I've owned many 9mm, 10mm and 45 ACP 1911's. I love them all. I've always been a 45 guy but after trying 9mm from several manufacturers, the reduced recoil and speed cannot be matched.
I carry a full size 45 and a 380 micro but I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 9mm that has proven reliable. That's the key word there, reliable. In the 1911 platform, there is less wiggle room for it to operate reliably because there is less power to operate the gun. Some operate well out of the box, some need a little work to be reliable. In my opinion, Kimber makes one of the best out of the box 9mm full size 1911's I've run. They also run one of the heaviest recoil springs which probably helps to reliably chamber the next round. I can't speak to Tisas specifically.
In unobstructed close quarters where 99% of defense shootings outside your home will likely happen, I like the 45. Apples to apples ammo, it's going to put a much bigger permanent wound channel in your attacker. To defend my home where it's more likely that multiple people may try to break in, and a ton of obstacles to shoot around, I prefer a double stack 9mm.
I only went 10mm because I really wanted a 40 cal and 40 S&W in a 1911 is very scarce. Nothing against the cartridge, I've owned 6 from 3 manufacturers and am looking at another currently, 6" double stack. It shines with longer barrels and at longer distances. That said, RIA is the only 10mm 1911 manufacturer I've had experienced with that hasn't had a bunch of reliability issues out of the box. But that's just my experience. I'm going to give Girsan a try this time.
It's also worth mentioning that 45 ACP in a 6" barrel significantly reduces the recoil. I love my 6" Kimber Stainless Target Long Slide in 45 ACP.
I think everyone should own one of all 3. Each has its benefits.
I carry a full size 45 and a 380 micro but I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 9mm that has proven reliable. That's the key word there, reliable. In the 1911 platform, there is less wiggle room for it to operate reliably because there is less power to operate the gun. Some operate well out of the box, some need a little work to be reliable. In my opinion, Kimber makes one of the best out of the box 9mm full size 1911's I've run. They also run one of the heaviest recoil springs which probably helps to reliably chamber the next round. I can't speak to Tisas specifically.
In unobstructed close quarters where 99% of defense shootings outside your home will likely happen, I like the 45. Apples to apples ammo, it's going to put a much bigger permanent wound channel in your attacker. To defend my home where it's more likely that multiple people may try to break in, and a ton of obstacles to shoot around, I prefer a double stack 9mm.
I only went 10mm because I really wanted a 40 cal and 40 S&W in a 1911 is very scarce. Nothing against the cartridge, I've owned 6 from 3 manufacturers and am looking at another currently, 6" double stack. It shines with longer barrels and at longer distances. That said, RIA is the only 10mm 1911 manufacturer I've had experienced with that hasn't had a bunch of reliability issues out of the box. But that's just my experience. I'm going to give Girsan a try this time.
It's also worth mentioning that 45 ACP in a 6" barrel significantly reduces the recoil. I love my 6" Kimber Stainless Target Long Slide in 45 ACP.
I think everyone should own one of all 3. Each has its benefits.
Last edited: