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Here in the U.S., Tisas is a relatively new player in the 1911 manufacturing game, yet they offer many different 1911 configurations—from double-stack 9mm models and Mil-Spec GI-style 1911s to optic-ready 1911s and concealed-carry models.
The 1911 Stingray Carry is in the concealed carry model category and offers features typically seen on semi-custom and custom 1911 guns, yet at a fraction of the cost. Features like a bobtail frame, scalloped slide serrations, under cut trigger guard, dimpled slide stop hole in the frame, and ambidextrous thumb safety.
I know that you are thinking: You get what you pay for.
True, Tisas guns are inexpensive, but they are not cheap. I’ve run a bunch of Tisas 1911s in 9mm, 10mm Auto, and .45 Auto, and in my opinion, they are quality 1911s at a fraction of the cost of a decent factory-production model from Springfield Armory, SIG, Ruger, Colt, or Smith & Wesson.
I’ll admit, I’ve had a few with bugs with Tisas, but that’s what a break in period is all about. Nineteen-elevens are like that.
Tisas 1911 Stingray Carry Features
The Stingray’s most unique feature is its bobtail. A bobtail 1911 grip basically converts a full-size 1911 into a round-butt pistol, making it more conceal-carry friendly.
Material is removed from the mainspring housing and rear back strap, reducing the pistol’s weight and making it print less. This modification is typically a service provided by custom gun builders.
The Stingray is a commander size 1911 — full-size frame and 4.25-inch barrel — which Tisas calls a Carry model. All Tisas 1911s are made with a forged frame and slide like 1911s were originally designed and made. All Tisas 1911s also use a Series 70 mechanism, so the trigger feels cleaner compared to a Series 80 trigger that uses a lifter connected to the trigger to disengage the safety plunger. A single recoil spring is used in the Tisas so it cycles a lot like a GI-style 1911.
It comes in a hard case with two steel 8-round magazines with rubber bumper pads, and a muzzle bushing wrench. The finish is a two tone grey/black Cerakote — grey frame, black slide — and it is finished well. All the controls except for the trigger have the black Cerakote finish.
The grips are G10, with a sunburst-style texture that is not too grippy yet still allows for a good grasp. A speed groove in the left grip panel means the pistol is fast to twist in your right shooting hand to access the magazine release and drop the mag during a reload. The Tisas Stingray looks sharp and feels good in your hand.
In addition to the bobtail frame, there is an undercut trigger guard for a slightly higher grip, which means better recoil management. The grip strap is where Tisas saved on production costs. The front and rear grip straps and the main spring housing are smooth. In a 1911, especially chambered in .45 Auto, texture in these two areas is important. The pistol is manageable in recoil, but a grippy surface would have been helpful.
The slide is domed like a GI-style 1911, and the sights are tried-and-true Novak-style 3-dot sights. These sights are large and offer a nice sight picture for fast shooting. The front sight is dovetailed in place, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage.
A set screw keeps the rear sight in place. The rear sight is also flush with the rear of the slide to provide maximum sight radius. Texture is missing at the muzzle end of the slide. We’ve all been trained that we need front slide serrations and I missed them especially when doing a press check. Tisas saved on cost by omitting them.
The ambi thumb safety has extended paddles that operate with positive clicks with the flick of your thumb. The grip safety beavertail has a high sweep and a high speed bump, so even with a sloppy draw the safety was deactivated when grasped.
Both the trigger and hammer are skeletonized. The three-hole aluminum trigger is serrated, so your finger has some traction during recoil. The trigger pull weight measured a heavy 6 pounds. On the trigger press, there is about an 1/8 of an inch take-up before you hit the wall, and then 6 pounds of pressure fires the pistol. The trigger break is crisp, but the pull is a bit heavy, which is okay if the pistol is going to be concealed carried and used for defense.
Tisas 1911 Stingray Carry On the Range
Starting off I tested accuracy at 15 yards using a rest. I ran a bunch of 230-grain FMJ ball ammo through the Stingray including Blazer aluminum case and Remington UMC. For a defense load I used Hornady Critical Duty 45 Auto+P with a 220-grain FlexLock bullet.
The average accuracy across all ammo was 3.2 inches for a 5-shot group. Remington’s best 5-shot group measured 3.47 inches, and Blazer’s was 2.89 inches. Hornady Critical Duty +P had a best group of 2.90 inches. This is decent accuracy from a defense gun.
