SDS-Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 9mm with Black Finish Review
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is a modernized version of the iconic 1911 pistol, a classic firearm popular with shooters for over a century. The Service 9MM is manufactured by Tisas, a Turkish firearms company known for producing high-quality firearms at affordable prices. The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 features several upgrades that make it a reliable and accurate pistol while retaining the classic design elements that have made 1911 a favorite among gun enthusiasts. This “SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Review” will look closer at the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 and evaluate its features, performance, and overall value.
Table of contents
- SDS-Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 9mm with Black Finish Review
- Tisas or SDS?
- About the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9
- Unboxing the 1911A1 Service 9
- Tisas 1911A1 Service 9
- SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Photo Gallery
- Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Aftermarket Parts Compatibility
- SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Wrap
- SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm FAQs
Tisas or SDS?
When I was first told about the Tisas line of 1911’s, they were referred to as an “SDS 1911A1 Service 9”, and many times since then, I have heard different “Tisas” 1911s referred to as “SDS”. So to help clear up any confusion, here is the low down on the mix-up.
The 1911A1 Service 9 is made by Tisas, a firearms manufacturer based in Turkey. SDS Imports is a US-based importer and distributor of firearms, including Tisas products, but they are not the manufacturer of the 1911A1 Service 9. So, to answer the question, the 1911A1 Service 9 is made by Tisas and imported to the US by SDS Imports.
About the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is a modernized version of the classic 1911 pistol design, which has been in production for over a century. The Tisas company is based in Turkey and has produced firearms since the early 1990s.
The 1911A1 Service 9 and the 1911 Carry B45 were introduced in 2018 and quickly gained popularity among gun enthusiasts who appreciated their great pricing and combination of classic styling and modern features. The pistol is chambered in 9mm, making it easier to shoot and more affordable to practice than the .45 ACP chambered original 1911.
Unboxing the 1911A1 Service 9
The 1911A1 Service 9 arrives in a cardboard box with foam padding. The pistol is securely nestled in a foam insert inside the box, including a lock, a magazine, a manual, a takedown tool, and cleaning rods.
As you first take the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 out of the box, you can immediately appreciate the classic design that has made the 1911 such a beloved pistol. The gun’s weight feels solid and well-balanced in your hand, and the black Cerakote finish gives the gun a sleek and badass look. Overall, the unboxing isn’t full of exciting extras and a luxury presentation, but the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 makes a hell of a first impression.
Tisas 1911A1 Service 9
Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 Specifications
- MANUFACTURER: Tisas
- FAMILY: 1911 Style Pistol Series
- MODEL: 1911A1 Service
- TYPE: Semi-Auto Pistol
- ACTION: Single Action
- CALIBER/GAUGE: 9MM
- FINISH: Black Cerakote
- FINISH TYPE: Applied Finish
- FRAME: Steel Frame
- STOCK/GRIPS: Black Plastic
- GRIP TYPE: Synthetic
- BARREL: 5″
- OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5″
- CAPACITY: 9 + 1
- OF MAGAZINES: 1
- MAG DESCRIPTION: 9 rd.
- SIGHTS: Fixed
- SIGHT TYPE: GI A1 Style
- WEIGHT: 2lb 4oz
- SHIPPING WEIGHT: 4.05 lbs.
- SAFETY FEATURES: A1 Service Thumb Safety
- ADDL INFO: Black Solid Trigger
- ADDL INFO: Spur Hammer
- ADDL INFO: Series 70 Internals
- MFG MODEL NO: 10100519
- UPC: 713135218577
- MSRP: $429.99
Barrel & Slide
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s barrel and slide are designed to be durable and reliable while providing accurate and consistent performance.
Barrel: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 features a 5-inch stainless steel barrel. The barrel is made from high-quality stainless steel and is durable and corrosion-resistant. Additionally, the barrel is chambered in 9mm, a popular and readily available ammunition that is notably cheaper than its counterpart, the .45 ACP.
Slide: The slide is the upper part of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 that houses the barrel and other internal components. The slide is also made from stainless steel with a sharp black oxide finish.
Finish
The finish on the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The pistol’s matte black finish gives it a sleek and professional look. The finish is applied through a process called black oxide, which involves immersing the gun’s metal parts in a hot salt bath.
The black oxide finish provides an attractive appearance and protects the metal parts from corrosion and wear. This finish is beneficial in humid or wet environments where rust and other forms of corrosion can be a problem. The finish also helps to reduce glare, which can be crucial in tactical or self-defense situations.
The black oxide finish is a conversion coating that penetrates the surface of the metal. This makes it more durable than other finishes, such as bluing, which can wear off over time.
Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Frame
The frame serves as the foundation for the gun and houses the internal components that make it work. Let’s look closer at the features of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s frame.
Construction: The frame of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is made from high-quality aluminum alloy. This material provides a combination of strength and lightness that is ideal for a handgun. In addition, the frame is CNC machined to ensure precise tolerances and a perfect fit with the other gun components, which you feel as you rack the slide.
The frame also has a safety beavertail grip to prevent the hand from slipping onto the slide and getting caught during firing.
Ergonomics: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s frame has a comfortable grip that fits great in hand, with easily accessible safety, slide release and magazine release.
The trigger guard is oversized, providing enough space for the shooter to use gloves if necessary.
