Anyone own an American Tactical 1911

[Akeva41]

My buddy is thinking about getting one. I have been shooting Rock Island Armory 1911's for a couple years and I have no complaints (I have the GI full size and Tactical in Officer). I got them when they were in the 350 range and it seems they have gained some notoriety and went up in price. If anyone has any experience good or bad I would appreciate any feedback on the form and function of these 1911's. It will be used for home defense and/or concealed carry here in Missouri. He's not really concerned about cosmetics, just looking for an economy priced reliable sidearm.

 

[bdb benzino]

The American Tactical 1911's are made by Shooters Arms in the Phillipines and RIA 1911's are made by Armscore also in the Phillipines. Not the same JFYI, and there is also one other Phillipine 1911 maker, Metro Arms. Can be a little confusing!

 

[dusty14u]

I bought one on a whim at a gun show 2 months ago. Great price and the fit was very tight. For the price I figured I could get out what I had in it if it had problems.

I have over 500rounds through it now. I could not be more pleased. When I first bought it is was soaked on oil. As if it was stored in an oil barrel soaked. I field stripped it and cleaned most of the oil off before heading to the range. I had a few times when it would hold the slide open like last shot ,but the mag wasn't empty.

I took it home and detail stripped it. While in the detail stripping I looked at it carefully. I have a machinist/tool & die maker background of over 30ys now. I was impressed with the lack of chips, burrs or heavy machining marks. I didn't see any marks that would be over a 125 surface finish, while most was closer to a 60 surface finish. I cleaned and de-oiled it and took it back to the range. This time it was faultless and has been been since then. I thought the fixed sights might be a problem but the POA has been the POI with 230 grain HP's and FMJ. I have a Kimber Raptor to compare it to and although the finish isn't anywhere near as nice it seems durable.

I bought this gun because I didn't want to subject the Kimber to EDC and it has met and exceeded my expectations. I would purchase another one with no hesitation. It is a mil spec model and I can upgrade any parts if I choose to do so. This is only my experience, YMMV.

 

[Akeva41]

Thanks for the info dusty. I have been very pleased with the RIA's I bought and I trust my life to the officer size RIA when I'm off duty. I believe the model he is looking at comes in a parkerized finish and it looks like yours does as well. Did they do a descent job on the finish as far as a complete coat? Does the model you own have a full length guide rod and do you have a bushing on the end of yours? I will most likely be refinishing my RIA's with Cerakote's bake on finish and my friend may end up doing the same on the AT. When you did the full strip on the AT's frame did you have any problems with the fit on any of the parts? Have you had any issues with aftermarket mags? I use Novak in my CCW but when I'm plinking at the range I usually use cheap knock off mags. Thanks again!

 

[jam_o_matic]

I finally got my hands on a Titan at a gun show here last month, I'm happy with it so far. Only put 50 rounds through it, no FTF or FTE, but the slide failed to lock back twice on empty magazines. As soon as I decide on a holster I won't hesitate to use it as my EDC.

Edit: The mag that came with mine is an ACT-MAG (Novak) which I've been told is the same as ships with RIAs?

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[dusty14u]

Did they do a decent job on the finish as far as a complete coat?

It is very well done on mine. No thin spots or uneven areas. I have had my keys rub on it and I took a lightly oiled rag and the marks came off. I have thought about durocoating it but will wait and see if I get any wear on it.

Does the model you own have a full length guide rod and do you have a bushing on the end of yours?

These appear to be pure mil spec. GI 2pc guide rod with bushing.

When you did the full strip on the AT's frame did you have any problems with the fit on any of the parts?

Everything went back together with no issues. No unusual wear marks on recent strips for cleaning. I lightly oil with RemOil while assembling.

Have you had any issues with aftermarket mags?

When I first got it I used the Novak mag it came with and a ProMag and my Kimber mag. No problems with any of them. I then bought some Chip Mcormick Shooting Star mags and no issues with them. I have had no feeding or mag issues since the first time I took it out and it wanted to hold the slide open. I do like the CM mags but the other ones haven't given me any grief either.

I hope your buddy has the same experience I have had with mine. My serial number is under 300 so I got one of the first batches sold in the states. I really like the looks of the Titan and might have to look for one at the next gun show I attend. Hopefully people will keep posting their experiences with the ATI 1911's and they show to be as reliable and affordable as the RIA's.

 

[Akeva41]

Buds gun shop has the ATI FX45 for $387 w/free shipping. Does anyone know of a cheaper price on the web?

 

[rellascout]

I finally got my hands on a Titan at a gun show here last month, I'm happy with it so far. Only put 50 rounds through it, no FTF or FTE, but the slide failed to lock back twice on empty magazines. As soon as I decide on a holster I won't hesitate to use it as my EDC.

Edit: The mag that came with mine is an ACT-MAG (Novak) which I've been told is the same as ships with RIAs?

Not to be too critical but you are going to carry a gun you have put less than 100 rounds through? Honestly I would reconsider this. Have you shot any defense ammo through it or just ball ammo? 3" 1911's are very unforgiving due to the changes in geometry and timing.

Please for your sake reconsider.

 

[MolleMan]

whats the price range on one now?

 

[jam_o_matic]

Not to be too critical but you are going to carry a gun you have put less than 100 rounds through? Honestly I would reconsider this. Have you shot any defense ammo through it or just ball ammo? 3" 1911's are very unforgiving due to the changes in geometry and timing.

Please for your sake reconsider.

It'll have more than that through it before I carry it. No, I haven't run any 'defensive' ammo through it yet, but there are as many opinions on what's best as there are handgun owners, IMHO.

whats the price range on one now?

I paid $480 out the door for mine.