Tanfoglio Force
| Tanfoglio Force (99) / EAA Witness Polymer (P) | |
|---|---|
 Tanfoglio Force 99 / EAA Witness Polymer P | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |  Italy |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1997 |
| Manufacturer | Tanfoglio |
| Produced | 1997-present |
| Variants | FORCE FORCE SPORT FORCE COMPACT FORCE CARRY FORCE CARRY R POLICE FORCE CARRY F PRO FORCE L FORCE 22 L |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 850 grams (30 oz) (FORCE) 850 grams (30 oz) (FORCE SPORT) 750 grams (26 oz) (FORCE COMPACT) 750 grams (26 oz) (FORCE CARRY) 775 grams (27.3 oz) (FORCE CARRY R POLICE) 775 grams (27.3 oz) (FORCE CARRY F PRO) 892 grams (31.5 oz) (FORCE L) 600 grams (21 oz) (FORCE 22 L) |
| Length | 210 millimetres (8.3 in) (FORCE) 210 millimetres (8.3 in) (FORCE SPORT) 195 millimetres (7.7 in) (FORCE COMPACT) 195 millimetres (7.7 in) (FORCE CARRY) 195 millimetres (7.7 in) (FORCE CARRY R POLICE) 195 millimetres (7.7 in) (FORCE CARRY F PRO) 220 millimetres (8.7 in) (FORCE L) 220 millimetres (8.7 in) (FORCE 22 L) |
| Barrel length | 113 millimetres (4.4 in) (FORCE) 113 millimetres (4.4 in) (FORCE SPORT) 93 millimetres (3.7 in) (FORCE COMPACT) 93 millimetres (3.7 in) (FORCE CARRY) 93 millimetres (3.7 in) (FORCE CARRY R POLICE) 93 millimetres (3.7 in) (FORCE CARRY F PRO) 121 millimetres (4.8 in) (FORCE L) 135 millimetres (5.3 in) (FORCE 22 L) |
| Width | 35.6 millimetres (1.40 in) |
| Height | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) (full and subcompact size frame) 114 millimetres (4.5 in) (compact size frame) |
| Cartridge | 9x19mm Parabellum 9x21mm .38 Super Auto .40 S&W .45 ACP 10 mm Auto .22 Long Rifle |
| Action | short recoil, tilting barrel |
| Feed system | Detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Fixed and adjustable 3-dot type |
The Tanfoglio Force, also known as TZ-75 or EAA Witness Polymer (P), is a modified clone of the Czech CZ-75 semi-automatic pistol. It is made in Gardone Val Trompia (Brescia), Italy by Fratelli Tanfoglio snc.
The Tanfoglio Force polymer frame model was introduced in 1997, while the Force 99 model with a redesigned frame appeared two years later, in 1999. The pistols are imported into the United States by European American Armory Corporation (EAA) and called the "Witness Polymer" (Force) and "Witness Polymer P" (Force 99).
Some firearms enthusiasts consider the Tanfoglio T95 Combat/Standard pistol (the steel frame version of the Force) and Tanfoglio Force chambered in 10 mm Auto the "natural" heirs of the famous Bren Ten pistol. These handguns are all based on a beefed up CZ-75 platform and are close in appearance and size.[1]
Design details
Basically the Tanfoglio Force models are polymer frame versions of the Tanfoglio T95 Combat/Standard high strength steel frame models[2], that, in turn, are clones of the famous CZ-75 pistol design, save for minor details. The FORCE 22L variant has however a standard sized polymer/aluminium combination frame and the FORCE CARRY R POLICE and FORCE CARRY F PRO variants are hybrid designs, using a polymer frame, and polished steel "Wonder" finish slide. The Tanfoglio Force is offered in several variants in full sized and subcompact pistol frame sizes.
