I need a new handgun...lets talk guns today. :D

S Tsotsoros said:
I compete with an Athena and like it a lot. I don’t have any experience with the Titan but am interested in trying one if the opportunity presents itself.

Ben Stoeger has posted 10,000 round reviews for both the Athena and Titan on YouTube. He speaks highly of both and for his shooting style, stated he prefers the softer recoil impulse of the Titan over the Athena’s snappier feel. He does note that the lighter Athena transitions marginally faster.

My personal experience comparing the Athena to an MPA DS9 I find the recoil impulse to be a little snappier however, as long as I grip the gun effectively, it’s return to zero characteristic is an advantage. Both the Athena and DS9 are excellent.

one thing I’ve learned about the Athena is if you’re going to shoot it, you need to pay attention to a few things… Check torque of the grip screws periodically, check free movement of the trigger over-travel screw periodically (it should not move without resistance. If it does, you’ll need to remove it and apply loctite), remove and clean the extractor channel periodically.

The reason to check the torque periodically is because CLP / Gun oil will breakdown the loctite allowing the screws to loosen over time. I check mine after every session as a preventative measure. It’s overkill, but I’d rather be ahead than behind.

Last point of note, Atlas is producing and shipping pistols to their dealers. They post availability on their website. The majority of these dealers have an online store allowing you to get your Atlas without waiting a year for “your” gun. If it’s available at a dealer, you can have it in days. A caveat to this is it most likely will come with standard Mags. Nothing wrong with them but if you plan to compete, you may want to purchase competition followers, springs, and basepads. If you buy an Apollo from a Dealer, you could send it to Atlas for a non-ported barrel and you’d wait far less than a year. If you don’t see the available guns on Atlas’ website, Gunbroker has most of the available Atlas pistols listed.

To add perspective, I’ve run 5,300 rounds through my Athena in 4 months.

Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...
StaccatoFan said:
Yeah...my Customer Service experiences with NightHawk and Atlas have been absolutely spectacular.

I think if you're looking to shoot IDPA with your Atlas, then the Nyx, EOS or Athena are your primary choices. A local club match may not mind a Titan. In fact, I know they don't cause Arundel Fish and Game didn't even check...but a true sanctioned match you're pistol will have to fit into
the IDPA spec/tech...which means it has to fit in a box they use as a check for eligibility. I'm not up on my rules that much yet..but I'm taking the SO class soon...so I'll know more specifics after that.

No matter what, you will NOT go wrong with an Atlas pistol.

My Athena was my first aquired Atlas via an order from my closest Atlas dealer, which also happens to be the place where I bought my Staccato's. We went through the options available to my preferences, and he placed the order. I gave him a deposit and paid him while I waited
when I had some disposable leftover cash. I ordered mine that way because I'm a Veteran and Atlas has a Vet discount program that gives Vets 8 percent off everything for life. So, I waited, but I got my trigger size/weight, safeties of choice, grip panels of choice, optics plate I wanted, etc. It was worth it.

Then I kind of lucked into the Ares blemished model...right time, right place and saved almost 2K on the price for a flaw you won't see unless I point it out to you.

Found SMP in Chelsea, AL just surfing the web one day. One of those sites I like to "window shop"...and all of a sudden their Atlas section had a Titan listed. Mitzi and I met on the phone and email and I made that one mine.
I think the stuff that makes it to the web site and her GunBroker account listings are the ones that come in and aren't already claimed before they arrive. They have a standing order with Atlas and NightHawk, so stuff comes in all the time.
They've been great to deal with and their prices are fair. They don't apply markups.

IF you can only have one Atlas....Athena. It will do everything VERY well. It's the one I grab the most often.
Click to expand...
Y'all are NOT helping me show any restraint and not order a 2011 lol
 