I had three FTF (Failure To Feed) jams with the Tisas, which stopped after the first 150 rounds. After that, it ran flawlessly. I also used Colt, Springfield Armory, Wilson Combat, and other 1911 magazines, and the Stingray didn’t care what magazine I used.
If I carried the Stingray, I would opt for a high-quality 8-round flush-fit magazine. The bumper pads on the factory mags make training easier on the palm, but they do add height to the pistol. The idea with Stingray is the more concealable bobtail grip.
Running modified Failure Drills really helps me to understand how a pistol will perform. This time I loaded odd number of rounds in the magazine so I don’t know when slide lock will happen. Performing a lot of reloads also help me to get know the pistol.
The slide stop was smooth to operate and the magazine dumped empties mags like the girl in college dumped you. Fast and with no looking back. A single stack 1911 magazine takes finesse to quickly insert; a slight bevel aid in reloads. The +P Hornady loads were snappy and I had to pay attention to keep my grip.
Because of the slick front and rear grip straps, I had to pay attention to my grip. If I didn’t, the pistol would move in my hand during recoil. Initially, I threw a few A-zone headshots because of the heavy trigger and my speed to fire off the shot.
When I slowed down to my normal speed, not John Wick speed, my hits were surgical.
Is The Tisas 1911 Stingray Carry Worth It?
With a street price ranging from $450 to $500, the Tisas Stingray is quite a bargain if you are interested in getting into a bobtail 1911.
My only gripe is that I wish it had some texture on the front and rear grip straps for better grip control in recoil, but I’ll just concentrate on my grip.
Where To Buy
That bobtail reminds me of a tt33
Had some bugs with one or two Tisas I could fix- and others that simply could not be fixed. I would rate their quality a good bit behind Rock Island as far as consistency. Never neer never would I trust a Tisas with my life. Which is sad because they look good. So far, working with various shops , the batting average is about one in four really runs well.
Any experience I had with Turkey was limited to their NATO related contract supplies. Universally corner cut garbage and health hazards re food products. I would hope they do better in other industries where they have to be competitive and keep up with quality control. No interest but if it works out for the consumer good on them.
Real shops that are unapologetic about Made-In can make them run as well as most anything.. Generally most any firearm belonging to a Do A Do It For Me buyer is prone to take on the buffoon’s personality.
Problem is — striker fired polymer frame 9mm easy to make run well- as the excellent SAR 9. The 1911 demands finesse and care in manufacture. There have always been more cheap guns than good guns.
The 1911 field has been plowed under so I don’t play with those because there is not much left to contribute. On the other hand having made trips to Clarks and met some people there like the gentlemanly Jerry Miculek and the late Jim Clark Jr. those folks could probably make a 2×4 shoot.
As for the Sar9 I own 3 and have tweaked mine and others. Out of the box I completely dismantled my first and reassembled it. A day later I took it back apart and tweaked it. I do some things to the Sar9 that are unheard of. And because of certain azzholes on this forum and elsewhere I will not share them. However because you sound like a nice guy one of the Gen 2 Model 20 pins cut to exact length makes a good Sar9 trigger pin replacement.
Did you make a custom “plug” to stick behind your trigger?
uncommon aka grasshopper…I said the kill spot Center X for Gun Control is the diabolical History of Gun Control and you disagreed. So whatever is your superior kill spot you need to post it. DO keep it in mind it must have teeth capable of making it to the US Congess in Defense of the Second Amendment. Otherwise it is nothing more the usual crap that has for decades hidden the face of Gun Control from the public.
Furthermore unlike you and your ilk I ask people to Define Gun Control by its History therefore I know what I am talking about when I say America is Gun Control History illiterate. IMO…Credit for Gun Control illiteracy goes to you and your ilk…take a bow.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WlItbl9SOAg&feature=shared
valvestem…The trigger plug info is why I do not share with punks like you. There have been articles on this forum where if the firearm had a plug it would have saved an AD related death and injury. If a dumbfuk like you can produced better post it or gfy or drop dead.
I have to pick up my Tisas Yukon at the LGS later this week (10mm version of this same pistol) that we ordered from PSA a while back, $462 shipped. I let my dealer buddy keep it on display for the last two weeks which resulted in an additional sale of 4 more to himself and others, which is a good indicator… I myself still haven’t seen it! – I ordered mine after handling one like the .45 in this story at the range, and left town before it came in. IIRC, the 10 has checkered straps and front slide serrations.
