Hey folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here.
Today I'll be reviewing the SDS Imports/Tisas B45 Duty 1911 in .45 ACP.
I picked this pistol up back in April and I think it's a hidden gem in the budget handgun world.
The SDS Imports/Tisas B45 Duty 1911 is a full size 1911 and has a bunch of features not usually found on budget 1911s. Most of the features you'll find on the B45 Duty 1911 tend to only appear on higher priced 1911s, like those from Springfield Armory or Kimber.
I picked mine up from Classic Firearms and I managed to snag the last one they had in stock in April. I was so happy because I had been to pretty much every gun shop in my area looking for a 1911 in my price range. I found several that were way out of my price range, like a pair of Les Baer 1911's and a really nice Kimber in 10mm.
But there was nothing in my price range. Either I was too late and someone else beat me to them or the shop just didn't have any period.
So I did a quick check online and Classic Firearms had a few of the model I was looking for. While I was on the phone with the customer service rep, I found out there was only one pistol left and I hoped I was able to get it in time.
Thankfully, I was. If I hadn't gotten the gun, this post wouldn't have happened obviously.
Anyway, the B45 Duty features a 5 inch barrel, a black Cerakote finish, front and rear cocking serrations on the slide, Novak style three dot sights, an ambidextrous safety (perfect for folks who shoot pistols left handed like I do), an extended beaver tail grip safety, polished feedramps straight from the factory (Tisas claims that out of the box, the B45 Duty can feed and chamber hollowpoint ammunition with no need for additional work. Unlike other budget 1911s) and a steel mainspring housing.
That last bit is especially surprising considering most budget 1911s tend to have a plastic or polymer mainspring housing. There's also a slight bit of undercutting done to the frame by the trigger guard. Mine had a slight rough spot that caused some discomfort to my middle finger on my dominant hand, but that was solved with a set of Pachmayr wrap around grips.
Another issue I had was the magazine release spring was a bit too stiff. Even the guy at my FFL who helped me when I got my 1911 said it was way too stiff.
This issue was solved thanks to a set of springs from Wolff.
I haven't had the opportunity to shoot the B45 Duty just yet, but that's mostly because it's really hot in my area right now. Most days, the temperature stays at about 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and my range is out in the middle of nowhere with zero shade to escape the blazing sun. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a very real risk there because of that.
But, the fall is coming soon and hopefully I can get out and test out my B45 Duty 1911 soon.
Overall, I like the Tisas B45 Duty 1911 and feel comfortable recommending it to anyone looking for a budget 1911 with a lot of extra features.
I won't give it my seal of approval just yet, but I think it'll be awarded that soon.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