redtailracing said:
Took some photos to catalog the collection in the event I ever need it for an insurance claim. Figured this group may enjoy the results. Will start with the modern long guns.
View attachment 233554
LMT MARS-H in 6.5CM, Vortex Razor 3-18, KAC 762 suppressor, Atlas bipod
Mostly Geissele frankenstein, Criterion 18" barrel, Eotech Vudu 2.5-10, B5 precision stock, Magpul bipod
Mk12 Mod 1 upper on a KAC lower, Nightforce NXS 2-10, Trijicon RMR top dot, KAC Mk12 adjustable match trigger, Eotech CNVD SU-232 Thermal, AEM5 suppressor, Harris bipod
FN SCAR17S, Geissele trigger, barrel chop w/ p&w Surefire Warcomp, , offset Trijicon RCR, empty Badger COMM in between primary optics (for the 3rd or 4th time, already lost count)
KAC SR-15 14.5" upper on LMT MARS-L lower, KAC 556 suppressor w/ Burn Proof cover, Nightforce ATACR 1-8, Aimpoint Acro top dot, KAC trigger, Geissele Super 42 spring, Modlite PLHv2 w/ Surefire tape switch & dual tailcap
KAC SR-30, Surefire 762 Mini (soon to be SF 300SPS), Eotech EXPS 3-0 & G33 magnifier, SBA3 brace
Benelli M1014, 7 round tube, Midwest rail, Surefire scout light on a KDG QD mount
Colt M4 upper on a S&W-Magpul collab forged lower, Aimpoint CompM3 on a gooseneck mount
Colt DOE trade-in monolithic piston 16" AR-15
Click to expand...

Nice!!!

If you had to choose two, in their current configuration, one long barrel (=> 16”) and one short barrel (=< 15.9”), which would you choose and why?

if you were to build your ultimate rifle using the best of what’s available in the collection, what would it be and why?
 
redtailracing said:
Oh really? Dude research Travis Haley.
Click to expand...

On it! Who do you work for? If you don't wanna say, no worries.

S Tsotsoros said:
I compete with an Athena and like it a lot. I don’t have any experience with the Titan but am interested in trying one if the opportunity presents itself. Ben Stoeger has posted 10,000 round reviews for both the Athena and Titan on YouTube. He speaks highly of both and for his shooting style, stated he prefers the softer recoil impulse of the Titan over the Athena’s snappier feel. He does note that the lighter Athena transitions marginally faster. To add perspective, I’ve run 5,300 rounds through my Athena in 4 months. Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the insight. This is really helpful. I have watched Ben's review of the Athena, but have not watched his review of the Titan. I found it remarkable, but unsurprising, that he had nothing negative to say about the gun. Then again, no one does except the price. Speaking of which, given your experience and ownership have you found the premium to be justified? I keep going through this, "but that gun is HALF as much and the Atlas can't be twice as good, can it?" type of rationalization. Just wondering what you as an owner think. More to the point, how has the support been from Atlas? Are there any owner benefits or demo events that you have been invited to? Scheels tends to stock a few Atlas guns, however, and I think it is because of the price point, but for something like this, I feel better either buying direct from Atlas or a sole proprietor

StaccatoFan said:
Yeah...my Customer Service experiences with NightHawk and Atlas have been absolutely spectacular.

I think if you're looking to shoot IDPA with your Atlas, then the Nyx, EOS or Athena are your primary choices. A local club match may not mind a Titan. In fact, I know they don't cause Arundel Fish and Game didn't even check...but a true sanctioned match you're pistol will have to fit into the IDPA spec/tech...which means it has to fit in a box they use as a check for eligibility. I'm not up on my rules that much yet..but I'm taking the SO class soon...so I'll know more specifics after that. No matter what, you will NOT go wrong with an Atlas pistol. IF you can only have one Atlas....Athena. It will do everything VERY well. It's the one I grab the most often.
Click to expand...

To start with, thank you for your service and secondly thank you for your insight and input. This is the second vote for the Athena in as many posts so I will focus my attention on that model, but will keep my mind open if Atlas has some other suggestion for whatever reason once we get to talking about it. Like you, I'd like to order "my gun." I'm not in a hurry so I don't mind the wait to get it the way I'd prefer it. As for the IDPA piece, at my local matches there are guys running Sand Vipers which are compensated (IIRC) in carry optics so I guess porting and compensating isn't an issue at least at the local level. Nonetheless, the Athena sounds like the one to pick if I'm only getting one Atlas.

redtailracing said:
Took some photos to catalog the collection....
Click to expand...

Welp, that confirms it, we can't buy any more guns because YOU BOUGHT THEM ALL :p:D
 
redtailracing said:
Y'all are NOT helping me show any restraint and not order a 2011 lol
Click to expand...

I bought a Bul Armory EDC and then followed that up with the MAC 9DS comp 5".

The Bul is an incredible gun out of the box and I have kept it stock.

The MAC I bought as my "lab gun." The objective was to learn about the platform and to perform some minor tweaking at home on a less expensive gun. So far I've changed out the slide stop and safety plungers and plunger spring (the stock thumb safety detente felt like cream cheese), Atlas recoil spring (14# --> 11#), Atlas main spring (23# -->19#) and swapped in the Atlas perfect match ignition kit w/ hammer. It's been a really reliable gun so far. My next mod is a tool less guide rod and maybe an aftermarket grip. If you're gonna get into the double stack 1911 game / 2011 game the MAC9 is not a bad way to do it or you could just go WFO and get an Atlas :p (because you'll end up there anyway).
 
onesixsix said:
On it! Who do you work for? If you don't wanna say, no worries.



