There’s a lot to be said for being a gun buyer these days. Shooters are spoiled for choice when it comes to viable, reliable pistols for nearly every use. The floor for performance has never been higher, which means buyers can take a closer look at brands and models that may not have the storied history of some legacy manufacturers.
The Tisas PX-9 lineup falls squarely into this discussion. This family of pistols may not be well known by many shooters, but it deserves more attention based on its features, performance and overall value.
The PX-9 family offers Carry or Duty models, but this Tisas gun review focuses on the PX-9 Tactical Comp, the largest of the offerings.
The PX-9 Comp Lineup
There are 10 models in the Tisas PX lineup, including three models in the Comp series. The Comp models are easily differentiated from the rest of the line by the integrated compensator port.
Like all compensators, this is designed to reduce muzzle flip by expelling the gas from fired shots upward, thereby pushing the end of the barrel down. The result, with proper training, is quicker follow-up shots and, ideally, improved accuracy.
All three models are striker-fired semi-auto pistols with fixed sights, with a white dot on the front blade. These handguns are also optics-ready, machined for the RMR footprint with a cover plate installed.
The side is machined with aggressive cuts both behind and in front of the ejection port on all models. All three models have an eye-catching blue aluminum flat-faced trigger.
PX-9 Tactical Comp Specs
The Tactical model is the largest of the lineup, sporting dimensions and specifications similar to other full-sized frame pistols.
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 8.27 inches
Barrel length: 5.1 inches
Width: 1.33 inches
Height: 5.76 inches
Weight: 1.75 pounds
Slide: Tenifer QPQ finish
Striker status and loaded chamber indicators
MSRP: $539.21
Key Features of the Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp
5.1-Inch Barrel with Integrated Compensator Port
The compensator is the defining feature of the PX-9 Tactical Comp. Not that the 9mm is known as a wrist-breaking round by any means, but in each Tisas configuration, the compensator further reduces muzzle rise.
The Tactical model, with an eye toward competition or tactical use, the compensator achieves quicker follow-up shots. The reduced muzzle flip lets the shooter stay on target better and cut those split times down.
Flat-Faced Aluminum Trigger System
I’m keen on a flat-faced trigger anyway, regardless of platform, so I appreciate this design. While I would stop short of calling it a match-grade trigger, it is well beyond serviceable.
On my scale, the 10-pull average was 3.71 pounds at the bottom of the face. Functionally, this would be in the 5-to-6-pound range when the finger is placed further up the face, which is perfectly reasonable. Operationally, I found the trigger press to be very predictable.
Once the trigger safety is engaged, there’s about ¼-inch of take-up before reaching the wall. From there, there’s just slightly less than another ¼-inch of pull to reach the fire command. That final press lacks any grit or hang, but it is a little spongy, preventing it from being a match-type trigger. For general shooting, however, it does not leave you wanting.
Standard drill, competition or self-defense distances will be well-served, and only in long-range practice would this become evident. I especially appreciated the repeatability of the trigger. It certainly helped build confidence with the pistol.
Customizable Grip Modules
One of the standout features of the Tisas PX-9 gun is the grip modularity. With the included backstrap and grip panels, you can create 27 unique grip profiles to match your hand or grip.
Of all the innovations in recent years, this is one I appreciate more than most. I have palms of average to slightly above average size, but equally under average finger length. This can mean awkward grip configurations on some pistols, and was something I struggled with early in my shooting career.
The sheer number of configurations means you can find a solution that, if not perfect, is certainly close enough to not be the reason you don’t enjoy shooting the PX-9.
How Shootable Is the Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp?
It’s no secret that full-sized frame pistols are easier to handle and typically more fun to shoot than their smaller counterparts. The PX-9 Tactical Comp certainly falls into the full-sized category, and with those adjustable grip modules, comfort while shooting is no issue.
I found the ergonomics of the grip easily supported a quick purchase from the holster, and I naturally found a grip properly positioned high on the beavertail. There was no need to adjust my grip once brought to ready.
Additionally, the Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp was easy to keep in a comfortable and repeatable shooting position. The combination of the grip, which I took time to ensure was the right fit, and the compensator produced a shooting experience that was smooth with quick follow-up shots.
While I wasn’t able to get my splits under 0.2 seconds consistently, I did record a split as quick as 0.18 and remain on target. The sub-0.2-second split threshold is one I struggle to reach under most conditions, at least while maintaining accuracy, so to see those splits more than a couple times during testing was a noted and pleasant surprise that speaks to how shootable the PX-9 Tactical Comp is.
Accuracy Testing the Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp
Modern guns are much more accurate than modern shooters, so my baseline for accuracy typically revolves around one of my favorite drills.
Every gun I own, carry or test, I run through a 5×5 drill. This drill consists of five shots, taken at 5 yards, into a 5-inch circle, in less than five seconds. This is repeated five times, for a total of 25 shots.
My expectation is that I should be able to put all 25 shots in that circle at that distance. Revolvers or sub-compact models may get a little leeway, but for a full-sized pistol like the Tisas PX-9, I would expect to shoot a passing drill.
All four attempts of the 5×5 drill were successful, each with different ammunition, and I was quite happy with the results.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable to shoot with high levels of adjustability
- Optics cut and full pic rail allow for quick and easy customization
- Multiple design elements combine to manage recoil and promote quick follow-up shots
- Above-average overall trigger quality
- Massive ROI/value proposition
- SIG 226-pattern magazines are easy to source
Cons
- Trigger lacks precision for long-range practice or training
- Not designed for carry
Those looking for an all-around pistol will need to look elsewhere as the full-sized frame is a bit bulky for concealment (but the Duty or Carry models may be just the ticket!) - I found the magazine catch to stick out a little more than I would like, and it got caught in my shirt a couple times while drawing from a holster
Final Takeaways From This Tisas PX-9 Gun Review
Tisas has done as much as any brand in recent years to bring to the market reliable products that offer value to shooters. The PX-9 Tactical Comp is no exception. A solid blend of reliable design concepts and modern innovation makes this a pistol that is an absolute treat to shoot on a square range but would serve equally as well as a home-defense pistol. In terms of sheer value for the dollar, the Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp has to be near the top of any list and certainly deserves consideration when looking at your next full-size pistol.
Tisas PX-9 Carry Comp Video Review
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