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Tisas ZIG M1911 Review
Price Range:
$500 - $700
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tisas |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| First Build Date | 2010 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 39 oz |
| Material | Steel Frame, Steel Slide |
| Price Range | $500 – $700 |
Overview
The Tisas ZIG M1911 is a modern twist on the classic Colt 1911 design, produced by Tisas, a Turkish manufacturer known for creating high-quality firearms at an affordable price. This pistol is chambered in 9mm and features a steel frame and steel slide, offering solid build quality and durability.
One of the standout features of the ZIG M1911 is its 5-inch barrel, which is longer than most compact 1911 models, allowing for improved accuracy and longer sight radius. The 8+1 magazine capacity is standard for a 1911, though slightly lower than some more modern designs, but still enough for most practical purposes, including home defense or range use.
The overall weight of 39 oz gives the ZIG M1911 a hefty, solid feel, contributing to its stability during shooting and helping to mitigate recoil. It is equipped with traditional iron sights, which are effective, but not as fast as modern optics or fiber-optic sights. The ZIG M1911 retains many of the classic elements of the 1911 design, including the grip safety, manual safety, and the overall ergonomics that make it popular among 1911 enthusiasts.
At this price point, the Tisas ZIG M1911 is a great choice for those seeking the feel and performance of a classic 1911 design without breaking the bank. It delivers reliable performance and accuracy, making it a strong contender in the 9mm pistol market.
Strength and Quality
The overall quality of the Tisas ZIG M1911 is impressive for a budget-friendly 1911. The steel construction provides solid durability, and the fit and finish are clean and consistent. The machining of the slide and frame is well-executed, with tight tolerances. However, some users may notice the fit isn’t as tight as more expensive 1911s, but this does not affect functionality or reliability. The grips are well-textured, providing a solid hold, and the controls are easy to manipulate.
Safety Features
- Grip Safety: A classic 1911 feature, preventing the firearm from firing unless the shooter has a proper grip on the pistol.
- Manual Safety: A thumb safety ensures the pistol cannot fire unless it is disengaged.
- Firing Pin Safety: The firing pin is blocked until the trigger is fully pulled, preventing accidental discharge.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Tisas ZIG M1911 performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy. At 7 yards, the average group size is around 1.5 inches, which is on par with higher-end 1911 models. At 15 yards, the pistol remains accurate, with groups averaging 3 inches. The longer barrel certainly helps with accuracy, making it a great choice for those who want a precision shooter.
Recoil
Recoil is manageable thanks to the heavy steel frame of the ZIG M1911. The 39 oz weight contributes to its stability during shooting, and despite being a full-sized pistol, the recoil is much softer than lighter pistols. Even during rapid-fire sessions, the ZIG M1911 remains steady, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Reliability
After testing approximately 1,000 rounds of various ammunition, the Tisas ZIG M1911 demonstrated excellent reliability, with no malfunctions or feeding issues. The pistol handled both full metal jacket and hollow point ammunition with ease, proving its reliability in a range of shooting conditions.
Also Read: Wilson Combat SFX9 Review
Merits
- Affordable: Offers great value for a 1911-style pistol, especially considering its quality and performance.
- Accuracy: Excellent accuracy, thanks to its 5-inch barrel and tight tolerances.
- Durability: Built with a solid steel frame and slide for long-term use.
- Classic 1911 Design: Retains all the features that make the 1911 so iconic, including the grip safety and manual safety.
- Reliable: Demonstrates consistent performance with a variety of ammunition types.
Demerits
- Heavy: At 39 oz, it’s relatively heavy compared to some modern polymer-framed 9mm pistols.
- Capacity: With a standard 8+1 capacity, it has fewer rounds than some other pistols in the same price range.
- Outdated Sights: The iron sights are functional but not as fast as modern fiber-optic or red-dot sights.
Maintenance
The Tisas ZIG M1911 is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, especially around the slide rails and barrel. Given the steel frame and slide, the pistol requires minimal maintenance, but the recoil spring should be replaced periodically for optimal performance. The pistol disassembles in a traditional 1911 manner, making it user-friendly for owners familiar with this platform.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Tisas ZIG M1911 | Glock 19 | Smith & Wesson M&P 9 | Springfield XD-M | Ruger SR1911 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 8+1 | 15+1 | 17+1 | 19+1 | 9+1 |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 39 oz | 23.6 oz | 24 oz | 30 oz | 39 oz |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches | 4.02 inches | 4.25 inches | 4.5 inches | 5 inches |
| Price Range | $500 – $700 | $500 – $600 | $400 – $500 | $500 – $650 | $800 – $1,000 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
While the Tisas ZIG M1911 is on the heavier side, it can be concealed with the right holster and clothing. However, it may not be the best choice for everyday concealed carry due to its weight and size.
The Tisas ZIG M1911 offers a more traditional feel with its steel frame and classic 1911 design, whereas the Glock 19 is lighter, with a higher capacity and polymer construction. The ZIG M1911 excels in accuracy and durability, but the Glock 19 is faster to reload and generally more versatile for various use cases.
Typically, the ZIG M1911 comes with just the standard 8-round magazine, but owners often purchase additional magazines or aftermarket grips for customization.
The recoil on the ZIG M1911 is relatively mild, thanks to its steel construction and weight. The 39 oz weight helps to absorb recoil, making the pistol comfortable to shoot, even during rapid-fire sequences.
The ZIG M1911 is more suited to intermediate or experienced shooters due to its heavier weight and more complex manual safety mechanisms. Newer shooters may find it a bit large and difficult to manage.
