Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS Review: Competition Meets EDC

Merging competition-level performance and accuracy with everyday carry (EDC) practicality can be a challenging task. But with this style growing in popularity many companies are strive to create a completion ready EDC firearm. One company that has done just that is Atlas Gunworks with the NYX RDS, a pistol that embodies the precision of a competition DS 1911/2011 while offering the reliability and convenience required for EDC. This review explores the features, performance, and value of the NYX RDS, highlighting if it deserves to stand out in a crowded market.

Table of Contents

• About Atlas Gunworks
• Tech Specs
• Unboxing and First Impressions
• Overall Appearance
• Design and Features
• On The Range
• Price vs Value
• Customization and Options Available
• Overall Ratings
• Final Thoughts

About Atlas Gunworks

Atlas Gunworks was founded to meet the demand for high-quality, precision-engineered firearms with fast delivery and exceptional customer service. Frustrated by long wait times and inconsistent communication in the early 2000s, Atlas Gunworks set out to provide top-tier competition pistols and accessories known for their accuracy, reliability, and innovative design. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every firearm that’s leaves their doors, meeting the high standards of competitive shooters and enthusiasts.

Dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, Atlas Gunworks pushes the boundaries of firearm design and performance. Their products, including the NYX RDS, which we will be taking a deep dive into in this article, blend precision, reliability, and user-freindly features, making them a favorite among serious shooters. This focus on quality and customer satisfaction has established Atlas Gunworks as a highly respected name in in both the competition and self protection industry.

Tech Specs

Features	Specifications
Barrel Length/type	4.25″ Bull
Sight Radius (inches)	6
Total Weight (ounces)	37.5 (with SRO)
Trigger Break weight	3.5 lbs
Rear Sight	.120 Fixed
Front Sight type/Size	Fiber .250T x .100W
Recommended Maintenance Interval	10k rounds
Optic Ready (RDS)	Yes
Recoil Spring Length/LB	4.15″ 12lb
Main Spring	19
Magwell	Tac
Finish type	Matte
Grip Texture	Carry
Grip Material	AL (Aluminum)
High Grip Ambi Safeties	Yes
Picatinny Rail	Yes

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Unboxing and First Impressions

The NYX RDS came with an awesomely branded soft carry case. Within the case was three magazines, paperwork and the gem itself the NYX RDS.

My first thoughts and impression of it were damn this thing’s a unit! From the serrations and design of the slide to the grip, it looks amazing. I’ve never used a grip texture like this before and wasn’t sure how I was going to like it, but if you don’t try it, you’ll never know. But overall it feels great, offering just enough grip without being over-textured. To say the least I’m a fan! The grip may come off a bit bulky to some especially if you’ve never had a double stack 1911 but to those that have had one it should feel just right!

Racking the slide is buttery smooth and effortless. The trigger feels great, and I love the extended ledge and serrations on the safety switch. Magazines insert with no effort and eject like it’s their job. The magazine release feels awesome, and I love that it protrudes a bit from the grip, making it super easy to press. The finish of the NYX RDS is high-end, not a flaw, and super smooth. I love that the trigger’s gloss matches the mag well. Lastly, a quick mention of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, it matches this gun perfectly. The sight picture is awesome, and I can’t wait to see how it performs, but you’ll have to wait to read that full review!

Overall Appearance

The Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS made a powerful first impression with its modern, tactical look. But now let’s dive a little deeper into its design and appearance. The serrations on the slide are definitely unique but look amazing, adding both functionality and style. The subtle NYX badging on each side of the pistol is a nice touch, with the Atlas Gunworks name engraved on the front of the frame, nothing too flashy, but a subtle reminder of the company behind this masterpiece. The gloss of the trigger matching the mag well further highlights the meticulous attention to detail. Lastly the picatinny rail gives it that modern/tactical look which I love! The overall design, from the serrations and slide to the grip texture, looks amazing and offers a perfect balance of form and function. This firearm is truly an aesthetic triumph.

Design and Features

Slide

The slide of the NYX RDS is precision-machined for smooth operation and reduced recoil, featuring front and rear serrations that are both functional and visually striking. These serrations provide a unique look while ensuring a secure grip for slide manipulation.

Each slide is hand fitted to each frame making sure its tolerance are perfect giving it that buttery smooth feel and fit. Also good to know slides can’t be swapped to other frames due to this. Much like a connecting rod for an engine the caps are made for that one connecting rod not its neighbor. Mechanics can appreciate that one!

