Tisas, founded in 1993, is a Turkish company which has become recognized as a builder of quality pistols at affordable prices. My experience with Tisas guns (prior to the 1911 Commander that is the subject of this review) has been very positive. I own a Tisas Zigana 9mm and a Tisas replica of the U.S. Army 1911A1.
Both firearms have performed admirably and were affordable. My experience with these Tisas firearms, plus my appreciation for the 1911 platform (especially in the Commander size), prompted me to obtain this model from SDS Imports, the importer of Tisas firearms.
Stingray Carry Features
In one respect, a 1911 is a 1911, and because it is a well-known platform, it’s hard to come up with distinguishing features that set one 1911 apart from the others. However, in this case, there are some. After all, I picked this one out of a lineup consisting of 40 different 1911 configurations in the SDS catalog.
First and foremost, I picked the Tisas Stingray Carry because it’s a Commander and it’s chambered for the 9mm cartridge. Those are simply personal preferences of mine. Should you prefer something else, such as a government-sized 1911 in .45 ACP, Tisas has it.
This model has an aluminum frame which provides a lighter overall pistol compared to its steel counterparts. For improving the profile, and to reduce the possibility of printing when concealed, the frame comes with an Ed Brown Bobtail. A set of Sunburst-textured G10 grips fill the hand and provide a slip-resistant texture.
The slide is made of forged steel, rounded, and slick all over except for a section of aggressively stippled serrations on the rear portion that work great for racking the slide. Inside this beautiful slide is a cold hammer-forged 4.25-inch barrel designed for longevity and accuracy.
The slide comes equipped with Novak-style three-dot sights for a precise sight picture. Making the gun southpaw friendly, Tisas installed an ambidextrous safety. For long-lasting finish protection, this pistol comes with a gray Cerakote finish on the frame.
I have come to appreciate the Ed Brown-designed bobtail on two of the .45 ACP Commanders I own. Those two guns were in my regular carry rotation when shooting .45 ACP didn’t bother me. I love carrying a 1911, and this one in 9mm with the bobtail is just the ticket. It has the Commander-style skeletonized hammer and curved trigger with front-face serrations. The frame ahead of the trigger guard is smooth, making for easy holstering and a clean, smooth draw.
Tisas chose the 70 series operating system for this model. What that means is that it doesn’t have a trigger-activated firing pin block as an added safety. Instead, it has a titanium firing pin that is not prone to movement unless, and until, the trigger is pulled.
Among 1911 aficionados there are those who believe the trigger operation on the series 70 system is smoother. There are certainly less parts which theoretically could result in longer life and less maintenance. I own 1911s with both types of system. Personally, I cannot tell the difference when shooting them, and I’ve never had any mechanical trouble with either style.
1911 Evaluation
When evaluating a 1911 pistol, I like to compare it against known standards. In this case, since I have two, quality, bobtail Commander-sized 1911s (SIG and S&W), I set out to compare them. One area where the three differ the most is weight.
The SIG is all steel and tips the scales at 37.3 ounces. The S&W is a scandium/aluminum hybrid that weighs 29.3 ounces. The aluminum-framed Tisas weighs 31.5 ounces. That’s not enough weight difference to affect your shooting. At least it doesn’t seem that way to me.
The SIG and S&W both have external extractors, but the Tisas doesn’t. Does that make any difference in how the gun shoots or handles? No. The two Series 80 guns feel no different to me than the Series 70 gun on the firing line.
Trigger pull on all three guns is consistent at 6 pounds. All three hammers click distinctively at the half-cock position. The shape of the Tisas and S&W hammers are the same. The grip safeties on all three operate and feel the same. Three dot sights top all three guns, but they are night sights on the SIG and S&W but not on the Tisas. I expect I’ll change that.
The biggest difference I can detect in handling all three guns is the SIG and S&W both have checkered front and back straps. The front and rear backstraps on the Tisas are smooth. When it comes time to shoot, the only real difference is noted since the SIG and the S&W are both .45 ACP guns, and the Tisas is a 9mm.
Before going to the range, I disassembled the pistol for cleaning and oiling as recommended. Takedown is standard 1911, assisted by the plastic barrel bushing wrench included in the case the gun was shipped in. Examining the internals reinforces the recognition that Tisas pistols are quality products. There is no sloppy engineering anywhere.
Range Testing
I shared the shooting chores with a buddy, and we proceeded to put rounds downrange at targets located at seven yards and 10 yards. A lot of the ammo we shot was Blazer 115-grain FMJ. We both experienced rounds shooting slightly below point of aim but grouped well. We tried various brands of JHP in 124- and 147-grain with the same result. Shots landed slightly below the point of aim but grouped tightly.
