Tisas SDS 1911 Cheapest 1911 Ever

Published on September 17, 2022
Duration: 13:50

This review of the Tisas SDS 1911, presented by DEUCE AND GUNS, focuses on its value proposition as the cheapest 1911 on the market. The reviewer details the included accessories, the pistol's construction (forged frame and slide, Series 70 internals), and its performance with different ammunition types. Initial issues with semi-wadcutter ammo and a painted feed ramp are discussed, along with modifications made to improve reliability and speed up the break-in process. The review also covers potential drawbacks like MEM parts and slick grip panels, offering insights into who should consider purchasing this budget-friendly 1911.

Quick Summary

The Tisas SDS 1911 is characterized by its forged frame and slide, and Series 70 internals. While it reliably cycles ball ammunition out of the box, semi-wadcutter ammo may require a break-in period. Modifications like polishing the feed ramp and adding a heavier recoil spring can improve performance. Drawbacks include slick grip panels and MIM/cast internal parts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Included Case
  2. 00:12Unboxing the Tisas SDS 1911
  3. 00:30What's Included in the Package
  4. 00:37Tisas SDS 1911 - Full Size 5-Inch Barrel
  5. 00:43Finish Type: Baked On Paint
  6. 00:54Mec-Gar Steel Magazines
  7. 01:00Chamber Flag & Takedown Tool
  8. 01:12Included Brush and Cleaning Rod
  9. 01:24Instruction Manual & Tag
  10. 01:30Forged Frame & Slide Identification
  11. 01:40Series 70 Internals
  12. 01:57Initial Firing Impressions
  13. 02:31Testing Ed Brown & Mec-Gar Magazines
  14. 03:03Magazine Feeding Issues
  15. 04:09Back on the Range: Cheapest 1911 Tested
  16. 04:16Performance with Ball Ammo
  17. 04:25Issues with Semi-Wadcutter Ammo
  18. 04:39Polishing the Feed Ramp
  19. 04:51Adding a Heavy Recoil Spring
  20. 04:57Purpose of Modifications: Quicker Break-in
  21. 05:50Forged Frame & Slide of SDS 1911
  22. 05:55Lighter Weight vs. Cast Frame ATI 1911
  23. 06:54Two Full Mags Successfully Fired
  24. 07:05Reasons to Buy a 1911
  25. 07:10Reason 1: 1911s Are Cool
  26. 07:45Reason 2: History Buff
  27. 08:05Reason 3: Competition
  28. 08:31Tisas SDS 1911 Recommendation
  29. 08:36Why Tisas 1911s Are Cheap (Turkish Economy)
  30. 09:21Ammo Testing: Ball vs. Semi-Wadcutter
  31. 09:31Magazine Compatibility Review
  32. 09:49Negatives of the Tisas SDS 1911
  33. 10:02Bare Bones 1911 Design
  34. 10:16Internal Parts: MIM and Cast Steel
  35. 11:05Slight Over-Travel in Safety Lever
  36. 11:40Future Me: Additional Issues Found
  37. 11:51Issue 2: Painted Over Feed Ramp
  38. 12:20Issue 3: Slick Grip Panels
  39. 12:51Grip Panel Customization Potential
  40. 13:08Disclaimer: Pricing and Availability
  41. 13:31Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of finish does the Tisas SDS 1911 have?

The Tisas SDS 1911 features a painted-on or baked-on finish. It is not a blued finish, nor is it Cerakote or a similar premium coating.

What are the key construction features of the Tisas SDS 1911?

The Tisas SDS 1911 has a forged frame and a forged slide. It utilizes Series 70 internals, which are classic 1911 components that are generally interchangeable.

What ammunition types did the Tisas SDS 1911 initially struggle with?

Initially, the Tisas SDS 1911 had issues with semi-wadcutter lead cast ammunition, experiencing hang-ups with at least one round per magazine. Ball ammunition cycled without problems.

What modifications were made to improve the Tisas SDS 1911's reliability?

To improve reliability and speed up the break-in period, the feed ramp was polished to a semi-mirror finish after removing the paint, and a heavier recoil spring was added.

What are the main drawbacks of the Tisas SDS 1911?

The main drawbacks include it being a bare-bones 1911 with mostly MIM and cast steel internal parts, slick grip panels that can cause accidental slide stop activation, and a painted feed ramp that required modification.

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