Does anyone have a STI 1911?

[vwarren]

I am wondering, what are your thoughts about this weapon.
I really like what I have read but I have never fired one. So?

 

[riverman67]

I have a trojan in 40 SW.
I like it but I have had feeding issues with it since it was new. I just got it back from a competent gunsmith and he is certain its fixed .
I dont think anyone has issues with the 45 or 9 because of the longer OAL of the cartridge compared to 40.

 

[Jtgarner]

What model are you looking at? I have a STI Spartan in 45. I really like shooting it and think it is a great gun. It is the cheapest model that STI sells and so they did skimp on a few things (Plastic trigger and MSH) but overall it is a great gun.
If you are looking at the Spartan I say go for it, as I truly believe it is the best 1911 in its price range.
If you are looking at some of their higher end guns, I have honestly not heard bad things about them either. I think it would be great to own a 2011 race gun in 9mm someday (all tricked out with the cmore and stuff), but money doesn't allow that right now.

 

[vwarren]

the spartan

I have been looking at the spartan

 

[Jtgarner]

Well I will tell you EXACTLY how I feel about every part of it then (I wrote this up once, and then accidentally clicked back, so this is the condensed version with only my dislikes/gripes about the gun)

First off, like I mentioned, the mainspring housing is plastic, but I didn't mention that it sticks out the bottom of the grip about 1/8th of an inch. I thought this was no big deal because i had a Smith&Alexander magwel that I was going to put on it, well the gap was still there with the magwel on, so I am going to sell the magwel and get the techwear grip/magwel combo.
I don't like fiber optic front sights (prefer tritium inserts, or plain black) so I have purchased a plain black front sight and just haven't gotten it installed yet.
The rear sight is adjustable and held it's zero well, but I wanted fixed rear sights as I intend on carrying this gun so I got the Harrison Design Plain black LPA cut rear sight (required some minor fitting that I did by hand to the sight to get it to fit).
Also not a big gripe, but the front strap is not textured so I have some grip tape on there (and I really like the feel that way too).
Fit was AMAZING out of the box, as it broke in it loosened up a little and is now about the same as my Safari Arms Matchmaster (cost about $900).
Finish on the whole gun was good, nice and clean and even.
Finish on the frame has worn a little from use on the dust cover, finish on the frame is still good.
I had some feeding problems at first with the supplied magazine (ACT) but when I got a wilson combat 47d, it all cleared up.
Safety engages and disengages solidly.

Overall, the gun is not perfect, and there are some 1911s that are better out there. For the price though, I don't think you will find a better one (the Desert Eagle 1911 is probably the closest contender).
I have a problem keeping any of my guns stock, so this gun is not done yet, but that is just the tinkering bug that I have. Out of the box, this is a great gun.

 

[johnb62]

I have a Trojan in 9mm. I have also had a Lawman, Trojan in 45 and Ranger in 9mm.
All are/were top notch weapons.

 

[HICKMAN]

I've owned two 1911's, an STI Spartan and a Wilson Combat CQB.

I shot USPSA matches with both and once the buzzer went off, I couldn't tell the difference between the two.

The ONLY issue I had with the Spartan was mags, but some Chip McCormicks solved that problem quickly.

 

[WhitleyStu]

If you are not already a member over at 1911forum.com here is a link to the STI subforum:
http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44

 

[Wabatuckian]

Hello,

The Spartan uses the same frame and slide as the Rock Island... just FYI.

The insides are all STI, as far as I know.

Josh

 

[Cowboy1629]

I have an STI USPSA single stack model in 45 with right at 5000 rounds through it now with everything from hand loaded lead bullets to high dollar self defense rounds and it has not had the first malfunction of any type. Can't say that about my Colts, Browns, or Wilson's right out of the box. The only thing I have done to mine is change the front sight to a Dawson fiber optic.

I would not hesitate to buy another STI.

 

[colt22man]

I know a half dozen competitors shooting the STI Spartan and they all love thier gun. All have had some custom work to satisfy individual desire, who wouldn't, but overall I would buy a single or double stack STI. I did have a brazos custom built on STI slide & frame, fantastic, says it all.

 

[BJones]

I have an escort 9mm, that shoots great and handles great. The only time I ever has a problem was when I used Fiocci ammo. The escort would not shoot it, I quickly changed to winchester white box and it was fine.
I can recommend the STI.

 

[AverageMidwest]

Had an STI Spartan that I sold to another INGO member and still regret doing it. Bought it new for $660 and it ran just fine out of the box - I'd buy another at that price tomorrow. Yes, frame and slide are manufactured by Armscor, but - to STI specs, which are considerably tighter than is the case for Rock Island Armory products. (Yes, I have and still do own an RIA GI model which took some warranty work to feed correctly, so I know whereof I speak.) STI's higher end products are in the same league with high end Kimbers and low end Les Baer and Wilson.