Early on, there were some extraction issues and some stove pipes — all with the Blazer ammo. However, these issues cleared up after 100 rounds or so. The manual did suggest a 500-round break-in period may be necessary. I’ve always rejected the notion that a new gun would need such a break-in period. In this case however, I guess it’s true. It really didn’t take that many rounds and shooting was enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Because I like Commanders, appreciate the bobtail, and didn’t currently have one in 9mm, I elected to pay for the Tisas Stingray rather than send it back at the end of the evaluation period. This brings up my take on a rather controversial subject that has been making the rounds in the gun media lately. The subject is carry rotation versus a single gun, carry position, 24/7 carry.
I understand the training that suggests you should be thoroughly familiar with your carry gun. The best way to do that is to shoot it often, so shooting and operating it is second nature. I shoot often and shoot a variety of guns. My role as a reviewer and writer requires it. Regardless of the gun I draw from a holster, I instinctively know how to shoot it.
At any given time, I may have four or five handguns at the ready. I do rotate through them. For each gun, I have a holster that will securely hold it and is easy to draw from.
I’m confident, should the need arise to put a gun in play, I’ll be able to deploy and operate any gun I may have on my person. Your thoughts?
I love Tisas. I am currently looking at the B45 Stingray & also the new Aviator. As for carry rotation, I always commit to at least 6 months with a new pistol.
I always wanted a light weight commander 1911 with a bobtail. So this past spring I purchased Tisas Stingray in 45 acp.
Upon getting it home I did a thorough cleaning of it and found it to be well made. No tool marks.
I checked the trigger pull with a electronic gauge. It was a constant 4.2.lbs.
I fired around 600 RDS so far though it. Ball ammo ran 1 1/2″, my competition loads ran just under a inch.
The only hiccups I have with it is when I extract a live 230gr rounds with it. I have to work the slide with some vigor
On the whole I’m impressed with the gun.
I have an early model COLT 45 1911 series 70, and a STAR 9mm BM semi 1911 Clone. (No grip safety.) Do feel that a “full size” 1911 is better suited for the 45 cartridge, and now maybe also the 10mm. As the STAR BM is ~2/3 the size of the 45 caliber 1911, feel that size makes it a better match for the 9mm cartridge. Still, even though it is chambered in 9mm, got me thinking how to get one pass the wife. The “Full Size” 1911 (series 70) is still a good pistol for every shooter. Now, if only somebody would also bring back the 38 Super chambering.
I am a 1911 Devotee but have a 4 gun rotation and will primarily carry a micro 9 (P365 Nitro or Glock 43X) my winter carry is a 1911 (Sig Scorpion Carry or Springfield Emissary both 45 acp commanders). I have no concern about mixing the platforms as the only significant difference in operation is the manual safety of the 1911’s; which is the platform I cut my teeth on. I agree on the rotation approach as seasonal lighting and clothing are what I consider the dominant factors in a potential self defense situation. I am prior military so situational awareness is drilled into me but I do occasionally get a little lapse with my phone and getting into/out of my car so I guess I need to tighten that up. My biggest challenge is the state I live in (Maryland); being one of the hateful 8 with it’s jigsaw puzzle laws for carry it can be difficult to carry on body (my preferred method) so I sometimes go to a sling bag just incase I have to secure my weapon in my vehicle because of anti-2nd Amendment local laws regarding bearing arms even with a permit. Hopefully the Supreme Court sorts all this non-sense out soon so that law abiding citizens will be able to “Keep & Bear” their arms without fear of persecution.
I for one do not think the 1911 platform was designed to be a 9mm gun. It was successful for many years as the 45. When anyone thinks of a 1911 they automatically think 45. To see any manufacturer make one in a 9 mm is a huge disappointment. Some things were never meant to be changed. I own numerous 1911s. But I will never own one in 9mm. If this tisas was a .45 I would buy one right now but not in 9mm. Maybe I’m just old school but I don’t believe in the 9mm as a solid protection caliber. Thank you for your very detailed reviews and mostly I agree with your conclusions.
Mike,
Tisas has lots of 1911 .45s too!
Also, I get what you about the 1911 platform being associated with .45 caliber, but let’s not forget the John Moses Browning developed the the Browning Hi-Power in 9mm… ~Dave
A couple of follow up comments: Regarding break-in I’ve found that using Winchester Silver Tip ammo speeds the process. Why? Because the silver coating actually works as a lubricant that helps make the feed ramp slick and smooth. Regarding carry rotation, I agree staying with the same platform is wise, especially if you don’t shoot a lot. I shoot often enough and with enough variety i have not trouble adjusting to a new or different gun. They all have sights and they all have triggers. I make sure I can draw smoothly and the sights line up properly and I have tested the gun to insure i feeds.
BTW I did enjoy your review of the Tisas Stingray 1911. Looks like it has all the bells and whistles and a good looking gun, now I want one to add to my stable! Break in period seems a little extreme, but so what, just an excuse to shoot more.
