Turkish firearms have long been popular, lower cost options for lots of American gun buyers. Among the leaders in the Turkish gun making industry is Tisas. The company was founded in 1993 and they’ve have earned a good reputation for affordable and businesslike firearms based on proven designs.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2-5.jpg)
There are a lot of CZ-75 and 1911 clones in the world. Tisas manufactures a well turned-out Browning High Power clone. The Zigana PX-9 is a close copy of the Springfield XD with some important differences. The pistol loads, operates, fires and feeds like the Springfield XD and anyone familiar with one will be able to use the other…to a point.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6-3.jpg)
The PX-9 9mm resembles the XD a great deal — they fit the same holsters — but the design on the left face of the slide is more similar to FN pistols.
The PX-9 features am ambidextrous manual frame safety and dispenses with the grip safety many Springfields are famous for. There’s not trigger safety blade, either. These measures are almost surely contribute to the pistol’s low cost.
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At most outlets the Zigana PX-9 retails for $299. An internet search found examples as low as $279. At that price the pistol’s worth a hard look. The pistol has been vetted in at least one institutional trail. Over six thousand have been ordered by the Philippine National Police.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/3-7.jpg)
The PX-9 features the same easy take down as the Springfield XD. Rotate a lever and the slide may be removed from the frame.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-4.jpg)
The pistol is a single action design and the trigger pull is heavy by most standards at 7.25 pounds. The initial press meets a wall and then breaks fairly cleanly.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/4-7.jpg)
When the pistol is cocked the striker is visible from a small hole in the rear of the slide. The sights are very good examples of standard combat sights. The serrated rear sight is open enough for rapid acquisition and the front post is highly visible.
A surprise on the PX-9 is a tritium insert in the front sight. That’ is a very nice touch on a pistol in this price range.
The ambidextrous safety lever is a bit stiff moving to the ‘on’ position but a quick swipe of the thumb easily disengages it when you need it. It’s tight enough to be trustworthy. Ambi safety levers are subject to rubbing on seatbelts and clothing. This one doesn’t. It’s nicely recessed, just enough to avoid snagging while leaving it easily available for your thumb when needed
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/11-2.jpg)
The pistol ships with two magazines, a speed loader, and a paddle holster. The paddle-style retention holster (plastic rather than Kydex) offers excellent adjustment, practically 360 degrees worth. It features a locking component that must be released to draw the handgun. With a bit of practice the draw isn’t difficult, but be sure that you do plenty of reps at the range. The holster, even if only used as a range holster, is a another nice touch in a $299 pistol.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/7-2.jpg)
It’s also worth noting that the Zigana PX-9 will take SIG P226 magazines so getting more mags — you can never have enough — won’t be difficult.
I lubricated the long bearing surfaces and barrel hood before firing. I loaded the two magazines with fifteen rounds each of Federal Syntech. The factory magazines were stiff to load when it came to the last three or round cartridges, a good thing. The pistol was fired at man-sized targets at 5, 7, and 10 yards.
The PX-9 never failed to feed, chamber, fire or eject. It’s remarkably comfortable to fire even for a 27-ounce (empty) 9mm. The pistol fired a couple of inches low when I went too fast on the trigger. The supplied grip insert is large and round, perhaps better results would be realized by changing the grip insert. By consciously correcting the grip I was able to put rounds into the X ring on demand.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8-2.jpg)
I also used several all-copper loads from Lehigh Defense. Recoil was lighter, especially with the 90 grain 1250 fps load. After firing two hundred rounds I had no need to rub my wrist. The experience was very pleasant.
I settled down and fired the pistol for absolute accuracy. I used the Bullshooter’s shooting rest. A 7.25 pound trigger is less than ideal for long range accuracy. I had previously made a number of fast chest hits at 25 yards so I expected to stay on the target at least.
I used three loads and fired three shot groups with each. These were the LeHigh Defense 105 Fracturing Hollowpoint, the Federal 115 grain Syntech, and the Hornady 115 grain Critical defense. I took my time and took every advantage I could. The five-shot groups were around four inches, with the Syntech at 4.2 inches and the Critical Defense a slightly tighter 3.7 inch- little difference statistically. During the next range session I added a +P load. The Black Hills Ammunition 115 grain TAC +P averages 1160 fps with its all copper bullet.