The Tanfoglio Force is a short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a Browning Hi-Power style link less system. Most models have the capability of being fired single and double action and feature an ambidextrous frame-mounted combat "switch" style manual safety that locks the sear so the trigger cannot be moved rearward as well as an internal firing pin block safety which stops the firing pin from travelling forward. The manual, safety allows the pistol to be carried with the hammer back, ready for use just by switching the safety off, a configuration known as condition one. It is unusual for pistols to have a manual safety, most of them having a safety-decocker combination. Unlike most other semi-automatic pistols, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside similar to the SIG P210. This provides a very tight slide-to-frame fit, very good barrel lock-up and contributes to good accuracy. A new slide with a slide-mounted safety/decocker lever (similar to the Tanfoglio T95 Standard) is available for the Force 99 as a factory option. Most variants have fixed iron sights with three dots for increased visibility. Fully adjustable micrometer competition sights that can be adjusted for windage are fitted to some variants. The Tanfoglio Force models feature high capacity "double stack" magazines. It is also one of the few production pistols still available in the 10mm Auto chambering.
Since 2006 all Tanfoglio Force models feature an integral MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail to attach accessories, such as tactical light and laser pointer sight modules to the gun.
Magazines
The detachable box magazine capacity of the Tanfoglio Force pistols varies from chambering to chambering and the exact Tanfoglio Force/EAA Witness Polymer P pistol variant. The length of the magazine well in the handgrip dictates the shortest possible magazine length and accompanying minimum ammunition capacity. For several chamberings high capacity magazines are available that can hold more cartridges.
Tanfoglio and EAA list the following magazine capacities:
| Magazine capacity (rounds) | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 |
| 9x19mm Parabellum | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 15 | 16 | 18 |
| 9x21mm | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 15 | 16 | 18 |
| .38 Super Auto | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | 16 | 18 |
| .40 S&W | - | 9 | - | 11 | - | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | - |
| 10 mm Auto | 7 | - | 10 | 11 | - | - | - | 15 | - | - |
| .45 ACP | 7 | 9 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| .22 Long Rifle | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Significant differences from the CZ-75
The biggest difference between the Tanfoglio Force and the CZ-75 is chambering options; while the CZ-75 is available in 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .22 Long Rifle (in its Kadet model), the Force is unique in its ability to interchange calibers rapidly between 9x19mm Parabellum, 9x21mm, .38 Super Auto, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto and .22 Long Rifle.
To convert between chamberings requires only the removal and installation of the appropriate barrel/slide/spring group and the insertion of the for the chambering corresponding magazine. This enables a user to switch from 9 mm to .38 Super Auto or 10 mm Auto to .45 ACP, etc. in literally seconds, allowing European shooters the flexibility of several calibers on one "registered" lower receiver.
Due to its larger magazine width, the Tanfoglio Force pistol can be somewhat uncomfortable for shooters with smaller hands, but with aftermarket grips can be made to be as thin as the M1911 while carrying an extra 3 rounds in .45 ACP. Also, the steel versions are somewhat heavier than their composite counterparts and competition, such as Heckler & Koch and Glock. Accuracy varies but out of box the Tanfoglio Force types are similar in accuracy to other semi-auto pistols costing hundreds of US dollars more. Also there are accurized variants such as the Gold, Gold Match, Limited & Combat Sport versions (also known as "Witness Elite" in the United States).
Variants
The Tanfoglio Force is produced in several variants. The ammunition capacity of the default magazine of the variant (number of cartridges in the magazine + 1 in the chamber) is expressed after the chambering between brackets.
FORCE
Self-defence orientated full size pistol with a polymer frame and a high-capacity magazine. The pistol has a "cocked and locked" safety on the frame with an automatic firing pin safety, double action trigger, standard reversible magazine catch, standard hammer three dots sights, and standard magazine. The FORCE is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (16), 9x21mm (16), .38 Super Auto (17), .40 S&W (14), 10mm Auto (11) and .45 ACP (10) in blued finish.