Barrel

The NYX RDS comes equipped with a 4.25″ bull barrel, designed to offer superior accuracy and performance. The match-grade barrel ensures consistent shot placement, making it ideal for both competitive and defensive use.

Frame

Constructed from high-quality materials, the frame of the NYX RDS provides a durable and reliable foundation for the pistol. The frame includes a Picatinny rail, allowing for the attachment of various tactical accessories, enhancing the firearm’s versatility.

Grips

The custom grips on the NYX RDS offer a secure yet comfortable hold. The grip texture is designed to provide just enough grip without being overly aggressive, ensuring comfort during extended use or while carrying. The double stack design is expected and contributes to the firearm’s overall stability.

Trigger

The trigger on the NYX RDS is designed for a crisp and clean break, contributing significantly to the overall accuracy of the firearm. It has a break weight of 3.5 lbs (my sweet spot!), which is both smooth and controllable, making it a pleasure to shoot. It’s high gloss finish compliment’s the magwell perfectly!

Sights/Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

The NYX RDS build for use with reddots over irons. I went with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. This sight matches perfectly with the NYX RDS, providing a clear sight picture that complements the pistol’s accuracy. The leupold could be one of my favorites at the moment but at the same time it could just be the NYX making me like it so much.

Slide Release

The slide release is easily accessible, allowing for quick and efficient operation. The serrations on the release are great and the ledge is a perfect size making it easy to reach, operate and use without getting in my grips way.

Magazine Release

The magazine release protrudes slightly from the grip, making it super easy to press without being obtrusive.

Safety

The NYX RDS features high grip ambidextrous safeties, which are easy to engage and disengage. It features a big ledge with serrations making it very easy to use. at first I thought the ledge was a bit to bigger but it grew on me and now others feel to small.

Picatinny Rail

The integrated Picatinny rail on the frame allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as lights and lasers, enhancing the tactical capabilities of the NYX RDS.

On The Range

From the first rounds sent down range, I knew the NYX RDS is something different. The smoothness you feel is amazing and just puts a smile on your face. The grip feels great, at first I wasn’t sure how I would like it but it give you ample grip even with wet or sweaty hands on those high heat days. All the features are easy to reach and manipulate. After about the first 200-250 rounds, I knew this wasn’t your typical DS 1911, really separating itself from other DS 1911/2011 pistols. The reliability and accuracy were out of this world. It was dead on, and paired with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, it felt like a match made in heaven. Did I just find my favorite red dot for a pistol? Or is it the pistol itself that’s making me love it so much?

With a high-end pistol coming in at about $5700, quality, precision, accuracy, reliability, and smoothness is really what you are expecting and the NYX RDS delivers in on every one. I initially tested it at 20-30 yards where it performed phenomenally, solid tight groupings, and it LOVES to be ran hard kinda like a Porsche GT3 RS. Yes, i’m a mechanic/gearhead if you could tell. But I really wanted to test its accuracy so I took it out to over 100 yards, about 130-140 yards to be exact, and the accuracy and consistency were amazing. Not one malfunction, jam, or misfire occurred throughout testing. I used Ammo Inc 9mm and Buffalo Cartridge 9mm, two ammo companies I’ve had constant and reliable experiences with perfect for the review.

The trigger feels absolutely amazing, it’s smooth, controllable has a solid wall and super clean break exactly what I want in a trigger. the break was just around 3-3.5# which is my preferred weight especially for an EDC/Competitive gun. The NYX RDS overall is extremely well balanced. I will say, if this thing had a ported barrel, it would be a crazy flat shooter, which I think is all it needs to reach god-tier status in the realm of double stack 1911s. Whether I’m shooting in competition or carrying it for EDC, this is a well-rounded pistol that checks all the boxes for me. From mag dumping to achieving super tight groupings, the NYX RDS was built to perform, and it feels like that’s all it knows how to do.

Price vs Value

With a price tag coming in at a high $5700 or more if bought with an optic (which Atlas does offer 10% off optics if bought with the NYX RDS), the Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS may deter some potential buyers. However, if you can see the value in this firearm, it might just be the perfect investment for you. The justification for a firearm like this is clear: if you want a high-quality, reliable competition gun that can do more than just go to the range or sit in a safe waiting for the next competition, this is it. The NYX RDS is designed to be used daily, making it an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and dependable EDC firearm.

