Need info on an AEI Witness

[RPBrown]

Can someone tell me a little something about this gun. What it's worth etc.

[SATX-Scrub]

Have you tried the 1911 forums?

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RPBrown]

The EAA Witness?

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I had a variant very close to this one in the late 80s (Tanfoglio) - my gunsmith cussed me out when I came to collect my pistol from him, saying that the metal of the integral front-sight was the hardest he'd ever drilled (I had a tritium lamp inserted). This was my personally-owned duty pistol when I was in armed response just before I transitioned to executive protection. Great, outstanding pistol - nlike the CZ75 upon which it was modeled, the slide could be retracted when the thumb-safety was engaged. I ultimately traded it in on a Norinco 1911 that I'd heard good things about via Bill Wilson.

The guns are very good, but the US distributors, EAA, can be a sour bunch when it comes to service. Value - depends on the specific model, as they make a number of game-ready versions eg. EAA Witness Elite Gold Team, etc

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Yes, come to find out it was the EAA. It is a customer of my wifes that has it for sale. She called me and asked me about an AEA. Now I own a couple of the EAA's and asked her to question him about it. He was very insistant that it was a AEA. Thats why I asked here as I had never heard of an AEA. However, I guess when he got home, he decided to verify it and he then called my wife back and apologetically said it was an EAA. He is up there in years (even more than me) and not remembering very well I guess. I am going to see it tonight because although he said he couldn't remember what model, he did remember that he paid around $1500. for it. He said he would sell it to us, actually my wife, for $700.00. He says he is to old to carry it anymore so he is getting something a little lighter.
I also know there have been a few issues with EAA's but I have not heard any about the upper end guns. I know that their customer service leaves a lot to be desired though.
Thanks for the reply

[AEA]

I am AEA....there is only one!

[RPBrown]

I am AEA....there is only one!

So now your a gun? No, wait a gun is now you? I am so confused.

[AEA]

[RPBrown]

I am going to see it tonight because although he said he couldn't remember what model, he did remember that he paid around $1500. for it. He said he would sell it to us, actually my wife, for $700.00.

It'll be interesting to hear what it is :)

Well , I did go look at it last night. It appeared to be an older version of the Basic Witness. However, it was in BAD shape. Barrel appeared to have never been cleaned. Inside and out was pitted and rusted, extractor was rusted, beaver tail was chipped and the overall condition was poor. I had to take a pass as I have enough project guns. Besides, with the shape it was in, I wouldn't have paid more than 250-300.

After talking to him some more, he actually only paid 700 for it a couple of years ago but was told it was worth 1500-1700. I didn't have the heart to tell him he probably got snookered.

[RPBrown]

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I was hoping it would turn out to be something awesome :(

So was I.