Description
The Tisas 1911A1 Desperado 38 Super 9mm is a commander-length 1911 finished in high-polish chrome with checkered Turkish walnut grips. It ships with two barrels and magazines, so one pistol shoots both 9mm Luger and the classic 38 Super cartridge.
Tisas 1911A1 Desperado 38 Super 9mm Overview
Tisas, the Turkish arms maker imported by Tisas USA (formerly SDS Imports), builds the Desperado (factory model 10100112) on a forged steel frame with a 4.25-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.75 inches. Weight is about 2.1 lb. empty. Series 70 internals, an enhanced GI-style fixed sight set, a standard thumb safety and a grip safety keep the layout traditional. Capacity is 9+1 in either caliber. This listing carries the older SDS-era UPC 723551440575; Tisas later released the same model under UPC 711500175647, which we list separately as a chrome commander.
Two Calibers in One Case
The Desperado comes with a 9mm barrel and magazine plus a 38 Super barrel and magazine. Swapping is a field-strip job: remove the slide, change the barrel, insert the matching magazine and you are done; the same recoil spring serves both. Shooting 9mm keeps practice affordable, while 38 Super gives the extra velocity and the nostalgia that made it a favorite of 1930s lawmen and Mexican pistoleros. Always confirm the barrel and magazine match before loading, since the cases look similar.
Polished Chrome Finish
The bright chrome is the reason most buyers pick this model. It resists rust better than bluing and looks striking with the walnut grips, but it is a show finish: it scratches, shows fingerprints and reflects light, so it is not the choice for a duty holster. Wipe it down with a silicone cloth after handling and avoid abrasive solvents. A leather holster lined with suede will help the finish last longer than hard plastic.
38 Super Ammunition Reality
Be honest with yourself about ammunition. 38 Super is a niche cartridge, often two to three times the cost of 9mm and harder to find on store shelves, and loads range from mild target ammo to hot +P. Use only standard 38 Super or 38 Super +P loads; never fire 38 ACP in it. Many owners reload 38 Super brass or shoot 9mm most of the time and save the Super barrel for special range days.
Series 70 Design and Break-In
Series 70 internals mean there is no firing pin block, which gives a cleaner trigger pull but places more responsibility on safe handling. Carry with the thumb safety engaged and practice disengaging it on the draw. Like many new 1911s, the Desperado benefits from a break-in period of a few hundred rounds with quality ball ammunition and fresh lubrication on the rails before you judge reliability.
Value Versus Legacy Brands
Tisas has built a reputation for forged-steel 1911s that cost far less than an American-made equivalent. Resale value will be lower than a Colt or Springfield, and holster makers list Tisas models less often, although any standard commander 1911 holster that does not rely on a rail will fit. For a shooter who wants a handsome two-caliber 1911 for range and collection use, it is hard to beat the price.
State Laws and Ownership
Some states keep handgun rosters that list approved models by exact configuration, and a chrome two-caliber 1911 may not appear on them. Others cap magazine capacity, though the included 9-round magazines are compliant in most places. Check your state and local rules before ordering and confirm your dealer can accept the transfer.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Tisas (imported by Tisas USA)
- Model: 1911A1 Desperado (10100112)
- UPC: 723551440575
- Calibers: 9mm Luger and 38 Super (barrel and magazine for each)
- Action: Single action, Series 70 internals
- Barrel: 4.25 in.
- Overall length: 7.75 in.
- Weight: About 2.1 lb.
- Capacity: 9+1
- Frame and slide: Forged steel
- Finish: Polished chrome
- Grips: Checkered Turkish walnut
- Sights: Enhanced GI-style fixed
- Safety: Thumb safety and grip safety
- Included: Two magazines, lockable hard case
Before You Buy
Federal law requires that handguns be transferred through a licensed dealer to a buyer who is at least 21 years old and passes a background check. Use only 9mm Luger with the 9mm barrel and 38 Super with the 38 Super barrel; never fire 38 ACP in this pistol.
Who It Is For
The Tisas 1911A1 Desperado 38 Super 9mm is a great fit for 1911 fans and collectors who want a bright chrome commander with walnut grips, and shooters who want to practice with low-cost 9mm while keeping the option of 38 Super.
Buy the Tisas 1911A1 Desperado 38 Super 9mm at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Tisas 1911A1 Desperado 38 Super 9mm online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Tisas.
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