Somebody help me. witness question.

[cmetzger]

Okay guys brand new to the forum. Just joined so I could ask this question to you guys and gals. I am really wanting to get this witness http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/15612/eaa_999101_witness_steel_17+1_9mm_45. I am just so confused because I want it to be able to convert to .45 acp and can't find a concrete answer if this is the large frame or not. I have emailed Eaa which has only confused me more. I understand that all large frame guns can be converted to any other caliber but if it is not the large frame and is in fact the small frame. Would I be better off getting this http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/15617/eaa_999158_witness_steel_10+1_45acp_45? Since its the .45 to begin with it can convert down to the 9mm with the conversion kit? Sorry for all the text just so confused. I am ready to buy asap just don't wanna make a mistake. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[hemiram]

As far as I'm aware, ALL Wintesses have been large frame for several years.

[DenStinett]

Welcome to the Forum Cmetzger
I believe (most) all the new Witnesses are all Large Frame, and can be converted up to 45 or 10mm
You my ask Bud's to clarify if this 9mm IS a Large Framed Witness
BUT, since you are looking for a Conversion, 9mm - 45, save yourself a few bucks and buy the 45
For some reason, it's price seems to be less, and the Conversion Kits are mostly the same price   

[cmetzger]

Been thinking about doing exactly that. Just buying the .45 and converting to the 9mm anyways. Just not familiar with the average price of ammo for .45 in my area and the .45 would mostly be for novelty and occasional shooting so I thought I may just start with the 9mm I'm very indecisive but KNOW I want a witness.

[DenStinett]

I love mine
I run it as a 10mm Semi Compact for my DTD Carry
Then added the 10mm Longslide and the 22 Conversion Kit
Have thought about getting the 9mm Longslide, but just haven't gone there yet:

[cmetzger]

I definitely want the longslide. Once I get it I'll report back and let you know how it does!

[berts]

I believe that they have all been large frames since 2005 or 2006. I'd look into some of the higher end models like the stock II or elite match
 

[DenStinett]

I really enjoy their 22 Conversion too
Surprisingly accurate too
If you go with the 22 Kit, remember, there are two different Magazines
The Original (Black Follower) does not hold the Slide open on the Last Round
The New Style, (pictured) does hold, but needs the Slide Stop Spring trimmed a bit

[cmetzger]

Interesting. I'll certainly keep that in mind thank you for all the info. There is so much to learn about these since there were so many models

[jwc007]

The first ad for the 9mm Witness is a bit confusing as Large Frame Witnesses are supposed to be 18 + 1 Capacity, but that may be Bud's problem.
Only the Witness Classic is imported as a small frame 9mm and very few are imported each year, if any.

Buy the .45 ACP Witness and then get a 9mm Large Frame conversion.

[cmetzger]

The first ad for the 9mm Witness is a bit confusing as Large Frame Witnesses are supposed to be 18 + 1 Capacity, but that may be Bud's problem.
Only the Witness Classic is imported as a small frame 9mm and very few are imported each year, if any.

Buy the .45 ACP Witness and then get a 9mm Large Frame conversion.

My confusion exactly. However on EAAs website its magazines show http://eaacorp.com/gun_accessories/index.php/parts/tanfoglio/witness/magazine/large-frame/one-ea9m2005-18rd-101935.html that the 17 round is the large frame. I've been reading on the forum and you seem to be the in house witness expert lol

[jwc007]

Downgraded by one round.  Could be the current capacity or they were incorrectly listed earlier.

Small Frame Magazine capacities are supposedly 16 + 1 round, but most of the early ones were 15 + 1 round capacity.

[cmetzger]

Downgraded by one round.  Could be the current capacity or they were incorrectly listed earlier.

Small Frame Magazine capacities are supposedly 16 + 1 round, but most of the early ones were 15 + 1 round capacity.

Okay now let me get your opinion before I do something I regret. Since I will primarily be shooting 9mm do you think I would be safe to buy the 9mm and later convert it to the .45?

[jwc007]

Okay now let me get your opinion before I do something I regret. Since I will primarily be shooting 9mm do you think I would be safe to buy the 9mm and later convert it to the .45?

Buy the .45 ACP Witness and then get a 9mm Large Frame conversion.

My opinion has not changed.

[darink300zx]

The link to the 9mm you posted is a large frame.  You can tell by the sku number 999101.  I've bought nearly all my witnesses from buds and they always list the large frame as 17+1 and the small frame (witness PS, basically since the classics are few and far between) as 16+1.  In my opinion I would get the 9mm one if that is what you plan to shoot most.  The worst part, have you looked at the cost of the conversion kits?  Once you do you may just go ahead and buy the 2nd gun you linked to anyway, the whole gun isn't much more than the conversion kit. 

Here's a pic out of EAA's product catalog, referencing the 999101 sku.