FORCE SPORT
Action shooting and self-defence orientated full size pistol with a polymer frame and a high-capacity magazine. The pistol has a "cocked and locked" safety on the frame with an automatic firing pin safety, double action trigger, standard reversible magazine catch, standard hammer three dots sights, and standard magazine. The FORCE SPORT is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (16), 9x21mm (16), .38 Super Auto (17), .40 S&W (12), 10mm Auto (11) and .45 ACP (10) in blued finish.
FORCE COMPACT
Self-defence orientated compact size pistol with a polymer frame and a compact-capacity magazine. The pistol has a "cocked and locked" safety on the frame with an automatic firing pin safety, double action trigger, standard reversible magazine catch, standard hammer and three dots sights. The FORCE COMPACT is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (13), 9x21mm (13), .38 Super Auto (13), .40 S&W (12), 10mm Auto (8) and .45 ACP (8) in blued finish.
FORCE CARRY
Self-defence orientated subcompact size pistol with a polymer frame and a compact-capacity magazine. The pistol has a double action trigger, frame with rounded trigger guard, standard reversible magazine catch, extended beavertail, standard safety, standard hammer, rubber grips, three dots sights, standard magazine. The FORCE CARRY is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (16), 9x21mm (16) and .40 S&W (12) in blued finish.
FORCE CARRY R POLICE
Self-defence orientated subcompact size pistol with a polymer frame, steel slide and a compact-capacity magazine. The pistol has a "cocked and locked" safety on the frame with an automatic firing pin safety, double action trigger, standard reversible magazine catch, standard hammer and three dots sights. The FORCE CARRY R POLICE is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (15) and 9x21mm (15). The steel slide is available in military blued, polished "Wonder" finish, blue "Wonder" finish or hard chrome finish.
FORCE CARRY F PRO
Self-defence orientated subcompact size pistol with a polymer frame, steel slide and a compact-capacity magazine. The pistol has a double action trigger, frame with rounded trigger guard, standard reversible magazine catch, extended beavertail, standard safety, standard hammer, rubber grips and three dots sights. The FORCE CARRY F PRO is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (15), 9x21mm (15). The steel slide is available in military blued, polished "Wonder" finish, blue "Wonder" finish or hard chrome finish.
FORCE L
Target and action shooting orientated full size pistol with a polymer frame , long slide, double action trigger, frame with rounded trigger guard, standard reversible magazine catch, extended beavertail, extended safety, standard hammer, rubber grips, super sight (adjustable micrometer rear sight), dovetail front sight and a standard magazine. The FORCE L is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (15), 9x21mm (15), .38 Super Auto (17), .40 S&W (12), 10mm Auto (11) and .45 ACP (10) in blued finish.
FORCE 22 L
Target and action shooting orientated small bore full size pistol with a polymer frame , long slide, single action trigger, frame with rounded trigger guard, standard reversible magazine catch, extended beavertail, extended safety, standard hammer, rubber grips, super sight (adjustable micrometer rear sight), dovetail front sight and a 10-round magazine. The FORCE 22 L is available in .22 Long Rifle (10) in blued finish.
Parts availability in the United States
Due to the limited number of US imported pistols and popularity, the Tanfoglio Force pistol - while an inexpensive semi-automatic to buy - is difficult to purchase parts for as most parts (such as magazines or conversion kits) are only available through European American Armory Corporation (EAA).
See also
References
- ^ Side by side views of the EAA Witness Steel and the Bren Ten 10 mm Auto pistols.
- ^ The Tanfoglio T95 Combat/Standard high strength steel frame models are available in four basic forms: L, COMBAT SPORT, COMBAT, STANDARD, CARRY, CARRY STANDARD, COMPACT and COMPACT STANDARD in standard and subcompact pistol frame sizes. The steel surface finish can be military blued, polished "Wonder" finish, blue "Wonder" finish or hard chrome finish.
