MAC 1911-9 DS, a 2011-style double-stack pistol at an affordable price

Designed by the Military Armament Company of Knoxville, Tennessee, and manufactured in Turkey by Tisas, the MAC 1911-9 DS is a semi-automatic pistol in 9x19mm caliber with a double-stack magazine, polymer/steel composite frame, and optics-ready slide. That said, it doesn't sound like big news, but the really interesting thing is that in the U.S. the MAC 1911-9 DS has a retail price of just $1,099, about 1,020 euros. So it is the cheapest 1911/2011-style pistol available, with a 17-round magazine and other components compatible with STI and Staccato frames, as well as Tisas frames.

MAC 1911-9 DS: main features

The MAC 1911-9 DS is a clearly 1911-derived single-action pistol, built on a 2011-type platform with a reinforced glass-filled polymer grip module and forged 4140 steel frame. Despite its low price the pistol offers all the features desirable in a sport shooting pistol, and thanks to the possibility of fitting components and accessories already on the market it is an excellent customization base.  Hammer and trigger are both lightened: pull weight is about 2,100 grams and the backstop is adjustable via a screw on the flat-blade trigger. The heavy-profile barrel measures 4.25 inches, or 107.9 millimeters, and has a 11-degree muzzle crown. Barrel is button-rifled and the twist is 1:10 right-hand.

The slide has a matte black Cerakote finish, as does the barrel, and features front cocking serrations as well. As standard, the MAC 1911-9 DS offers the user a drift-adjustable, anti-glare serrated rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight, but thanks to the RMR and 407c footprint adapter it can be fitted with a large number of mini-reflex sights. With most of these, the mechanical sights can co-witness with the red dot.

The polymer grip module has molded checkering on the sides, while the front- and backstrap have a 25-line-per-inch pitch checkering. The thumb safety is ambidextrous as standard, the grip safety is a Wilson type, and the magazine release is reversible. On the dust-cover, a Picatinny rail allows for the mounting of tactical flashlights and other accessories. A removable aluminum magwell makes quick magazine changes easy. The double-stack magazines (two of which come with each gun) are manufactured by U.S.-based Check Mate and have a capacity of 17 rounds in 9mm Luger caliber.

Let's talk about the accessories: the MAC 1911-9 DS is shipped in a hard case that contains the gun, the two magazines, a cleaning kit, a lock, a bushing wrench, and the instruction booklet. Considering the retail price of just over 1,000 euros, it is really hard to expect more.

MAC 1911-9 DS specs and price