I ran a magazine through the pistol with good results firing at 15 yards off hand. I also had on hand the Syntech Defense 138 grain 1070 fps load. A full magazine ran just fine.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-1.jpg)
The Zigana PX-9 has ran really well with a broad range of bullet weights. That’s pretty much all you can ask in a duty size semi-automatic handgun. The PX-9 isn’t a tackdriver — not with that pull weight — but it isn’t a water hose either.
![Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12-1.jpg)
For the price the PX-9 is a very capable defensive firearm and a good, affordable choice in a home defense pistol. It handles quickly, is reliable and features a tritium front sight as well as an accessory rail. In times when good guns are increasingly expensive or can’t be found at any price, the Tisas PX 9 is a very good buy.
Specifications: Tisas Zigana PX-9 Pistol
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Locked Breech
Safety: Ambidextrous manual frame safety
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Sights: Fixed, Tritum front sight
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
MSRP: $299 (about $299 retail)
Ratings (out of five stars):
Reliability * * * * *
No problems at all with either range or personal defense rounds after hundreds of pulls of the trigger.
Accuracy * * *
With the PX-9’s heavy pull weight trigger, accuracy is average. It’s minute of bad guy and will put all the bullets center mass at seven yards. But not as accurate as CZ 75 or even a GLOCK.
Ergonomics * * * *
Overall good. The grip frame is perhaps a bit large for its 15-round capacity. Trigger reach is easy for the average size hand.
Concealed Carry * * * *
With a proper holster (and XD holsters are plentiful) the PX-9 — which is slightly smaller than a GLOCK 19 — carries well.
Overall * * * *
This is a remarkably good pistol for the money. The reliable Tisas Zigana PX-9 packs 15+1, takes SIG P226 magazines, fits in XD holsters and costs under $300. That’s a very attractive combination.
“Tisas manufactures a well turned-out Browning High Power clone.”
That link :
http://www.trabzonsilah.com/en/series/zig-14
Is a 404… 🙁
Sounds like a bargain especially if it can be tweaked to run. Nonetheless still a bargain potty mouth bigots cannot match.
When I buy a new product I expect it to run from the start. If you know you’ll have to tweak it to get it to run sounds like a bad product and company.
But you do you, boo.
jwm…I said if the firearm can be tweaked. That means I would have to look at the workings to determine if it can be tweaked. If an out of the box firearm doesn’t go your way you may see a bad company and product whereas if the firearm itself shows to have potential I see the glass as half full.
For someone who takes every available chance to point out bigotry, racism, genocide…ad nauseum, you sure give the Turks a pass on their history of rot regarding their Christian neighbors. Their current support of Azerbaijan’s persecution of the Armenians is inexcusable, although you seem OK supporting their weapons industry. Turkish perpetuated genocide isn’t just historical, it’s a current event. You of all people should know better.
You expect her to have any knowledge of history let alone nuanced thinking based on her posting history?
Broads generally are dimwits when it comes to history (it’s why they overwhelmingly vote Democrat) on the other hand they sure can tell what fashions are in style and which designer the Pervywood starlets are wearing this season.
He’s got a point. Shouldn’t you all be buying American anyway? Turkish guns?? What are you- A Chechen gangster?
OMG it’s from Turkey! Turkey! 😱
Lol
I like TTAG significantly less
every time I see another Turkish gun review.
It is my pleasure to help you like TTAG significantly lesser…
Nope. When I read “for the price” it’s ok? No thanks. My life is worth more to me than that.
The author failed to do enough research.
The gun reviewed here is the PX9 generation 2.
You can still find these here and there but they are no longer a production item. The new ones are the generation 3, and they are very different. They are smaller in the slide area, lower overall weight, Glock style split trigger safety, no manual safety, they take glock sites front and rear and most of them come with an RMR direct mount optics cut like a lot of the latest Gucci Glocks from Lone Wolf, Shadow Systems and the like. Internally they do still have a bit of XD thinking in them but the XD heritage is being left behind more and more with these.
From all the reading and reviews I’ve seen, the Gen 3 is the one to get.
I have a Gen 3 which I bought for $267 plus NICS. Couldn’t be happier. The trigger is far superior to the Gen 2 tested here. My gauge reads a consistent 4.75 pull weight and it is very smooth with a short reset. Even with a light and a Riton red dot it doesn’t feel overly heavy and having 18 or 20 rounds on tap in a house gun gives me a little confidence.
