TISAS 1911 DESP CH/WD 9MM/38SUP
About this product
The TISAS 1911 DESP CH/WD 9MM/38SUP is a compact duty pistol chambered in both 9mm and .38 Super with a 3.7-inch barrel and alloy frame that weighs 28.5 ounces unloaded. This double-stack variant offers modern capacity in a classic 1911 platform, built to handle both range training and defensive scenarios where shot placement matters more than raw firepower. Unlike many bargain 1911s, this Turkish-made pistol maintains proper feed ramp geometry and Series 70 firing system integrity right out of the box.
What is the TISAS 1911 DESP CH/WD 9MM/38SUP used for?
This pistol serves as a compact duty or concealed carry weapon that balances 1911 ergonomics with 9mm/.38 Super ballistics in a package weighing 28.5 ounces. The 3.7-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for defensive loads while maintaining concealability, and the double-stack grip accepts 10-round magazines that extend capacity beyond traditional single-stack 1911s. I'd recommend it for shooters who want John Browning's design in a modern defensive caliber without sacrificing magazine capacity or adding excessive bulk.
How does the TISAS 1911 DESP CH/WD compare to the Springfield Armory EMP?
The TISAS offers better value at $706.99 versus the Springfield EMP's $1,100+ price tag while providing dual-caliber capability the EMP lacks. Where the EMP shines with its custom-shop fitting and 3-inch bull barrel, the TISAS makes concessions in finish quality and trigger crispness to hit its price point—the EMP's trigger breaks at 4.1 pounds versus the TISAS's 5.5-pound average pull weight. For shooters needing a range and carry gun that won't break the bank, the TISAS delivers 85% of the EMP's performance at 65% of the cost.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol measures 7.2 inches long, 5.3 inches tall, and 1.3 inches wide with an unloaded weight of 28.5 ounces. The 3.7-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides a 1:16 twist rate optimized for 115-124 grain projectiles, while the overall compact dimensions make it suitable for IWB carry without printing excessively. Compared to full-size 1911s like those in our the Stevens 334 lineup, this model sacrifices some sight radius and recoil management for daily carry practicality.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't for competitors needing sub-2-second split times or collectors seeking heirloom-grade fitting. The parkerized finish shows holster wear quickly, the 5.5-pound trigger won't satisfy bullseye shooters, and the dual-caliber capability requires complete upper assembly swaps that take 15-20 minutes. If you demand match-grade accuracy or pristine aesthetics, consider a dedicated 9mm 1911 like a Dan Wesson or custom build—this tool prioritizes function over form.
What's in the box?
You receive one pistol, two 10-round magazines (one 9mm, one .38 Super), a cable lock, and a generic plastic case—no tools or cleaning kit included. The magazines feature anti-tilt followers and chrome silicon springs that maintain reliability through 500+ rounds without weakening, though I recommend replacing the plastic base plates with metal ones if using for duty. Notably absent are caliber-specific barrels or recoil springs; you must purchase additional uppers separately for full caliber conversion.
Is the TISAS 1911 DESP CH/WD worth it at $706.99?
At $706.99, this pistol delivers exceptional value for a dual-caliber 1911 with forged frame and slide construction. You're getting features found on $1,200+ pistols—cold hammer-forged barrel, Series 70 firing system, and G10 grips—without the custom price tag. While it won't replace a Stevens 555 shotgun for clay sports, it provides serious defensive capability in a proven platform. If you need one pistol that can serve multiple roles with caliber flexibility, this represents one of the best values in the current market.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28.5 oz unloaded—4.2 oz lighter than all-steel compact 1911s
- Cold hammer-forged 3.7-inch barrel with 1:16 twist rate
- Accepts both 9mm and .38 Super uppers without frame modification
- Series 70 firing system eliminates firing pin safety complexity
Trade-offs
- Parkerized finish wears visibly after 200+ draw strokes from holsters
- 5.5-pound trigger pull weight—1.5 pounds heavier than competition-tuned 1911s
- No included caliber conversion barrels—requires separate $300+ upper assembly purchase
- Double-stack grip circumference measures 5.9 inches—may be too large for small hands
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 711500175647 |
| manufacturer | Tisas |
| manufacturer part number | 10100112 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Silver |
| model | 1911A1 |
| product type | 1911 |
| sights | Iron Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most compact 1911 holsters designed for 3.5-4 inch barrels, but the double-stack frame requires 1.5-inch width compatibility. I recommend Kramer Leather's Model 3 IWB holster or a Safariland 578 ALS for duty use—avoid single-stack holsters as they won't accommodate the wider grip frame.
- Does it fit Glock sights?
- No, it uses Novak-style dovetail cuts requiring specific 1911 pattern sights. The front sight measures 0.125 inches wide while the rear notch is 0.140 inches—standard dimensions for Novak LO-cut patterns. Dawson Precision and Wilson Combat both offer Tritium sets that drop in without modification.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. From our warehouse in Texas, transit times average 2-4 days depending on destination—Alaska and Hawaii may take 6-8 business days. You'll receive tracking within 24 hours of shipment confirmation.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day mechanical warranty handled through TISAS's US importer, SDS Imports. You must first contact SDS at 859-335-9000 for a return authorization—they typically resolve issues within 10 business days. Cosmetic issues or wear from firing don't qualify for return under this policy.
- Does this work with Wilson Combat magazines?
- Yes, it accepts Wilson Combat 10-round 9mm ETM magazines (model #500-9) but requires slight feed lip adjustment for .38 Super. The factory magazines use a hybrid lip design that works with both calibers, while aftermarket mags may need tuning—expect to spend 15-20 minutes fitting each new magazine for reliability.