You asked about rotate carry.but not sure what you mean. I am a 1911 guy, and like you, the LW Commander is my fav for carry. I think rotate carry is fine but I like to stay with the same platform. Familarity is a big issue to me, not so much the particular gun. I have several I rotate but all the same platform and cal. I use the same ammo and the same mags. KISS (keep it simple stupid) I have several Striker fire pistols that I enjoy at the range, but for carry I choose to stay with the 1911 platform that I have shot all my life and can control without thinking. My wife and son can shoot them well @ the range but prefer a revolver (.38/.357) for carry or the nightsand or purse. Familarity & Simplicity are the key here, For them a D/A revolver just point and shoot. Even though they are excellent shooters at the range, A semi-auto can be complicated under duress. When you ask about rotational carry, My thoughts are it is not ideal to carry a 1911 one day, a revolver the next then a Striker next. Carry what you know and are most comfortable with and stick to it. I am talking basic platform here. If you want to rotate between your Glock/Sig/M&P,fine or your 686/Snake gun/orGP100 ok, Or like me different 1911’s. Would like to hear your reply.
Nice write up Dave . I had the same result as you in the first 100 rounds or so and like your experience it all cleared up quickly . I acquired the Stingray for the same reasons as you as well but after my experience with the Tisas I’m thinking about adding the 45 version too . The Ed Brown bobtail makes them a bit more concealable for my medium / small frame so that’s my reasoning for my 8th 1911 .
Colonel K, the short answer to your question about weight is that materials make the difference. I just weighed my examples of the Commanders you mentioned and got the following results:
Colt Commander 26.9 ounces
Tisas Commander 28,0 ounces
S&W Commander 26,8 ounces
Not enough difference for most people to distinguish the difference. I’m a bit puzzled at why my Tisas Stingray weighs a few ounces less today than it did when I weighed it for the article.
I do not carry every time I go out. I know people who do and most of them (I have watched them or noted them when I saw them out) do not maintain situational awareness. I have surprised several of them in the store just by coming up to them from behind and speaking to them, and I was not in any kind of stealth mode. I do not do stealth very well anymore, even in the woods. (I prefer a fixed deer stand to still hunting for that reason.)
I have watched men who I know carry going to their car, answer their phone and lose all situational awareness while in conversation. The biggest thing I have noted is most people answer their phone with their dominant hand. They got into their car, did NOT lock the door after them, and when the call was over, they appeared to be texting, never taking their eyes off their phone during any of that time, If a carjacker had appeared any time after the phone call began, they would have been caught completely unaware.
I have noticed that most people who carry begin with a period of hypervigilance of their immediate environment, but as time goes by with no negative incidents, they become almost complacent. That is a normal human response when one repeats the same routine and has no red flag events. It is hard to maintain the elevated vigilance status over an extended period of time and as that time goes by, we all lose the edge. It is different if one is a soldier in the field with a high probability of negative contact. Years ago, I saw some troops who had no edge even while in the field because nothing had happened to them for a while so they didn’t really believe it would happen to them, just due to inactivity in their vicinity. If that happens in the military, I can guarantee you, civilians will lose their edge much faster in the repeated, humdrum of life in a civilian inactive, non-confrontational society.
That being said, When I carry, I generally choose my Smith Performance Center Pro-Series 1911. It is their version of the Officer’s Model so it has a 3″ barrel. I prefer the size, it shoots well and I have a Crimson Trace grip on it that puts my shots spot on out to about 10 to 15 yards. I have noticed that during those times I am carrying, I become more aware of my surroundings. But those times are frequently when I going to the Credit Union with my wife and she is picking up cash or going out into the woods.
I have had very few times in the last 45 years where I felt the need for a weapon was imminent. Those times where it was of concern, I had one. I was traveling and entering unfamiliar territory. In the end, there was no need for me to draw a weapon, but I had it.
I too have a few of the Tisas 1911’s and love them all. I also have other maker’s products in 1911 platform, Sig, Colt, Taurus and Tisas. The Tisas I bought last is the Devilray rendition and absolutely love it. The price, quality and craftsmanship are excellent and I really like the finish and fitment of the parts. The price allows more money for ammo and other 1911’s so it’s a win, win for me and my boys. Already looking forward to other new offerings from this Turkish gunmaker, politics permitting.
My 1977 manufactured Colt Commander weights 26 ounces. Why is the S&W over three ounces heavier and the Tisas more than five?
Thank you David. The Tisas 1911 sounds quite interesting. I am presently living in Germany, am a licensed hunter (Jagdschein) and a member of a sport shooting club (Schützenverein). I have Turkish friends here who could probably easily arrange a place to stay in Trabzon (Turkey) to do a factory tour… which I may just do. It’s difficult to get a carry permit here (CCW or otherwise) but that has nothing to do with ownership for hunter carry or for transporting weapons for shooting events. Thanks again for the great info… I’ll let Google take me from here.