Clone History
The Pre-Series 88 TZ75/TA90 (original series) were directly comparable to the original Pre-B CZ75. So much so, that some parts and Magazines will interchange. And yes, I have owned both at the same time. Both have now been traded off. The main differences at the time were Sights and Safeties. The original TZ75/TA90's used a Slide Mounted Hammer Drop Safety, while the CZ75 has always used a Frame Mounted Safety. Very early TZ75's/TA90's also had softer metallurgy. Later ones were much better. Notably the production just prior to the Series 88 pistols. Note that TZ75's were imported by FIE Corp and TA90's were imported by Excam Corp. Later on when both Companies went under, Employees from both would form EAA Corp and resume importation of Tanfoglio Pistols. About the same time, Springfield also began importing various Tanfoglio models as the P9, with some actually being finished in the USA.
It should also be noted that between the Pre-Series 88 and actual Series 88 Tanfoglio Pistols there were "Transitional" models with enough variation to drive a sane collector, nuts. These must be assessed/identified on their features and Serial Number range.
Series 88 TZ75/TA90's diverged dimensionally from the original TZ75/TA90 just as the CZ75B did from the Pre-B Series. I've read here that Series 88 Tanfoglio Pistols can use CZ75B/85B magazines, but have no direct experience of this. I do know that Series 88 Tanfoglio Pistols will use EAA Witness/Baby Eagle Magazines for the Series 88 and original Witness small frame. Very few, if any, parts will interchange between the Series 88, later Tanfoglio Pistols, and the CZ75B. EAA will have a stock of some parts for the early Tanfoglio Pistols.
Series 88 Tanfoglio Pistols and later Witnesses with older Serial Numbers prior to the EA Series are dimensionally compatible. EA Series and later Tanfoglio Pistols differ slightly dimensionally from all prior Series. Slides and Frames are typically not directly compatible, although it is possible to fit the Current Slides to the older Frames. It's a real big pain! I don't recommend it.
Swiss AT84 and Asai One Pro Pistols were based on the Series 88 and later Tanfoglio Pistols with magazines directly compatible per frame size. They were also made directly from castings from Tanfoglio with all finish work and barrels made by the Swiss. These were made/imported about the same time frame as the Springfield P9's. The Swiss designs have evolved into a different direction similar to current Sarsilmaz designs and rarely, if ever imported to the USA at this time.
IMI Baby Eagle and Jericho Pistols are based on the Series 88 and later Tanfoglio Pistols with magazines directly compatible per frame size. They are also made directly from castings from Tanfoglio with all finish work and barrels made by IMI/IWI.
Armalite AR24 Series Pistols are based on the original 9mm/.40 Tanfoglio Witness Frame, due to a contract Tanfoglio had with Sarsilmaz and the Turkish Government. My understanding is that they are no longer partnering with Sarsilmaz.
Armscor MAP Series Pistols are based on EA Series Tanfoglio/Witness 9mm/.40 Frame Pistols and are made/finished from Castings and Parts directly supplied by Tanfoglio. Baby Eagle/EAA Witness Magazines will work in these Pistols.
Current, 2005 and later, Witnesses are all built on the larger .45/10mm/.38 Super Frame. The original Tanfoglio 9mm/.40 Frame Pistols (MAP series) have been available from Armscor from time to time.
1992 and 2004 vintage .45 EAA Witnesses
