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Atlas Artemis vs Titan Comparison

5.1K views 26 replies 17 participants last post by  jucee18  
#1 ·
Well, I have the genuine pleasure of owning both. I bought the Titan first, and then had the opportunity to grab the Artemis. Both were purchased from Addicts.

To start, the Titan is an incredible firearm. It was my second 2011 and hands down the best built firearm I had ever owned. Originally, I had wanted an Athena. But, a trade plus cash deal became available on this Titan and I decided to act on it. I will never regret that decision.

I still had a hankering for the 4.6" barrel and kept looking at Athena's. Almost grabbed one from another member but someone else jumped on it while I was still fiddle-farting around (it was an incredible deal, 2nd threaded barrel fitted by Atlas).

After that, I started considering what really was the most comparable gun in the Atlas line up to the Titan. I came to the opinion, it really was the Artemis. Same overall length. Same holster compatibility. Same weight. Everything was the same except a 4.6" barrel with sight block vs the 5" barrel and slide. I started looking at the Artemis and was about ready to order one when a member put one in the classifieds that was too nice not to act on.

So, after having the Titan for a little over 3 months, and the Artemis for just under 2 months, I thought I would share my thoughts. I now have comparable round counts through both. I have used both in competitions. And, I am currently working on loads for both (just started reloading).

Between competitions, I have taken the time to take both to the range and run "mock" stages back to back with both guns. Here is my assessment...

Both guns are set up identical: tactical magwell, standard ambi-safeties (right- hand bias), Trijicon SRO, medium flat sub-2lb trigger, left step panel, right flush panel. With an empty 18 rd (126mm) Atlas mag with IDPA base plate, the Artemis weighs 44.23 oz and the Titan weighs 44.48 oz. At first glance they look like the same gun. (I was surprised the Artemis weighed less.)

The Artemis does have a noticable advantage. It is not significant, but noticable. The advantage lies with double-taps. The Artemis is just more forgiving. Your grip can be a little sloppy, and you'll achieve the same results as you would with the Titan when your grip is on-point. Additionally, the balance of the Artemis is just slightly better, but again, it's noticable.

For anyone looking at the two, the Titan and Artemis are both excellent guns (really, just about the best money can buy). If you are a top-tier shooter (USPSA Master with tournament wins), the difference is not likely worth it. If you are a middle-tier shooter (such as myself), you will likely appreciate the slight advantage the Artemis provides. Yes, in this scenario, the extra $1,500 is probably worth it if you were planning to spend this kind of money anyway. If (with current pricing) $5,700 for the Titan is doable, but $7,300 for the Artemis is not, grab the Titan and don't think twice. It's worth every penny!

I still have not shot an Athena, but given the choice, I would buy the Titan (I like the recoil impulse of 147gr which is perfect for a 5" barrel). If I could only have one and had to sell the other, it would be the Artemis I kept (but not an easy choice).

This is a rather brief review, really just a summary. But when I was on the hunt, stuff like this was appreciated. So to the soon-to-be Atlas owner, I hope this helps.




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#2 ·
Very nice comparison, write up. I believe it is posts like this that are super helpful for others who may be in the same boat looking at both. Well done.

last summer I was in a similar situation and had actually ordered a Titan, but an Artemis came up for sale and I canceled my Titan order and picked up the Artemis. While it was more money, I figured the addition of the sight block would make a noticeable difference in recoil management. To be fair I have not shot a Titan. I will say my Artemis is my favorite.
 
#3 ·
Thanks. I scoured the internet looking for comparisons when I made the decision to get an Atlas. To be honest, I did not think I would own two, so I wanted to get the right one for me. I genuinely hope this as well as other posts help the next person.

I agree, the Artemis is my favorite as well. I found the recoil management to be very similar. For me, it really is just a slight balance advantage, and a return to zero advantage with doubles. I can achieve the same results with the Titan, but my grip has to be perfect. If I were a veteran competitor, with a super consistent draw and grip, the Titan would be more than enough and a far better value (particularly before the 2024 price increases). But like I said, I am a mid-tier competitor and relatively new at that. And for that reason, the Artemis ups my game.
 
#4 ·
I will plus one on the Artemis.

It is very smooth and consistent; my favorite among the very best. @Stormy has the best looking one, and shoots it like a champ. I don’t understand the new Infinity business model, but it seems they moved away from full custom builds, and regardless, outshining the Artemis will be very hard. It’s such a wonderful problem to have while shooting and carrying the best in my collection.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Great write up Ltg!

My journey was very similar to yours.

I was going to order the Athena, but spent more time reading threads and watching Youtube and ordered the Artemis.

A few months after receiving my gun a good deal on a Titan popped up, so I got it.

Even though I no longer compete, I‘m still big on paying for performance and craftsmanship.

Reading your two posts was like I had wrote them myself. Very accurate in my experience.

To a new buyer I would say, if the difference in cost between the two is a really big stretch that may put you in a hardship or cause a strain in a relationship, the Titan is sooo close to the Artemis it is a guarantee that the Titan will put a -@$@ eating grin on your face.

Enjoy your Atlas’ and I hope they up your game!


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#8 ·
I shot Titan and Artemis back to back when trying to decide which one shot flatter and quicker. I had sold my Titan and upgraded to Artemis as 2-Gun pistol after being impressed so much with Titan.

After countless drills and several different loads, it was damn close to call. I felt like a slight edge to Artemis and brought in two other buddies to weigh in. Artemis did ultimately seem to be flatter and a touch quicker to settle. But this was before I had a Mantis to measure so it’s not empirical.

In my opinion, if trying to save some money get the Titan. It was damn close to Artemis performance and I don’t think price jump justified gains…but this was before new pricing so I don’t know what is what. If I went back to 2011 platform I would likely go Titan as the Artemis while “better” was not, that MUCH better.
 
#9 ·
Your impressions mirror mine. I haven't been shooting my Titan near as much as my Artemis, but I can't let go of the Titan. It's too good of a gun. Honestly, if I had never bought my Artemis and only had my Titan, I just don't really feel like I would have missed out on anything.

Today's pricing: $5700 Titan RDS vs $7200 Artemis RDS... hands down the Titan is the better value.
 
#10 ·
I only own a Titan and haven’t owned or shot an Artemis, so take this for what it’s worth, but my Titan outshoots my NHC BDS9, and is on par or a little better than my NHC TRS Comp. My Staccato P doesn’t even come close (an XC though… who knows).

I’m not trying to convince people the Titan is the way (though it does seem like a better value), I’d go with the Artemis because I bet it’s even better than the masterpiece that is my Titan.
 
#14 ·
Currently own an Artemis (in 9mm which is fantastic) and wanted to add another Atlas to keep it company. I, too, was leaning towards the Titan due to the best value and sharing the same dimensions. Ultimately, while waiting for a Titan to pop-up I was presented with the opportunity to grab an Erebus which I could not pass up. Titan may very well be the most underrated Atlas out there.
 
#22 ·
I keep reading posts comparing Titan and Artemis, and I was on the lookout for an Artemis. Before I found one, I was offered a nearly new Titan Gen 2 (RDS) with RMR Type 2 and X300 Ultra light for $5k even. I had to grab it!:) Still haven't shot it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I have other 2011's but just sliding and dry firing puts a smile on my face.