Unicorn Whisperer,
I have been wanting a 10mm Auto pistol for a while. I will have to check on the 1911 flavor now.
Unicorn Whisperer,
My interest in the 10mm Auto platform is almost exclusively for woods defense. As far as I can gather, the 10mm Auto cartridge produces notable increases in muzzle velocity with longer barrels which increases its potential effectiveness. The previous two details are moving me to consider pistols with longer barrels. That being the case, it sounds like a traditional 1911 platform pistol with their standard 5-inch barrels is an excellent choice for a pistol chambered in 10mm Auto, especially given that 1911 pistols are heavier than “plastic fantastics” which helps reduce the recoil of relatively stout 10mm Auto loads.
I like full-size 1911 platform pistols anyway. This is probably the way that I will go if I hop aboard the 10mm Auto train.
A number of different companies build a 6 inch version, some with the ability to mount an optic, some with adjustable sights. Most are also available in Stainless, which would be my choice for a hunting 10mm.
Another poster on here has wrote about his Ruger revolver that he had reamed out to 10AMT magnum – hopefully he’ll chime in about it.
unicorn whisperer,
Ooh, thank you for the heads-up on companies making 1911 platform pistols with 6-inch barrels–I totally forgot about “long slide” versions!
As I hinted above, my intended application is literal woods defense (against four-legged mammals) rather than hunting. In that vein I think a stainless steel long slide version with a simple “blade” front sight and wind-drift adjustable rear sight is a fine choice since I expect that defensive application against a four-legged mammal would occur at rather close range. (Target sites or an optic could actually hinder my ability to draw quickly and get on target quickly.)
If I want to hunt with a handgun, I already have a large revolver with 6-inch barrel chambered in .44 Magnum. While that is more than adequate for woods defense, it is a bit large, chunky, and heavy in that role and the only practical way to carry it is in a chest holster rig. It seems to me that a stainless steel 1911 long slide would carry pretty well in a hip holster with a sturdy belt which is a bit more convenient to haul around.
I am also thinking that I would be more accurate and able to put more shots on target faster with a 1911 long slide’s single-action trigger versus my large .44 Magnum revolver’s double-action trigger. So, even though .44 Magnum is definitely a significant step up versus 10mm Auto for woods defense scenarios, that step up in stopping power is irrelevant if I cannot put accurate hits on target shooting double-action.
I don’t have the time or funds to invest 100s of hours practicing rapid/accurate close-range marksmanship shooting double-action with a .44 Magnum revolver. That is why I am thinking of 10mm Auto for close range woods defense. If I cannot stop an attacking white-tailed deer, cougar, wild-hog, or black bear with 8 rounds of stout 10mm Auto ammunition, I probably cannot stop it with any other handgun.
Rent before you buy if at all possible. Most of the time the 6in 1911s in 10mm are fine but the shorter ones sometimes need to play around with different spring weights. I tend to use the Glock 40 and honestly recoil is pretty mild until you get into bubba’s pissin hot reloads™ territory and even then a heavier guide rod was more than enough to mitigate that …….just no bare cast lead loads for the Glock in large numbers between cleaning vs traditional barrels. I am guessing you already know most commercial 10mm is severely downloaded (near 40sw) but Sig tends to be close to where it should be for cheaper fmj.
You might also investigate th CZ-75 clones in 10mm. IFG is importing the italian Tanfoglio pistols which are top quality in every measure. I believe they are 13+1 in 10mm, and though they are SA/DA they have the ability to carry cocked and locked. I personally shoot these better than a 1911, YMMV.
unicorn whisperer,
You had me at “CZ-75”.
I have been wanting a CZ-75 pistol in the worst way for several years. I was not aware of any CZ-75s (or clones) chambered in 10mm Auto.
Now I can scratch both itches–owning a CZ-75 pistol AND owning a 10mm Auto pistol!
SAFEupstateFML,
Well, I was planning to carry full-house 10mm Auto loads.
I already carry a semi-auto pistol chambered in .40 S&W so there is no point in buying a new pistol just to carry watered-down 10mm Auto loads.
Decisions, decisions.
Or, get a 45 ACP and Superize it. The HK USP will handle 45 Supers with no modifications. A 1911 will want a flat bottomed firing pin stop and maybe a couple springs. A Glock will probably want a stouter recoil spring, and a tungsten guide rod will help tame recoil and muzzle rise. Get something with a threaded barrel and put a comp on it, and you can soften it even more, or go really hot, but you already have the 44 revolver.
