just the elite competitors with highly modified firearms.

The 45acp caliber used in a 5" barreled 1911 is possibly the most versatile firearm ever made. But from my limited experience (maybe 1000 rounds in a 1911 over the last 18 months and still pretty limited....) The model and manufacturers have a lot to do with the experience. I shot a number of different 1911's at various ranges while traveling and owned a Remington R1 for a year or so. The overall 1911 experience varied quite a bit

The component standardization of the firearm might also be important in your purchase. As an example, the R1 had a proprietary dovetail cut for either the front or rear sight, so updating the sights was a no-go without machine work by a gunsmith (this might be different with newer models).
 
I would choose a good quality 1911 (Colt, Springfield on up) or Glock 21 or 30 over any Witness or EAA type gun. This is just because of customer service and parts, plus Colts, Springfield, Brown, Les Baer etc shoot so damn well.

The only caveat to Glock is the polygonal barrel and shooting cast bullets. I do shoot hard cast bullets in my G30 with no problems, yet clean it regularly. Very easy to get an aftermarket barrel though. This same caveat includes the Walther PPQ as well.
 
Let me ask this question. I just posted that I was able to fire both a 1911 and a Witness 45acp at the same time with the same ammunition with two different results. My impression was that I liked the Witness and disliked the 1911 so why would I or should I chose the one I disliked? That just doesn't make sense.

Also nothing against Glock but one is not on my list and I have no interest in one.
 
Many people find the model 1911 among the most pleasant pistols to shoot, but if you are not one of them, there is no reason not to go with a gun that fits you better.

The only caveat, which has already been mentioned, is that stories of poor customer service from EAA abound on the internet (I have no personal experience). If you buy an EAA and something breaks on it, you could be on your own.
 
Out of curiosity, is there a particular model you are leaning towards? Polymer, steel, match or elite?

Here’s my view on the 1911 vs the Witness. The Witness line gets a lot of crap because of EAA. Majority of the negative views I’ve seen come from the EAA customer service, it can be that bad. Some people can’t get past that, and I can’t blame them for that. Others are on the side of the 1911 is the best, can’t blame them for that either. It’s a fantastic platform. Lots of versatility to do things, but if you don’t like it then that aspect doesn’t do much good for you.

Something to remember is that EAA doesn’t build the Witness line, they just import some of the models. Tanfoglio is the manufacturer. Some parts are EAA only, some parts can be obtained from several vendors.

Ultimately, you have to buy the one you like the most. Not the one the most people like.
 
I do already own a EAA Witness Pavona in 380acp and love it. I also own a Taurus PT92C which I also have to keep hearing of the whole horrible CS. I have never had to send any firearm back so I have no experience with gun manufacture CS. So I guess I an lucky.

Areoflyer09 I completely understand and follow the 1911 and even all the Glock love and following analogy. Not going to even try to argue that.

I am at this time leaning towards the metal frame Witness in either the Compact, which is what I just shot, or the full size. The Match or Elite would be great but they are way out of my budget.

While at the range yesterday we laid the Compact 45 over my Pavona 380 and they were exactly the same size. Difference is one is metal and one is Polymer. Also when shooting the 45 Witness side by side with my Pavona 380 the 45 actually seemed to have a much milder recoil than the smaller 380.

Now while shooting the 1911 it felt to me more like when I was shooting my S&W Model 19 357 with full power magnums. That gun would peel the skin on the web between my thumb and forefinger. I experienced that same thing yesterday with the 1911. Not enjoyable at all.

Also that 1911 was much larger and heavier than the Compact Witness with a much longer barrel.
 
I haven’t had to use a warranty yet either.

Given you have a Pavona and you like the Witness platform, I’d say you have a pretty good idea what you’ll get. The only other thing I’d advise is consider one of the full size frames for a range toy, it’ll be heavier but also have a more mild recoil impulse. That weight should be why the .45 in a steel frame felt lighter than the 380 in polymer, though I’ve always found 380s to feel snappy in their recoil.

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a Witness P Carry in 10mm.
 
Well whichever way it proceeds a purchase now won't happen until after the 1st of the year as next month I'll be going in for a major surgery on my legs and so far they haven't told me how long the hospital stay is going to be. But I'll be dreaming.
 
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