Grips
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 grips fit my hand comfortably and provide a secure grip on the pistol. But, first, let’s take a closer look at the features of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s grips.
Material: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s grips are made from high-quality, durable, lightweight polymer. The polymer material is also resistant to chemicals and weathering, ensuring the grips maintain their appearance and functionality over time.
Texture: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 grips feature a textured surface that provides a secure grip and control over the pistol. The texture provides a non-slip surface that improves grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. The grips are functional and comfortable, but with so many options of grips available, I would consider upgrading.
SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Photo Gallery
Magazine
Let’s First, let’s take a look at the features of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s magazine.
Capacity: The magazine is single-stack, so cartridges are stacked in a single row; it makes the magazine slimmer and more compact than a double-stack design. It holds nine rounds and has a slim design making the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 easier to carry and conceal.
Construction: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 magazine is made from high-quality steel, which provides durability and reliability. The magazine is also finished with a black coating, which protects it from wear and corrosion.
follower: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s magazine features a steel follower, which is a component that helps guide the cartridges into the chamber of the pistol. The follower moves smoothly up and down the magazine, ensuring reliable feeding of the ammunition. The follower is also removable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Baseplate: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s magazine features a steel baseplate, which is the component that holds the follower and the spring in place. The baseplate is removable, allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance of the magazine.
Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Safety’s
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 has two safety mechanisms, the manual thumb and the grip safety, designed to prevent accidental discharge and ensure the shooter has complete control of the firearm. But first, look at the features of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s safety mechanisms.
Manual Thumb Safety: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is on the frame’s left side, just above the grip; the thumb can efficiently operate it to engage or disengage the safety quickly and easily.
The safety mechanism blocks the trigger from moving rearward, preventing the pistol from firing accidentally. The safety engages or disengages with a distinct “click,” allowing you to verify that the safety is in the desired position.
Grip Safety: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is on the grip’s backstrap below the beavertail. The grip safety is engaged automatically when you grasp the grip; it ensures the firearm cannot be fired accidentally if you’re not securely holding it. Additionally, the grip safety must be fully depressed before pulling the trigger, ensuring the shooter has a firm grip on the firearm before firing.
Sights
The sights of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 are designed to be simple and reliable.
Rear Sight: The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 rear sight is made from steel and is low profile and solid black. I never really liked black sights, but I recently reviewed another handgun with a black rear sight and a bright fiber optic front sight with an excellent sight picture. So, I kept an open mind.
Front Sight: The front sight of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is also a low-profile ramped post sight. This sight is also solid black.
The only thing I liked about them was the low profile, but with the bifocal LASIK I had to my eyes, they don’t provide a good enough sight picture. These sights would be on my list to replace.
Trigger
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 trigger is smooth, crisp, and consistent; the trigger mechanism of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is a single-action trigger system. It has minimal creep, little travel, and a quick reset.
The trigger pull of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 has a pull weight consistently under 5 pounds. It is light enough to allow for accurate shooting while still being heavy enough to prevent accidental discharge.
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 trigger is not adjustable out of the box, but aftermarket parts are available that allow trigger adjustments. These aftermarket parts can adjust the trigger pull weight, reset, and overtravel, allowing the shooter to customize the trigger to their preference. I wouldn’t see a need but some may.
In summary, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9’s trigger is smooth, crisp, and consistent, and it scored high marks with me.
Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Aftermarket Parts Compatibility
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is a modern interpretation of the classic 1911 pistol, and as with any firearm, aftermarket parts can be used to enhance its performance and customization.
Barrels:
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 barrel is compatible with most standard 1911 barrels.
Slides:
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 slide is compatible with most standard 1911 slides.
Triggers:
The trigger of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is compatible with most standard 1911 triggers. Aftermarket triggers can enhance the trigger pull, improve ergonomics, and customize the firearm to the shooter’s preference.
Grips:
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 grips are compatible with most standard 1911 grips. In addition, aftermarket grips can enhance ergonomics, improve aesthetics, and customize the firearm to the shooter’s preference.
Magazines:
The magazines of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 are compatible with most standard 1911 magazines.
Sights:
The sights of the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 are compatible with many aftermarket sights for the 1911 platform. Shooters can choose from various materials, designs, and features to customize their pistol’s sight picture and accuracy.
In summary, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is compatible with many aftermarket parts, which allows shooters to upgrade and customize their pistols to their specific preferences and shooting style. Shooters can choose from various barrels, slides, grips, triggers, magazines, and sights to customize their pistol’s appearance, performance, and feel. With the right combination of aftermarket parts, shooters can create a customized Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 ideally suited to their needs and preferences.
SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm Wrap
Overall, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 has classic design elements and modern features, such as its lightweight frame, extended beavertail safety, and improved sights. My only detractors were the sights, and the grips are good, but I would consider swapping them out.
One thing is for sure, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 offers a great gun at a great value for the price. Compared to other 1911-style pistols on the market, the Tisas comes in at a great price point for a quality 1911
SDS Imports Tisas 1911 A1 Service 9mm FAQs
Compared to other 1911-style pistols on the market, the Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is an affordable alternative that still provides reliable and accurate performance.
The Tisas 1911A1 Service 9 is fairly easy to clean, much like other 1911-style pistols. As with any firearm, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure reliable and safe operation.