Hawkeye just named off the only way I am getting into 45acp.
Uncommon, buffalo bore, underwood, and some federal loads work for defense loadings of various purposes.
SAFEupstateFML,
I was already planning on using Underwood ammunition in a 10mm Auto woods defense handgun.
Excellent then Sig is probably your best bet for commercial practice ammo unless you want to reload it.
The accuracy is not that impressive, and I agree that front strap checkering is critical to accuracy in the commander or smaller 1911s. I have a Kimber 4″ that had the same “slippage” issue while firing. Brownell’s sells a perforated aluminum piece that can be installed over the front strap that is held in place by the grips. It isn’t perfect, and doesn’t work very well with rubber grips, but is much much better than nothing. It works well with hard/wood grips.
I’d be interested in wringing out a Tisas, but their 70 series is not allowed in California, I assume because it will not pass the testing regime.
Looks like Turkey shill cheerleader needs to lay off the evening wine as it gets their threads all mixed up and name dropping dubious connections and advertising marginal skills for borderline worthless guns being withheld as if anyone would notice. Sigh and yet more recycled garbage failing to prove their point or it’s value as a tactic. Another day ending in y with one not willing to admit they are a troll.
Void the forum’s resident turd in a punchbowl…I have forgot more about firearms than you’ll ever know. Your knowledge of firearms is on the same level as your knowledge of History. BTW shthead…DO The Second Amendment a big favor and drop dead.
I know you are overly invested in garbage guns and have an overly inflated sense of importance for being essentially Trump fan Miner. Try to keep your wires straight and find a way to be useful. Or get the mockery you deserve I have about wrung out the last of any useful entertainment and exposure I can from you so choose your path.
void…A mealy mouth Gun Control History Illiterate troll like you needs a lawyer…
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZFEz3Bt9hCw&feature=shared
uncommon clown…I am waiting for you to tell me specifically what your Gun Control Center X is. It must be top secret you keep to yourself because it surely has not been in any of your posts. BTW…Over a year ago I asked you and your circle jerk ilk to ask 10 ramdom people to Define Gun Control By Its History…You and you ilk failed to ask one person…gutless is an understatement.
And that would do what exactly? Get more people thinking racism is everywhere and DEI is a good idea. No garbage idea from a broken mind. Try harder or fade away as the legacy you are leaving is more hollow than my name.
void…A mealy mouth Gun Control History Illiterate troll like you needs a lawyer…
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZFEz3Bt9hCw&feature=shared
void the troll…you must be the designated spokesperson for the uncommon clown?
Defining Gun Control by its History somehow in some far out Alice in Wonderland equates to getting people to think DEI, Racism is a good idea…You are more insane than previously thought…Get help troll…mental help. YOU ARE FUll OF SHT.
Debbie W.,
I have always openly agreed that that 9 out of 10 random people probably have no substantive knowledge of History in our nation–including the initiation and progression of unconstitutional laws in the South aimed at disarming newly freed black slaves following the Civil War.
I vehemently disagree that:
1) It is possible to teach the masses on relevant 2nd Amendment history.
2) Teaching relevant 2nd Amendment history will generate resounding support for the 2nd Amendment.
The basis for my two conclusions above is simple and self-evident. Our nation is filled with ignorant people who are not interested in learning about 175 year-old History. They are far more interested in lining-up their next thrilling/entertaining experience. Compounding matters, Academia and media outlets with large audiences WANT civilian disarmament so they will certainly NOT disseminate any information which could undermine that. Next, huge swaths of our population buy into the stupid narrative that we will be “safe” if we give up our firearms, even though it is regrettable that bigotry drove disarmament in the distant past. Last but not least, even if we could somehow deliver a moving and persuasive argument to the masses, they would have to admit that their position was wrong which is extremely painful–better to continue clinging to an incorrect position than experience intense emotional pain.
uncommon…I ask you specifically what your superior Center X for Gun Control is and I got a boatload of gibberish…You cannot talk your way out of answering my question motormouth.
Furthermore…America damn sure knows what a noose is. Therefore America can damn sure handle knowing mr. noose and Gun Control walked hand in hand.
You’re laundry list of piss poor negatives does not pull the wagon which leaves America deaf, dumb and blind to the History of Gun Control. By your own spew you are a blowbag who agrees America is Gun Control History illiterate…buutttt.
Now Center X please.