Thank you for the insight. This is really helpful. I have watched Ben's review of the Athena, but have not watched his review of the Titan. I found it remarkable, but unsurprising, that he had nothing negative to say about the gun. Then again, no one does except the price. Speaking of which, given your experience and ownership have you found the premium to be justified? I keep going through this, "but that gun is HALF as much and the Atlas can't be twice as good, can it?" type of rationalization. Just wondering what you as an owner think. More to the point, how has the support been from Atlas? Are there any owner benefits or demo events that you have been invited to? Scheels tends to stock a few Atlas guns, however, and I think it is because of the price point, but for something like this, I feel better either buying direct from Atlas or a sole proprietor



To start with, thank you for your service and secondly thank you for your insight and input. This is the second vote for the Athena in as many posts so I will focus my attention on that model, but will keep my mind open if Atlas has some other suggestion for whatever reason once we get to talking about it. Like you, I'd like to order "my gun." I'm not in a hurry so I don't mind the wait to get it the way I'd prefer it. As for the IDPA piece, at my local matches there are guys running Sand Vipers which are compensated (IIRC) in carry optics so I guess porting and compensating isn't an issue at least at the local level. Nonetheless, the Athena sounds like the one to pick if I'm only getting one Atlas.



Welp, that confirms it, we can't buy any more guns because YOU BOUGHT THEM ALL :p:D
Click to expand...
lol I have PLENTY more to go. And PM me.
 
S Tsotsoros said:
Nice!!!

If you had to choose two, in their current configuration, one long barrel (=> 16”) and one short barrel (=< 15.9”), which would you choose and why?

if you were to build your ultimate rifle using the best of what’s available in the collection, what would it be and why?
Click to expand...
Well for the shorter configuration that’s easy. My SR-15 14.5” is it except for an IR illuminator but that’s operating under the assumption I have Nods. Which I don’t yet. That’s next on my list. But no point in an IR illuminator if you don’t have nods. Otherwise that is my perfect rifle.

For the longer configuration that’s a harder question. The mk12 is my current favorite because it’s the newest. And man it’s an absolute joy to shoot. At first glance it gets the nod because it is just so capable for what it is. That said, the LMT absolutely obliterates it on pure capability. The mk12 is lighter, easier to use, and more pleasant to shoot. The LMT would suck to hump around. Follow up shots will take longer. Trigger is heavier, etc. Problem is the mk.12 really only adds a couple hundred yards of capability over my 14.5” SR-15. Yes it’s more accurate but for functional purposes… you get the point.

The LMT on the other hand is a 1200+ yard gun. How useful is that actually? Up to you I guess. But it is a much larger jump from the 14.5”. So I guess the answer is, by themselves? The mk.12. But when considering you also have a shorter, more versatile configuration? The LMT 6.5.

But hopefully that is also a very temporary answer as I am actively working on expanding my long range capability…
 
onesixsix said:
I bought a Bul Armory EDC and then followed that up with the MAC 9DS comp 5".

The Bul is an incredible gun out of the box and I have kept it stock.

The MAC I bought as my "lab gun." The objective was to learn about the platform and to perform some minor tweaking at home on a less expensive gun. So far I've changed out the slide stop and safety plungers and plunger spring (the stock thumb safety detente felt like cream cheese), Atlas recoil spring (14# --> 11#), Atlas main spring (23# -->19#) and swapped in the Atlas perfect match ignition kit w/ hammer. It's been a really reliable gun so far. My next mod is a tool less guide rod and maybe an aftermarket grip. If you're gonna get into the double stack 1911 game / 2011 game the MAC9 is not a bad way to do it or you could just go WFO and get an Atlas :p (because you'll end up there anyway).
Click to expand...

I got the Atlas Alpha grip for my Staccato XC. That’s going to be my Tinker Project.
The grip is out to be anodized…..I really like the Atlas Alpha grip texture, so I figured I’d give it a try.

JUST got home from my indoor range Thursday night pistol match…the 7:30pm match was “Low Light”…
so they turn the overheads off in the shooting area and turn the rest of the lights REAL low. You shoot using your weapon light.
A very fun and VERY interesting experience.

And no mention of the end of the NFA $200 tax stamp ripoff??????
 
Last edited:
I’m against the registration part as well, but I’ll take the first step in the Right direction of not having to pay $200.

