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45 ACP - Witness Compact Steel or Taurus PT945?

MWRevan
This is the second time I've decided I want a 45 acp pistol. The first time I ended up buying a Glock 29 instead because I fell in love with the ballistics of the 10mm cartridge - especially the true 10mm hot loads. Anyway, I still want a 45 acp. I already have a polymer frame gun so this time I want all steel. I am definitely on a budget. I do not really care for full size frames - I'm not a big man. And this time I do not want a double action only pistol. I want single / double action with a hammer. So I have pretty much narrowed my choices to the Witness Compact Steel Wonder or the Taurus PT945. I have heard very good reviews of the witness line, but I have also heard of cracked frames and slides. On the other hand, Taurus isn't exactly top of the line, and I have read mixed reviews on this brand. I do like the fact that its stainless, though.

What I want to know is which one would perform better and last longer in the long run. Please don't offer suggestions for other calibers nor for a pistol that is outside of my price range. (Round about $500 plus the FFL fees / taxes / shipping.)

Any and all help is much appreciated. Thanks, Michael [:D]
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • 45forme
    This question should probably go in the General Discussion section since noboby can give a true 'correct' answer, but for what it is worth here is my opinion:

    Of the two you mentioned, I like the Witness. A very ergonomic design that has been tested on an extremely large scale when you consider the 9mm versions. I also like the higher capacity.

    If I was buying one for under $500: Para GI expert

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=191980462

    It will have a better trigger and probably be more rugged than the other two, although you seem to be looking for something a little more compact. I am not as big of fan of the smaller 1911's
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  • fastcarsgofast
    Of the two I'd also go with the witness.
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  • oldnbald
    I really love my Rock Island compact tactical. They're worth a look.
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  • royc38
    Another vote for the Witness. Nice thing about them is you can eventually get different calibers for them if you want later on.
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  • tsr1965
    The Taurus doesen't even come close to the Witness...+1 for the Witness.

    EDIT 1

    If you want a real bull dog, look at the Ruger P90...nothing short of great!
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  • iwannausername
    Witness, especially because you can convert the 45 to 22lr, 9mm, 38 super, 40s&w, 10mm. Each conversion kit is about $250.
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  • yearofspider
    +1 for the Witness. If you change your mind about double action, you might want to look at this one: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=191321625
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  • beantownshootah
    IMO, Witness is the better gun.

    Its based on the CZ-75, which is a tried and true platform. The platform lets you go EITHER cocked-and-locked, OR hammer down (DA first pull), which is nice.

    Plus, as mentioned, its ergonomic and is easily caliber-convertable.

    I've never heard of cracked frames or slides on this gun. In fact, all I know suggests just the opposite; that its quite tough. It will handle 10mm and supposedly can even run 9x23 Winchester (which runs at rifle-like pressures) from the .38 Super platform.

    Edit: By the way, the Tanfoglio "Wonder" finish is a carbo-nitrided finish similar to Glocks proprietary "Tenifer" finish, Smith and Walther's "Melonite", Sig's "Nitron" etc. Its a very good finish, though unlike the others Tanfoglio doesn't blacken its version with parkerizing or another way.
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  • midnightrunpaintballer
    If you're looking at taurus already, you should take a look at their PT1911. Fits your criteria and can be found in your budget range. I've shot one and I'd put it up against my Kimber any day.

    I believe they should have the compact model out now too. I haven't really followed it so I'm not sure, but last I heard, there was one in the making.
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  • 32 Magnum
    I vote for the "WITNESS", also.
    I've owned four of them (full size steel .45ACP, polymer frame compact .45ACP, full size steel 9mm and a compact steel .40S&W) - ALL needed a bit of feed ramp polishing and two of them needed heavier recoil springs - I did this to save some money on what would have been essential "break-in" rounds down the tube. My full size Witness .45ACP (circa 1999, cost me $295 + tax and tags at a gun show NIB) is the most consistently accurate and reliable with all types/brands of ammo of all my .45s.
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  • Pistollero1050
    I would buy something used in that price range rather than buy either one. I just had to replaced the trigger bar on a Witness. Get the real one (CZ) not a knock off. And we all know about Taurus (yuck).
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