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Continuing our experience with the current line of Tisas 1911s is the Tank Commander, a retro-WWII looking build with minimalist aesthetics and a nice cerakote grey that replicates Parkerizing without any of the roughness that can bring.
The Tank Commander combines a full-size frame with a Commander-length slide for a combination that not only looks good, but also fits the shorter-slide length appendix carriers prefer. Tisas USA offers the gun in both 9mm and .45 ACP. We opted for the less traditional 9mm offering as a 4.25" barrel yields extra energy from 9mm, but less from a .45 ACP load (generally intended for 5" barrels). A look at fit, finish, and what's in the box can be seen in the tabletop video below.
Specifications from the product webpage:
- US Military Inspired Commander Sized 1911
- Available in 9mm or .45ACP
- Hammer Forged Slide and 4.25" Barrel
- Hammer Forged Full-Size Frame
- US GI Style Cerakote Finish
- Arched Mainspring Housing
- Updated Front & Rear Sight Design
- Walnut Grips
- Series 70 Internals
- Includes 2 Magazines, Cleaning Kit and Owners Manual
- Waterproof and Lockable Hard Case, w/ Fitted Cut Foam Insert
- Weight 2.10 lbs. (Unloaded)
-MSRP: $429.95
Current Pricing As of 18OCT22
This variant seems harder to find than expected...
In the box you'll find foam cut nicely to fit the pistol, even when the chamber flag is inserted (a nice plus for ranges that require those). Two magazines coated to match the pistol, a cleaning rod and brush, and a 1911 bushing wrench. There's more included than many more expensive 1911's offer.
This is one place that we've known Tisas to shine by providing extra value in the little things other companies either neglect or add a large upcharge for. This is a lockable, grommeted hardcase with most of your basic needs all wrapped into a price lower than most 1911s that come in a carboard box.
As far as basic build details, the gun largely represents WWII-era 1911s, but the sights are fortunately larger. The safety lever is also comfortably sized, and remains on the left side (not ambidextrous). The front strap is untextured, and rear mainspring housing has vertical serrations. The trigger has also been cross-hatched. A visually subtle, but nice upgrade. Another nice upgrade is the inclusion of wood grips at a price range that typically uses plastic.
We're happy to report that this gun ran more like the Tisas 1911's we experienced years ago, and was a better experience than we had with the Bantam, but that Bantam isn't done yet, we've apt to send it off to have a smith polish things out for us. Despite a relatively simple appearance and set of features, the Tisas Tank Commander performed well on the range. You can watch the results for yourself in the video below.
Ammunition seen in our Shooting Impressions video was made possible by our Patrons and supporters of our ammunition savings account through Ammo Squared. Additional, on-demand ammunition through True Shot Gun Club.
The Basic build and style of the Tisas Tank Commander may have you thinking like we did; that this was going to be a slippery pistol, difficult to shoot well. As seen in the Shooting Impressions video above it was quite enjoyable to shoot. The narrow beavertail did cause some impressions on my hand, but not more pain than my desire to continue shooting. All in, the Tisas Tank Commander is a fun piece that has the aesthetic of a classic world-war gun, but shoots nicer like a more modern gun. If you're looking for something with that classic appeal, but not the hassles and pains of an old-school 1911 the Tank Commander in 9mm might be the right choice for you.