Gun Review: Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical Threaded Pistol

At the beginning of 2022 we had an opportunity to check out Tisas USA’s 3rd generation of the PX-9 pistol. The 2nd generation was a good gun, but our sample had some quirks that prevented it from really shining. The 3rd generation model included a lot of upgrades both functionally and aesthetically and stands out as probably the highest value offering of the year.

Over on the GBGuns YouTube channel we reviewed the more-compact “duty” model, but now that we have the 5.1-inch barrel “tactical” model with a threaded barrel, it’s time to show the TTAG crowd.

If you’re new to the PX-9 model line this one’s got just about everything you could ask for:

• Optics ready (RMR cut)

• Threaded Barrel

• Fiber-Optic front sight

• Included flared magazine well

• 27 different possible grip configurations

• Spare fiber-optic tubes included

• Bore brush and cleaning rod included.

• 1 18-round and 1 20-round MecGar magazine

• Minimalist IWB holster included

• Magazine loader included (but we found it not needed as even the 20-round MecGar magazine was easy to load.

You can get a closer look at the design, fit, finish, and features in the tabletop video below . . .

To say the term “tactical” is overused in the firearms industry is something of an understatement. Google’s dictionary defines the word as, ” showing adroit planning; aiming at an end beyond the immediate action.” By that definition, adding “tactical” to the name of the Tisas USA PX-9 isn’t out of place.

This pistol’s features makes it ready or adaptable to a wide range of uses, and with 27 possible grip configurations it’s ready for just about anyone’s hand. Dropping it on the US market for around $400 is a, well, tactical strike by Tisas on the status quo with the potential to either force the competition to adjust, or watch sales slip as consumers choose more gun for less money.

Of course none of these features are worth a penny if the gun doesn’t run so we hit the range with two shooters and filmed our very first shots, a full magazine +1 test of the magazine ammunition compatibility with twelve different loads (including our crowd favorite, the What’s For Dinner™ test), a practical exercise of sights and trigger control practical accuracy, and then concluding thoughts from both shooters.

Unscripted, unedited, raw footage is in the video below . . .

The Tisas USA PX-9 was, by far, the least-expensive of the three guns we tested that day. It was also the only one to make it through the What’s For Dinner™ Test without an issue.

Based on our experience with the PX-9 Gen 3 Duty model we didn’t bother to change the backstrap or side panels since the as-is grip works well enough for both shooters to be comfortable and have a good reach at the controls.

Once we got the gun back home and I began to play with the grip panels I did find one flaw. A bit of flashing from a side panel molding prevented the panel from being installed. It required a couple seconds to trim the flashing for the panel to fit. Adding that much effort to make a $400 pistol flawless is totally acceptable in my book.

Where else can you get a 5-inch+ threaded barrel, optics-ready pistol that shoots as nicely at a price even close to that? The Tisas USA PX-9 Gen 3 is one heck of a value. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see prices rise as popularity grows.

Yes, there is still the xenophobic angle that can be used to criticize this pistol and you’re welcome to leave such comments, but only if you can do it using a device that’s entirely made in the USA. 😉

Specifications: Tisas PX-9 GEN3 Tactical Threaded Pistol

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action: Striker-fired
Frame: Polymer w/ Integrated M1913 Rail
Barrel: 5.1″ Hammer Forged, Threaded 1/2″x28 TPI
Slide: RMR Optic Cut
Capacity: 18+1 (ships with 18-round and 20-round magazines
Sights: Fixed Rear w/ Fiber Optic Front (Glock 9/40Cut)
MSRP: $579.95 (about $400 retail)

Ratings (out of five stars):

Reliability * * * * *
Zero issues experienced with any of the twelve loads tested. The two included MecGar magazines were easy to load and performed flawlessly.

Ergonomics * * * * *
With 27 different possible grip configurations, the PX-9 Gen 3 will fit most any hand. Grip texture is mild at best, but with a full-length stock the user gets to use their whole hand to grip.

Accuracy * * * * *
The long sight radius makes shooting accurately easy. I have no doubt mechanical accuracy exceeds the capability of most shooters.

Concealability * * *  
This is a large pistol to carry. I’m sure the “I carry a GLOCK 34 under a T-shirt” crowd will disagree, but concealment was likely not the goal of Tisas in making this gun. It’s better suited as a duty/range/home defense pistol.

Overall: * * * * 1/2
Tisas USA is once again offering a lot of gun for the money. The PX-9 Gen 3 Tactical Threaded Pistol is comfortable to shoot, accurate, eats anything you feed it, and easy to master. Unless you’re looking for a pocket gun, this pistol is a very wise buy.