Tisas "Aviator" .45 ACP

[376Steyr]

I was browsing the Interwebs and spotted this two-toned Lightweight Commander clone. It is a bargain. My first thought, when I opened the box at the shop, was, “Is it 1980 again?” The Aviator looks like a lightly customized Colt of that era, with a white-colored frame, tall sights, and black rubber grips.
The sights are nicely visible, and the trigger is surprisingly good. The finish on the frame isn't slick, which means the front strap gives you a little bit of purchase and doesn't try to squirm out of your hand. Thumb safety is the 1970s Colt style, not extended, but not just a little nub, either. The magazine well has a slight bevel on it. Mine came with two Mec-Gar 7 round magazines, which appear to be set up for feeding JHPs.
I after I picked it up at the shop, I took it home and lubed it, as it arrived rather dry. I dashed off to the local shooting spot as the sun was setting and ran two magazines of factory 230 gr. FMJ through it, with no malfunctions. The sights were on target at 25 yards and accuracy looks promising. Fired cases were not mangled, and in fact didn’t even have a mouth dent. I like it.

P.S. Yes, it's made in Turkey, which accounts for its low price. Not to get political, but Turkey has been straddling the fence between the USA and Russia for a while now. I wouldn't be surprised if Washington abruptly shuts off sporting arms and ammo imports from Turkey, like they did to Russia and China. Get it while you can.

323761

[G W Wade]

A friend with a Tisas asked to look at his. Tore it down and was impressed with everything. I would buy one if I could find a reason to get another 1911. Sent him out with different mags and ammo. Problems gone. GW

[DeadWoodDan]

I purchased another model for my first 45ACP a few yrs ago. Been happy so far and haven't handled any other 1911 to compare to but mine has functioned fine with all my handloads, been some learning curves but today it will eat what i feed it.

[DougGuy]

Don't mistake the barrel for stainless, it is CrMo4 and harder than woodpecker lips. Ruined one reamer thinking it was SS surprise surprise... grrr,,

[Froogal]

I purchased another model for my first 45ACP a few yrs ago. Been happy so far and haven't handled any other 1911 to compare to but mine has functioned fine with all my handloads, been some learning curves but today it will eat what i feed it.

My experience with a Tisas 1911 is the same.

[Texas by God]

I really like my Tisas .45 Tank Commander- all steel.
That alloy frame one would be good for carrying with its lighter weight.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240224/ad04bd543a123a71cd932afd79d6e845.jpg
They are built well. I took off the walnut grips to avoid damage to them while walking about.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mk42gunner]

I've always liked the looks of the two tone 1911's. I wanted a Colt combat elite but couldn't afford one when Colt had them on the market in the late 1980's.

I have no real use for a Commander sized .45 right now, but since when has that been relevant?

Robert

[MrWolf]

Been waiting on the Tisas Regulator for awhile now. 38 super/9mm in one package. Supposedly have a decent reputation which seems to be echoed by the comments.

[Four-Sixty]

Buds Gunshop had the Tisas Sting Ray in 45 on sale for $430 the other day. That's the Commander length one also with an aluminum frame and the "bob tail".

[376Steyr]

Buds Gunshop had the Tisas Sting Ray in 45 on sale for $430 the other day. That's the Commander length one also with an aluminum frame and the "bob tail".

Wow, that is a good price! I didn't know Tisas was offering aluminum frames in any other models. I'm still happy I got the Aviator, as it takes me back to my younger days, when me and Ronald Reagan were beating the Russians, girls had big hair, and V-8 engines made 200 horsepower.

[leadhead]

I have the newest 1911a1 army with the correct ejection port and us property markings.
I also have the Tank Commander in .45 and just bought the Aviator that I haven't shot
yet. They are very fine guns and they are killing the 1911 market.
Check out Family Firearms, they have the best prices I have found.

[Four-Sixty]

I have the newest 1911a1 army with the correct ejection port and us property markings.
I also have the Tank Commander in .45 and just bought the Aviator that I haven't shot
yet. They are very fine guns and they are killing the 1911 market.
Check out Family Firearms, they have the best prices I have found.

I'm curious, will your new 1911A1 plunk a cast bullet fine, or do you think it'll need to be throated?

[leadhead]

Cast is all I shoot in my guns. I was shooting the 200 gr RCBS #68 clone and they "plunk" fine.
I had the first Tisas 1911 a1 Army that came out in 2019 and it wouldn't plunk certain cast
bullets. I had to have the barrel throated. But I haven't had any problem with the newer guns.
I also use the Lee 200 gr RNFP with no problem.

[jonp]

I've had a couple of Tisa and still have one. They have been very good imho. Quite happy with them.

[badwolf]

Have a 9mm commander steel frame but I'd really like a 38 super aluminum frame commander.

[FergusonTO35]

Tisas is no joke, we instantly sell out as soon as we get them in at my side job. No returns that I am aware of and way nicer than the RIA guns for the same price.

[armoredman]

I want a Tisas, and will eventually buy one, but they DO have a recall going on right now, see if your guns are on the list.

https://tisasusa.com/tisas-safety-recall-2024-0001/

[mac60]

Y'all have me convinced. Just ordered a "service special" in .45.

[snowwolfe]

Own 4. Three are 45’s, one is a basic model, then a mid range, and finally the Match model. Also have one of their 1911’s in 10 mm.

[charlie b]

Don't mistake the barrel for stainless, it is CrMo4 and harder than woodpecker lips. Ruined one reamer thinking it was SS surprise surprise... grrr,,

Doug,

Do they come throated for cast or do they have that hideous sharp start into the rifling?

I am really tempted by the Tank Commander.

[376Steyr]

Do they come throated for cast or do they have that hideous sharp start into the rifling?

I am really tempted by the Tank Commander.

I checked two Tisas .45 barrels and they have the rifling starting at the chamber mouth. That's the bad news. The good news is a fellow could get a replacement barrel, made of a more machinable material, and still be money ahead.

[charlie b]

If this was 10 years ago, I'd just pull a new barrel out of my stash. :) Sadly those went away in a move.

I guess I'll look elsewhere.

[OBXPilgrim]

I just picked up a Tisas "Devil Ray" Bobtail Commander 1911 45 and pulled the barrel and plunked every load I had and they all dropped just perfect. Even my Lee 200gr RF Cast loads. Hopefully I'll get to the range soon to report on its functionality.

So far, I've not seen anything I don't like (except maybe the plastic base plates and followers on the Mec-Gar mags that came with it - but I was forwarned).

[376Steyr]

Just a heads up for those who might be interested, Buds Gun Shop currently has the 9mm version on sale for $424 (before CC fees, shipping, etc.)

As I said before: Yes, it's made in Turkey, which accounts for its low price. Not to get political, but Turkey has been straddling the fence between the USA and Russia for a while now. I wouldn't be surprised if Washington abruptly shuts off sporting arms and ammo imports from Turkey, like they did to Russia and China. Get it while you can.