This is a gun that especially appeals to people who want an end-all, be-all firearm. For those new to competition shooting, the NYX RDS is a gun you can grow into, not out of. It is an investment that will take you far in the world of competition, offering reliability and performance that justify the cost. Additionally, it serves as a formidable EDC firearm, ensuring that you get your money’s worth.

On the other hand, if you’re not into competition guns and don’t see the value in purchasing a high-end firearm to sit in a safe or would rather carry a Glock 19, Sig, or another preferred model, then this gun might not be for you. However, you could also be that badass walking around with a $5700 EDC instead of a Gucci Glock. Why not? The NYX RDS is reliable, compact yet competition-ready, and runs flawlessly. It operates smoother than most and performs like that’s all it knows how to do. For those who appreciate superior craftsmanship and unmatched performance, the NYX RDS is worth every penny.

Customization and Options Available

The Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS offers a variety of customization options to tailor the firearm to your exact preferences. Here are the options available:

• Finish: All DLC Black ($100) or Tow Tone
• Trigger: Flat or Curved | Short, Medium or Long | Black, Blue, Gold, Red or Silver
• Trigger Weight: Avg 3lb or Sub 2lb
• Mag Release Orientation: Righty or Lefty
• Right Grip Panel (Ejection Port Side): Standard, Palm Swell or Step
• Left Grip Panel (Slidestop Side): Standard, Palm Swell or Step
• Safeties Orientation: Righty or Lefty
• Safeties: Single Shielded, Ambi (standard), Shielded Ambi, IDPA Ambi, IDPA Shielded Ambi or Carry Ambi
• Magwell: Carry, IDPA, Tactical, Regular (sub 2 premium mags) or Large Hands (sub 2 premium mags)
• Optics Plate: Adjustable Irons, RMR/SRO, Deltapoint Pro, Venom/Viper/Docter/Fastfire, RTS2/Vortex Razor, Romeo 3 Max/XL, Aimpoint Acro P1/P2, Holosun 507c or 509
• Slidestop Lockback: Lockback or No Lockback
• State Mag Restrictions: No or Yes (sub 2 premium 10 rd mags)
• Included Case: Soft Case, Hard Case ($125) or Both ($160)

CLICK HERE to customize your very own Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS!

Overall Ratings

Reliability and Performance: 5/5

The NYX RDS impresses with its flawless performance and reliability. From the first shot to the last, it cycled smoothly without any malfunctions, jams, or misfires. The groups were tight and extremely consistent even out over 100 yards.

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

The ergonomics of the NYX RDS are excellent, with features easily accessible and the grip providing a secure hold. While the double stack design makes the grip a bit bulky for those with smaller hands, it still offers great handling and control. The intuitive design of the magazine release and slide release enhances overall usability.

Appearance: 4.6/5

The NYX RDS stands out with its sleek, modern, and tactical design. The Picatinny rail, unique slide serrations, and subtle NYX and Atlas Gunworks badging add to its aesthetic appeal. The high-end finish and matching gloss on the trigger and magwell showcase the meticulous attention to detail.

Value: 4.3/5

At around $5700, the NYX RDS is a premium investment. However, the exceptional build quality, performance, and features justify the price for serious shooters and enthusiasts who demand the best.

Build Quality: 5/5

The build quality of the NYX RDS is top-notch. Every component is meticulously crafted, and the hand fitted slide to frame contribute to the firearms high-end feel but also performs reliably and consistently. The smooth finish and durable materials ensure long-lasting performance.

Average Rating: 4.7/5

Final Thoughts

The Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS is a remarkable firearm that seamlessly blends competition-level precision with EDC. From its design to its flawless performance and reliability, the NYX RDS stands out in every aspect. The smooth operation, ergonomic design, and modern features make it a top choice for a high end DS 1911.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable EDC, a competitive edge in shooting sports, or a well-rounded pistol that excels in both roles, the NYX RDS delivers. It’s a versatile, high-performing firearm that checks all the boxes and leaves a lasting impression. If you’re in the market for a top-tier DS 1911/2011, the NYX RDS is a masterpiece that deserves serious consideration.

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Have you had a chance to try the Atlas Gunworks NYX RDS? What are your thoughts on its performance and features? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below to help others in the community make informed decisions.

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