Debbie W.,
Listen carefully: the masses are not interested in learning about History. They are orders of magnitude more interested in music, sports, television/movies, video games, and getting high. Still others WANT civilian disarmament regardless of its historical basis. Saying it another way, spouting-off about History will fall on deaf ears and is thus a losing strategy.
I believe the best strategy going forward is to bring as many new people as possible into the shooting sports world–which just so happens to capitalize on the masses being so interested in entertainment. I have personally invited and introduced several “newbies” to firearms and took them shooting for their very first time at my expense. I ensured that they had a very positive experience and had fun. All of them have walked away with newfound support for the Second Amendment.
When it comes to politics, culture eats strategy for lunch. And all politics starts at the grass-roots level. My strategy is in-line with those two facts. And my strategy (making shooting sports fun and entertaining) appeals to what the masses already want.
But go ahead. Dismiss my strategy that the masses prioritize entertainment/thrills over learning History. Dismiss my strategy that a lot of people want civilian disarmament now in spite of its original 150 year-old basis in our nation. Dismiss my strategy since it is too emotionally painful to admit that your strategy is wrong.
Uncommon, I and most others on this site agree with what you just said wholeheartedly… I just fear that it will fall on deaf ears with Debbie.
While it is assuredly true that you’ll attract more flies with honey than with vinegar, some people ENJOY the taste of vinegar over honey, and she has vast stores of vinegar that she and her pony enjoy consuming.
unicorn whisperer,
Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
I am 99% confident that Debbie W. will reject–out of hand–my coherent reasoning. I provide coherent reasoning for any onlookers who do not yet hold positions on the Second Amendment or strategies to improve general support.
My consistent rational reasoning should resonate with onlookers who are more logic-based. My appeal to fun and real-world effective self-defense should resonate with onlookers who are more emotion-based. And my consistent respectful tone in my replies to Debbie W.’s vitriol should resonate with both logic-based and emotion-based onlookers.
Anyhow, the point being that there really is a “method to my madness”, which does not involve any expectation that Debbie W. will ever bother to consider anything that I say which is not in lockstep agreement with her messaging.
cornbread…you two need to get a room.
RE: common “Listen carefully: the masses are not interested in learning about History. They are orders of magnitude more interested in music, sports, television/movies, video games, and getting”
The above gibberish equates to County Fair Goers will be so busy having fun they do not need to know about stepping in a 4-H cow patty. Shooting is a DISCIPLINE. And by your dribble I pity people who are dumb enough to listen to you about anything related to firearms. You leave them full of fun and 2A dumb.
Listen carefully you Gun Control appeaser…To simply hold a firearm is to exercise a Centuries Old Constitutional Right. Opposed to that Right is Gun Control an agenda that predates the Second Amendment and is Rooted in Racism and Genocide. TO Educate people about the History of Gun Control is to Protect The 2A. To not educate people about the History of Gun Control is to piss on the millions of defenseless people who throughout History were subjected to Gun Control. Therefore if Gun Control is not abolished then eventually its History will repeat itself. And brain dead fun filled Gun Control History illiterates will lay the 2A at the feet of Gun Control.
Your head must be in your behind not to see the mountains of lies and propaganda Gun Control zealots use daily to brainwash the masses and Destroy The Second Amendment. And all while their filth chews on the 2A you sit there like a frog on a log croaking at The Truth About Gun Control…The Very Truth that is the Center X kill spot for Gun Control…You had chances to post your Center X and you failed to do that party boy.
No offense meant for frogs.
Wow Talk about off subject– we need a discussion room. Anyway I hope no on carries a Tisas for personal defense but it is your life after all. I enjoyed reading all the comments And Sadowski is a great writer hope he gets a better gun to write about next time
https://www.gun-tests.com/handguns/zenith-tisas-zig-pcs9-9mm-luger/
An example of all too common Tisas problems here.
Yes you can fix but why try???? There are better guns from Springfield and Colt.
Even ROCK
Trying separates men from the boys.
https://www.gun-tests.com/handguns/pistols/sds-imports-tisas-1911-a1-us-army-45-wg-0100523-45-auto/
Gun Tests has given Tisas good reviews for other models.
I bought a Stingray a couple weeks ago and a trip to the range keeps getting delayed by life-stuff.
Will give feedback after some lead downrange.
LOL touche but perhaps the fanboys fiddle with substandard equipment while the professional goes ahead and gets service grade gear to begin with
Does anyone know is Tisas offers an optic cut slide version of this?