+P Ammo in Polymer Framed 45 ACP?

147 Grain · 09-03-2005, 11:04 AM

Just bought a EAA Witness Compact 45 auto (Tanfoglio) with 3.77" barrel and was shocked to find the Instruction Manual recommending against +P ammo in all their polymer framed pistols.

Questions:

* Is this a legal tactic?
* EAA is saying this to prevent possible warranty claims?
* Poly frame actually cannot handle extended +P use?
* Pistol is really up to the task of +P ammo?

Can the dual Recoil Springs be upgraded to slow the slide speed down for better protection of the polymer frame?

Thank-you in advance of your advice!

Steve

frizzellr · 09-03-2005, 02:12 PM

I have never found it necessary to use +P ammo in a 45 ACP. I suspect the warning against it is for liability reasons, however I wouldn't test it.

Roskoe · 09-03-2005, 02:17 PM

Dont' do it. If something goes haywire, they are not going to stand behind the pistol. Standard veloctiy .45 ammo has always had enough horsepower for any appropriate task.

147 Grain · 09-03-2005, 02:32 PM

So what standard pressure self defense ammo do you suggest?

* Ranger T 230-gr. (RA45T)
* Golden Saber 230-gr.
* WWB 230-gr. at Walmart

frizzellr · 09-03-2005, 02:38 PM

230 grain Federal Hydra-Shok

Roskoe · 09-03-2005, 08:51 PM

My #1 choice is the 185 gr. Speer Gold Dot. Federal 230 gr.Hydro-Shock is also good, as frizzler suggested. I carry a .45 around all the time, and have shot a lot of critters with it over the years. Some of them, like a coyote, are very difficult to kill with a pistol. I have shot about a dozen with the 185 Gold Dot - as well as a couple of deer and a rogue rotweiler - puts them on the ground in a hurry.