I have to agree with your assessment. Hundreds of rounds through mine without a hiccup. Have you found a holster to accommodate the light options?
I bought a sig p320 holster it fits perfectly for my tisas px9 Gen 3
I sell a lot of Tisas 1911 pistols. Very decent guns for the money. Very few issues plus they accept most aftermarket upgrade 1911 parts. If you are looking for a PX 9. Get the Gen 3. It’s a nicer upgrade to the gen 2 reviewed here and still inexpensive.
Have you sold/used the Rock Island 1911? If so what is your vIew of Tisas (SDS?)1911 vs Rock Island 1911?
Interesting but if I wanted a Turkish striker fired pistol I would look at the SAR-9 which has a pretty good track record and IMO looks a lot nicer.
However current prices and rebates are showing some smoking deals on CZ P10 series and Beretta APX-1 series for about the same price range.
I have 3 Sar9s with Night Fision night sights. All were dismantled out of the box and in race gun fashion lite tricked to run and run they do. The better triggers are in those stamped Miami FL on the slide. Too bad Sar does not have aftermarket goodies like Glock.
I first became old enough to buy a pistol 45 years ago. Available offerings were pretty meager compared to what we have today. Also 45 years ago, Turkey was a secular and progressive state with freedom of expression, largely because of Ataturk’s legacy. It was actually a preferred vacation destination for Israelis. Had there been quality Turkish pistols on the American market back then, I would gladly have considered purchasing one.
Fast forward to today. With such a wealth of non-Turkish gun choices in the market, including quality offerings at inexpensive prices, I don’t understand why I should send my hard earned dollars to a country that has fallen so far, especially for such a marginal offering as this.
Your hard earned money would flow through US distributors and then trickle down to a factory that has overhead and wages to pay all while offering to sell your ungrateful behind a firearm for less than half of what it should be when compared to the competitors you praise. Competitors like Glock who not so long ago made out like a bandit while Sar was selling a better firearm IMO for less than half of the latest 17. My hard earned smart money purchased 3 Sar9s and components to assemble an AR-15 and begin an M5 build for what 3 Glock 17s would cost. Sorta makes it more about the “country” to you.
Yay! Secular and progressive!
When’s drag queen story time?
Why don’t you move to Ankara? Or better yet, move to Tehran. See how much you like living in a conservative theocracy.
I’m living in a leftist theology. Now – When’s drag queen story time???
Jim
Originally published perhaps a couple of years ago
all politics Aside” LOL it’s a Damn good Gun I have all three XD , Glock, and px9, the Zigana has over 1000 Rounds through it’ and it’s as tight and well built as the day I purchased it…not one Hang up
BTW!! it stacks up too any Glock or sig’ Remember 97 % of all handgun needed defensive incidents happen within 7ft or less.. everyone in Amerca seems to worship at the Glock Alter’ OK that’s your choice” but I’ve seen both VWS and porche’s broke down along the Interstate ( where are they made again??? ) LOL…
My pistol came with tritium sights front and rear and with 2 handle inserts. It is marked PNP (Philippine National Police) Very good in all aspects. I put 50 rounds through it with no problems and at 15 yards it was no problem to put 2 rounds into the body mass and 1 to the head off hand. Look around and you can find some really nice pricing.
Thanks for sharing your experience, it’s really appreciated. The choice of weapons for defensive purposes is one of the most important and difficult decisions. Pistols are designed for ease of use and portability, but they usually fall short of the power of rifles, which ranges from shotguns to rifles to submachine guns. Here https://armamentosbrasil.com/ you can discover a large assortment of the best weapons
Split trigger? No external safety? Striker-fired? Glocky-ish features?
Yeah no thanks.
My last pay check was $12000 working 12 hours a week online. my sisters friend has been averaging 15k for months now and she works about 20 hours a week. i can’t believe how easy it was once i tried it out. this is what i do. https://www.richepay.com/
Lol no thank you
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I agree with the author’s assessment of the Zigana PX-9. It is a well-made pistol that is accurate and reliable. It is also a good value for the price. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a 9mm pistol for self-defence or concealed carry.
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