Clawing back what they take away is always an uphill battle.
 
StaccatoFan said:
I’m against the registration part as well, but I’ll take the first step in the Right direction of not having to pay $200.

Clawing back what they take away is always an uphill battle.
Click to expand...
The 200 bucks is gone? I stopped paying attention due to the usual………around it all day so I started just tuning it out :confused:
 
Yes, the tax is gone for suppressors and short barrel rifles and shotguns.
Still on NFA, still have to do the form dance. But no more tax stamps for anything but select fire.
Good first step, there will be a court battle next.
 
StaccatoFan said:
I got the Atlas Alpha grip for my Staccato XC. That’s going to be my Tinker Project.
The grip is out to be anodized…..I really like the Atlas Alpha grip texture, so I figured I’d give it a try.

JUST got home from my indoor range Thursday night pistol match…the 7:30pm match was “Low Light”…
so they turn the overheads off in the shooting area and turn the rest of the lights REAL low. You shoot using your weapon light.
A very fun and VERY interesting experience.

And no mention of the end of the NFA $200 tax stamp ripoff??????
Click to expand...
F you and your tinker projects that make my top level stuff look like nerf gun stuff :-). We are going to be shooting some clays today, long weekend so avoiding the lake. Will get to see why my SBE won’t shoot right, even though I haven’t really shot it yet I’m pre blaming the gun :-)
 
redtailracing said:
Well for the shorter configuration that’s easy. My SR-15 14.5” is it except for an IR illuminator but that’s operating under the assumption I have Nods. Which I don’t yet. That’s next on my list. But no point in an IR illuminator if you don’t have nods. Otherwise that is my perfect rifle.

For the longer configuration that’s a harder question. The mk12 is my current favorite because it’s the newest. And man it’s an absolute joy to shoot. At first glance it gets the nod because it is just so capable for what it is. That said, the LMT absolutely obliterates it on pure capability. The mk12 is lighter, easier to use, and more pleasant to shoot. The LMT would suck to hump around. Follow up shots will take longer. Trigger is heavier, etc. Problem is the mk.12 really only adds a couple hundred yards of capability over my 14.5” SR-15. Yes it’s more accurate but for functional purposes… you get the point.

The LMT on the other hand is a 1200+ yard gun. How useful is that actually? Up to you I guess. But it is a much larger jump from the 14.5”. So I guess the answer is, by themselves? The mk.12. But when considering you also have a shorter, more versatile configuration? The LMT 6.5.

But hopefully that is also a very temporary answer as I am actively working on expanding my long range capability…
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to detail your thoughts. I’m learning the platform so it’s helpful for me.
 
brex said:
Yes, the tax is gone for suppressors and short barrel rifles and shotguns.
Still on NFA, still have to do the form dance. But no more tax stamps for anything but select fire.
Good first step, there will be a court battle next.
Click to expand...

One of the YouTube 2A attorneys cautioned that without removing them from the NFA, the door is open for a future administration to reinstate the tax at a very high rate suggesting $5k isn’t out of the realm of possibility. I’m not posting this to piss in your Cheerios, but to point out there’s more work to be done to remove them from the NFA to close the door on the potential future taxation.
 
StaccatoFan said:
I got the Atlas Alpha grip for my Staccato XC. That’s going to be my Tinker Project.
The grip is out to be anodized…..I really like the Atlas Alpha grip texture, so I figured I’d give it a try.
Click to expand...

Is the Atlas grip any smaller than the XC grip?

I like the current size of the grip on the MAC but it lacks texture. The prodigy grip looks smaller. I'll just have to ask the Atlas guys. Maybe I'll try the Stacatto grip on the MAC?

As for the $200 stamp. It feels more lateral than forward motion. My preference would have been to see the registration process get nullified. I dont see why there needs to be additional steps for lawful purchases of a non-firearm (i.e., suppressor) or a firearm variant (i.e., SBR) if all other checks and requirements are in place, followed, and completed.
 
onesixsix said:
As for the $200 stamp. It feels more lateral than forward motion. My preference would have been to see the registration process get nullified. I dont see why there needs to be additional steps for lawful purchases of a non-firearm (i.e., suppressor) or a firearm variant (i.e., SBR) if all other checks and requirements are in place, followed, and completed.
Click to expand...

Exactly, plus you have to wait till Jan 1, 2026 to be free of the tax. The SBR crossing state lines requirements are IMO bullshit and not worth it. I'll wade through the registration process come Jan 1st but there was no way I was going to submit to a tax stamp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top