NRA Gun of the Week: Tisas 1911A1 US Army

by
posted on July 31, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
SDS Imports is delivering to the U.S. firearms market an M1911A1 pistol that is a respectable clone of a classic Browning design priced well below other contemporary reproductions. The Tisas 1911A1 US Army pistol is a faithful reproduction of the original contract gun that was requested by the U.S. government during World War II.

Right-side view of Tisas 1911A1 US Army pistol on white background with text on image calling out make and model.

The Tisas single-action pistol features the design enhancements originally employed by Colt, Union Switch and Signal, Singer Manufacturing Company, Ithaca Gun Company and Remington-Rand that make this model worthy of its A1 title. Aside from the gun’s military-style Parkerized finish, Tisas includes the differentiating features the 1911A1 model had over its predecessor—an enhanced short-reach trigger, arched mainspring housing, grip safety spur and hammer spur are included. The only difference from the original 1911A1 design is the inclusion of series 70 lockwork.

Hammer spur of a 1911 pistol shown on white background.

Tisas provides a set of stock panels that are molded after the original plastic grips included on wartime 1911s. Overall fit and finish of the Tisas model is likely better than most all government-issued M1911A1s we’ve seen. The reproduction example houses a 5” hammer-forged steel barrel with included feed ramp and lip. The slide is also forged from steel.

Man wearing protective shooting gear and a ballcap is firing a 1911 pistol on a shooting range.

Our range experience with the Tisas was flawless. The lack of gratuitous branding is welcomed and provides for nostalgic appearance of a classic American design. Given its price and mil-spec configuration, the Tisasa 1911A1 US Army appears to be a great option for military arms enthusiasts and DIY gunsmiths looking for budget-friendly projects to invest in.

Stamping along the left side of a pistol slide communicating the make, model and manufacturer.

To learn more about the Tisas 1911A1 US Army, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.

Tisas 1911A1 US Army Specifications
Manufacturer: Tisas, Turkey
Importer: SDS Imports
Model: Tisas 1911A1 US Army
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5” hammer-forged steel
Frame: steel
Slide: steel
Sights: square-notch rear, post
Trigger: series 70, single-action pull
Magazine: seven-round detachable box
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: $399
www.sdsimports.com

Further Reading:
TISAS Regent BR9 Hi Power Pistol
The U.S. “.45 Automatics”
The Trials of the M1911
Conditions of Readiness for the 1911 Pistol
The CMP M1911s: The Inside Story

Extras:








Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.