The Tisas 1911 A1 Tanker is an affordable and concealable pistol that mimics the simple and robust design of America’s most iconic handgun. Check it out as we unbox a new one at the Guns.com warehouse.
 

Who is Tisas?

If you are unfamiliar, Tisas is a Turkish firearms manufacturer that has been producing affordable handguns since 1993. These Turkish guns are imported by SDS Imports, a company that also brings in other brands such as Military Armament Corp., Tokarev USA, and Spandau. 

Tisas cut its teeth on the 1911. The design is the centerpiece of the company’s lineup, offering a selection of different variants. From the classic A1 to match grade .45s, Tisas has a model for almost every task. 
 

Related: 500 Rounds with the SDS Tisas Tanker .45
 

Tisas 1911 A1 Tanker Design

The Tisas 1911 A1 Tanker is a carry-friendly 1911 that brings the power of .45 ACP to the hip. The 1911 is naturally a great carry option, as the thin profile of the slide and frame easily contour against the body. The one detractor of the original design is the overall length with the standard 5-inch barrel and slide. 

The Tanker model mimics the officer-cut design that emerged in the 1970s, with a 4.25-inch barrel and a shorter slide. This size reduction improves concealability and gives a slightly shorter movement when drawing from a holster.

The aesthetic of the Tanker is simple, as it is an ode to the old military 1911 A1s that served in the early part of the 20th century. While the simplicity of the A1 style is classic, the firearm does lack some of the modern flair that most users have grown accustomed to in their carry guns. 
 

The sights are rugged and sturdy; however, they are somewhat lacking in contrasting colors, making visibility a challenge. While they are not ideal, the iron sights faithfully served users in the U.S. military from 1911 to 1985, so there is a long track record of performance. Basically, if you train, you can get solid performance out of them. 

The frame features a left-mounted safety and slide stop, optimizing use for right-handed shooters. The slide includes fine serrations at the rear of the gun, providing a traditional grip for charging the slide. The grip is made of plastic checkered panels. As it maintains the traditional size of the standard 1911, you get the full eight-round capacity of .45 ACP.

Why Not Get One?

When I got my concealed carry permit, a Tisas 1911 was the first handgun that I purchased and carried. I wanted a historically proven handgun that could deliver the punch of a powerful cartridge. While I have since changed to higher-capacity handguns chambered in 9mm, I still think a 1911 should be present in everyone’s collection. It would seem foolish to pass on a design that has served for well over 100 years. 

I do love 9mm, but .45 ACP will always have a special place in my heart. The round is often naturally subsonic and smooth-recoiling, and the lower velocity makes it a great option for in-home defense. With the versatile, affordable Tanker model, you are covered for carry, home defense, training, or just a fun toy at the range.

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