As mentioned in the previous article, I’m far from a 1911 expert, so I had to figure out what the best way to evaluate the performance of this gun was.
After spending about 100 rounds getting reacclimated to shooting iron sights (my eyes really hated that) opted for 2 different tests for comparison:
#1: The Super Test.
I picked this for a couple reasons. Partially because it’s something I was working on during my train-up for the Rangemaster Instructor Development Course, and also because, since I don’t currently have a holster for this gun, it’s a drill shot from the low ready.
The Super Test, designed by Darryl Bolke & Wayne Dobbs of Hardwired Tactical Shooting, is a variation on The Test by Ken Hackathorn. It’s still 10 rounds each string, but in addition to the 10 second par time at 10 yards, you start at 15 yards with a 15 second par, then shoot the 10/10/10, and finish at 5 yards with a second par time.
I shot a 273/300 with my red-dot equipped Boresight Glock 19.
With the Stingray I shot a 266 (about 97% of my score with my carry gun). I think most of those points were lost at the 15 yard line, including only 9 shots before the par time.
So with a “better trigger” than my Glock, but “worse sights” my performance was comparable.
#2: The 10-8 Performance Test:
This was designed by Hilton Yam as an evaluation as to whether a 1911 is suitable for duty/ carry.
8 rounds slow fire freestyle
8 rounds rapid fire freestyle
8 rounds rapid fire, strong hand only
8 rounds freestyle, no magazine in the gun
8 rounds SHO, no magazine in the gun
5x 1-reload-1
During the course of fire, I experienced 2 instances where the slide locked open with a rounds still in the mag (which I’m told is common when Glock shooters first pick up a 1911) and a single failure to eject.
The pistol fed 115, 124, and 147 without issue, and I ran about 300 rounds through the gun in total.
I’m not sure if that FTE was a flaw with the gun, or just inopportune timing. I’d be interested to run it again and see.
Overall I think that the Stingray is worth a look.
As with any 1911, it’ll require a higher level of maintenance & vetting than the equivalent Glock, Walther, etc. if you intend to carry it, but if you’re looking for a well featured and well priced 9mm 1911 designed for concealed carry, this one is definitely in the running.
Disclosures:
I am friends with the Tisas rep, and we shoot together occasionally.
This was not a paid review from SDS/Tisas. With that said, when I met up to return the pistol my buddy did pay for my lunch, so my compensation for this piece was technically a pastrami sandwich & a chocolate egg cream.
