Tanfoglio Force
Encyclopedia
The Tanfoglio Force, also known as Force 99, Force 2002, EAA Witness Polymer or EAA Witness P-Carry, is a modified clone of the Czech
CZ-75/CZ-85 semi-automatic pistol. It is made in Gardone Val Trompia
(Brescia), Italy
by Fratelli Tanfoglio S.N.C.
.
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.
The Tanfoglio Force is a short recoil operated, locked breech
semi-automatic pistol that uses a Browning Hi-Power
style linkless 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. 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 semi-automatic pistols 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.
s of the Tanfoglio Combat/Standard pistols varies from chambering to chambering and the exact Tanfoglio Tanfoglio Combat/Standard pistol variant. Technically the length of the magazine well in the handgrip dictates the shortest possible magazine length and accompanying minimum ammunition capacity. The maximum capacity of handgun magazines can however also be restricted by law in some jurisdictions.
In newer pistols the magazines are positioned 2 millimetre (0.078740157480315 in) higher in the gun to get the rounds nearer to the feeding ramp. The required replacement part to position the magazine higher in older pistols that exhibit feeding problems is offered by Tanfoglio Germany for their customers without charge.
Tanfoglio and EAA offer the following magazine capacities:
There are also "semi-factory" parts and modified magazines available to optimize Tanfoglio pistols for IPSC
competition and other racegun
usage.
, 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
, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP
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 corresponding magazine for the chambering. 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).
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.
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.
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.
The FORCE CARRY is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (16), 9x21mm (16) and .40 S&W (12) in blued finish.
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.
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.
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.
The FORCE 22 L is available in .22 Long Rifle (10) in blued finish.
}
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
CZ-75/CZ-85 semi-automatic pistol. It is made in Gardone Val Trompia
Gardone Val Trompia
Gardone Val Trompia is a town and comune in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy. It is bounded by other communes of Marcheno and Sarezzo. It is located in the Trompia valley. It is well-known for being the base of the major small arms manufacturers FAMARS and Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta....
(Brescia), Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
by Fratelli Tanfoglio S.N.C.
Tanfoglio
Fratelli Tanfoglio S.N.C. is an Italian gun manufacturing company. Their current weapons are used extensively in sport competitions and for personal defence. Tanfoglio is located in Gardone Val Trompia - Italy, and is known for its broad sport pistol catalogue...
.
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
Bren Ten
The Bren Ten was a semi-automatic pistol designed to advance the state of the art in sidearms, combining the then-new, powerful 10mm Auto round with a weapon of greater strength and accuracy than previous designs...
pistol. These handguns are all based on a beefed up CZ-75 platform and are close in appearance and size.
Design details
The Tanfoglio Force models are polymer frame versions of the Tanfoglio T95 Combat/Standard high strength steel frame models, 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, compact and subcompact pistol frame sizes.The Tanfoglio Force is a short recoil operated, locked breech
Recoil operation
Recoil operation is an operating mechanism used in locked-breech, autoloading firearms. As the name implies, these actions use the force of recoil to provide energy to cycle the action...
semi-automatic pistol that uses a Browning Hi-Power
Browning Hi-Power
The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. It is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized...
style linkless system. Most models have the capability of being fired single and double action and feature an ambidextrous frame-mounted combat "switch" style manual safety
Safety (firearms)
In firearms, a safety or safety catch is a mechanism used to help prevent the accidental discharge of a firearm, helping to ensure safer handling....
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. Unlike most other semi-automatic pistols, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside similar to the SIG P210
SIG P210
The SIG P210 is a locked breech semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured in Neuhausen am Rheinfall by Swiss Arms AG, formerly SIG Arms AG .It is of all steel construction chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and 7.65x21mm Parabellum...
. 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
Iron sights
Iron sights are a system of shaped alignment markers used as a sighting device to assist in the aiming of a device such as a firearm, crossbow, or telescope, and exclude the use of optics as in telescopic sights or reflector 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 semi-automatic pistols available in the 10mm Auto chambering.
Since 2006 all Tanfoglio Force models feature an integral MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail
Picatinny rail
The Picatinny rail or MIL-STD-1913 rail or STANAG 2324 rail or a "Tactical Rail" is a bracket used on some firearms in order to provide a standardized mounting platform. A similar system is the Weaver rail mount.-Description:...
to attach accessories, such as tactical light
Tactical light
A tactical light is a flashlight used in conjunction with a firearm to aid low light target identification, allowing the marksman to simultaneously aim and illuminate the target. Tactical lights can be handheld or mounted to the weapon with the light beam parallel to the bore...
and laser pointer sight modules to the gun.
Magazines
The capacity of the detachable box magazineMagazine (firearm)
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. Magazines may be integral to the firearm or removable . The magazine functions by moving the cartridges stored in the magazine into a position where they may be loaded into the chamber by the action...
s of the Tanfoglio Combat/Standard pistols varies from chambering to chambering and the exact Tanfoglio Tanfoglio Combat/Standard pistol variant. Technically the length of the magazine well in the handgrip dictates the shortest possible magazine length and accompanying minimum ammunition capacity. The maximum capacity of handgun magazines can however also be restricted by law in some jurisdictions.
In newer pistols the magazines are positioned 2 millimetre (0.078740157480315 in) higher in the gun to get the rounds nearer to the feeding ramp. The required replacement part to position the magazine higher in older pistols that exhibit feeding problems is offered by Tanfoglio Germany for their customers without charge.
Tanfoglio and EAA offer the following magazine capacities:
| Magazine capacity (rounds in the magazine) |
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 .40 S&W The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could... |
- | 9 | - | 11 | - | 13 | 14 | 15 | - | - |
| 10 mm Auto 10 mm Auto The 10mm Auto is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge developed by Jeff Cooper and introduced in 1983 for the Bren Ten pistol. It was initially produced by ammunitions manufacturer FFV Norma AB of Åmotfors, Sweden.Although it was selected by the F.B.I. for use in the field following the 1986 F.B.I... |
7 | - | 10 | 11 | - | - | - | 15 | - | - |
| .45 ACP .45 ACP The .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S... |
7 | 9 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| .22 Long Rifle .22 Long Rifle The .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is a long established variety of ammunition, and in terms of units sold is still by far the most common in the world today. The cartridge is often referred to simply as .22 LR and various rifles, pistols, revolvers, and even some smoothbore shotguns have... |
- | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
There are also "semi-factory" parts and modified magazines available to optimize Tanfoglio pistols for IPSC
International Practical Shooting Confederation
The International Practical Shooting Confederation is a shooting sport based on the concept of practical shooting. Accuracy, power and speed are all required to achieve a maximum score.-Founding and organization:...
competition and other racegun
Racegun
A racegun is a type of handgun, shotgun, or rifle that has been modified for accuracy, speed, and reliability. Used primarily in NRA Action Pistol , USPSA/IPSC and similar styles of competition, raceguns are typically based on common guns and modified to function the best within a certain set of...
usage.
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.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, and .22 Long Rifle
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is a long established variety of ammunition, and in terms of units sold is still by far the most common in the world today. The cartridge is often referred to simply as .22 LR and various rifles, pistols, revolvers, and even some smoothbore shotguns have...
(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
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
and .22 Long Rifle
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is a long established variety of ammunition, and in terms of units sold is still by far the most common in the world today. The cartridge is often referred to simply as .22 LR and various rifles, pistols, revolvers, and even some smoothbore shotguns have...
.
To convert between chamberings requires only the removal and installation of the appropriate barrel/slide/spring group and the insertion of the corresponding magazine for the chambering. 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
Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch GmbH is a German defense manufacturing company that produces various small arms. Some of their products include the SA80, MP5 submachine gun, G3 automatic rifle, the G36 assault rifle, the HK 416, the MP7 personal defense weapon, the USP series of handguns, and the high-precision...
and Glock
Glock
Glock Ges.m.b.H. is a weapons manufacturer headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, named after its founder, Gaston 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 pocket 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).External links
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