ADCO's TT.45: an early look at a newly available selfloading pistol

Guns Magazine, March, 2004

Truly, these are the good old days for shooters. We have more choices in firearms today than ever before, and competition between the various manufacturers and importers is a healthy force keeping prices reasonable. No, it may not seem like it to those of us old enough to recall brand new Colts and S&Ws in the $100 range, but adjusted to today's dollars, new firearms are a bargain.

Exotic New Import

Here's another bargain to consider. ADCO is importing a new selfloading pistol from the Czech Republic. Called the TT, it's a polymer-framed pistol that appears In inherit many of the good features of the CZ 75 design, while offering .45 ACP power in a slim, compact package.

Details? Overall length comes in at 7.5 inches. Height with magazine installed measures 5.625 inches. Barrel length is 3.75 inches, and the unloaded weight is a mere 1 pound, 12.4 ounces. The gun is comfortably and surprisingly narrow, with thickness at the grip of 1.080" and across the slide 1.020". As the magazine measures .845", this means the grip/frame requires just over one tenth inch per side, and shows how the polymer frame construction permits such a slim and comfortable double-stack .45 ACP.

The gun pictured is an early, pre-production sample. The final design will include a light rail molded into the dustcover of" the frame. This sample is ported, with two, .152" diameter barrel ports exposed through a rectangular cutout in the slide. This porting is optional, although all models at least as presently planned with incorporate the aperture in the slide.

The slide serrations on the test gun are unconventional, being very widely spaced. They were extremely secure and effective. Other variants of the TT.45 are planned, and more conventional slide serrations as well as an un-ported slide are among the formats being considered. Alternate calibers include 9x19 and .40 S&W.

The sights are fixed, in the three white dot pattern. The safety does not block the slide, and it may be engaged with the hammer cocked, uncocked, or even at half cock. There is no de cocking function. The double action trigger was reasonably light and fairly smooth, with just a bit of scratchiness and stacking. In single action, the trigger broke at six pounds, with significant creep.

Simple Disassembly

The pistol was a cinch to dismount for cleaning. When disassembled, you'll note the recoil spring assembly is a two-stage unit, with the main spring non-captive. The magazine also features a removable baseplate for easy cleaning, something we neglect tar too often. Capacity of the magazine is 10 rounds of .45 ACR ADCO notes that hi cap magazines will be available for authorized purchasers.

On the range, the pistol was pleasant to shoot. Recoil and muzzle flip were mild, albeit due in part to the ported barrel. There were several malfunctions in the form of the slide stop engaging prematurely, but remember this is an early prototype. Groups were satisfactory--averaging around four inches for five rounds at 25 yards. A shorter front sight or taller rear will be required. Tested at 10 yards, the TT.45 are a ragged, half dollar-sized hole out of the target.

Feelin' Good

Everyone who handled the pistol commented upon that subjective but important quality called "feel." The grip angle is 180 degrees, and this combined with the surprisingly thin width through the grip makes the pistol very comfortable indeed, with trigger reach that was comfortable for all but the very shortest fingers.

Interestingly, the pistol is designed to accept a conversion kit to change calibers. MSRP for conversion kits (9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP) with one magazine is $399. MSRP for the TT pistol ranges from $529 to $569.

The bottom line? On the positive side, the pistol will make a very slim, powerful and light weight carry gun. The ergonomics are excellent, and accuracy and shootability were more than satisfactory. On the downside, functioning was not 100-percent as it must be for a self defense oriented pistol. The sights need regulation, and a reasonably creep free single-action trigger weight of four to five pounds would be appreciated. Again, this is all early sample, and we're sure these "teething problems" will be resolved before the design is finalized.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

ADCO Sales Inc. [800] 775-3687 www.czamerica.com