STI Tactical Single Stack 1911 - feedback needed

[Nor*Cal]

I plan on making the most of the remaining SSE lifespan. I am waiting for my 30 day's to expire so I can DROS my next SSE. I have time for 5 more which is going to hurt financially but I do not want to be left with nothing but hope that the roster is defeated. Plus, the more off-roster guns we get into this state before 2015 the better.

2 of my remaining 5 spots are filled with the HK VP9 and a SIG P220 Platinum Elite which is already on layaway (it will complete my SIG Platimum collection).

Out of the remaining 3 spots, my #1 priority is a 9mm 1911. I have decided to add my first STI in the STI Tactical SS 4.0 9mm. I have been going back and forth between getting the 4 inch or the 5 inch but since I have a full rail TRP, I think I would rather add a full rail 4 inch to my collection. Although I can get the 5 inch for $50 less. I will probably debate between the 2 sizes until I actually place my order.

So, considering this gun with SSE will cost about $1,700 otd. Is it worth the money? I believe the MSRP is $2k and I know many sold near that price.

I really do like the full rail look of this gun so there are not many options out there. There are several non rail 1911's on the roster that I can work on acquiring in the upcoming years after I recover from this years spending spree.

I know there are several cal gunners that own these STI Tac SS's and I sure would appreciate your feedback on these fine looking pistols. Any regrets on your STI purchases?

[Haplo]

STI makes great pistols, I never had the Tactical but everything I've owned and still own is very high quality workmanship. I wouldn't hesitate on a tactical. You might want to look at their 2011 pistols too, very cool.

[5ZS]

I have a Tactical SS 5", but it is in 45.

Cons:
The finish is pretty weak, all STI's finish are sub-par and will start to rub off on use.
Polymer MSH, really on a mid to upper level gun =(

Pro:
Love the Heinie rears!
The front strap is 30lpi not aggressive but has a good hold, bare hands all day is not a problem -> TRP's 20lpi =\.
The weight and shooing fun factor.
Fit is excellent on frame to slide to barrel and small parts looks good (some may be MIM).

No regrets buying my 2 STI's .

Good Luck on choice, my dilemma is another STI or Armcsor's 1/2 price offering on a commander size in 9mm http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=946731.

[viet4lifeOC]

Damn...I'm in the same boat.

STI tactical ss 9mm 1911 or Rock Island 9mm 2011 midsize.

The midsize offers everything I need, but the STI offers almost everything I want.

The STI's full dust cover looks beefier, the front cocking serrations, and front strap checkering.

I've been going back and forth on these two for a month. Go out SSE with a bang (STI) or get the better bang for the buck (RIA).

Will be keeping my eye on this thread.

[glock_this]

I have an STI Spartan V 9mm - not exactly what you seek feedback on - but as a non 1911 fan who wanted a single 1911 in his collection I can say I've been impressed. It has been greatly accurate & I think the styling and quality are very nice for the price and they are one of the relative few 9mm options and on comparison I felt a little more money for a nicer 9mm than the RIA was a smart move.

I did a ton of research and time & time again the STI brand got the positive nod & I have not regretted it.

[Nor*Cal]

Thanks guys.

Haplo, I did check out the 2011 but since we can't use the standard double stack capacity I figured I'll stick with the 1911 which I know fits my hand well.

5ZS, I've been trying to not let the RIA come into my decision making. I've convinced myself (right or wrong) that it is a much inferior firearm and not something I want to pay the SSE premium for. However, I could get it for about $770 OTD which is less than half the price of the STI and I like the front fiber optic sight. With that said, their billboard sized logo across the side of the slide is a deal breaker for me.

The feedback on the STI finish is a huge concern for a gun of this price. I read a few similar complaints on the 1911 forum.

viet4lifeOC, looks like we have similar dilemmas.

glock this, thanks for your feedback.

[rambutan316]

STI makes excellent handguns and their CS is phenomenal. I would definitely get one, especially since they don't turn up that often on the Calguns marketplace.

[SDM44]

STI pistols are nice, especially the Tactical series. But that's still around $2k OTD after DROS, SSE, and sales tax.

While it's not as nice as a STI, RIA has a 4" railed single stack 9mm 1911 here at a fraction of the price (prob $750-ish OTD, depending on the LGS): http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=946731

[geoint]

I had a Spartan III in 45 that was a great little gun. I sold it though to pay for a SAO sig

[Nor*Cal]

STI pistols are nice, especially the Tactical series. But that's still around $2k OTD after DROS, SSE, and sales tax.

While it's not as nice as a STI, RIA has a 4" railed single stack 9mm 1911 here at a fraction of the price (prob $750-ish OTD, depending on the LGS): http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=946731

Thanks for the feedback. As stated, I can get the 4" STI for $1,700 out the door. I can get the 5" for $1650 OTD with tax, sse, and dros.

RIA would be about $770 otd.

I look at my gun purchases as investments. I am not rich so if I lost my job and needed some help to pay the mortgage, I want quality guns that hold their value and are not hard to sell.

So, paying close to $800 for a $600 RIA does not give me the value of buying a $2000 STI for $1700. Reselling the RIA if in a bind will probably lose me money. Selling the STI could net me a few hundred.

With that said, still undecided on the STI. Will keep thinking it over. The finish is an issue and I'm not to fond of a polymer mainspring housing although that is easily replaced.

[bsim]

That's a big chunk of coin for a single stack STI.

For that kind of $$ I'd be looking at the 2011's - Edge or Tactical 4.0.

[Nor*Cal]

That's a big chunk of coin for a single stack STI.

For that kind of $$ I'd be looking at the 2011's - Edge or Tactical 4.0.

That would be about $600 more. I'm not as familiar with the 2011's but isnt the main benefit that the double stack holds more rounds? In which case it does not benefit me because I have to stay within 10 round and the single stack 9mm holds 9 rounds.

What other advantages would I gain with the 2011?

[bsim]

Regarding price, I made the assumption that you could get either with the same MSRP discount. If it's just on the Tactical, but not the 2011s, then yes, it would be 5-600 more for the 2011.

The biggest "user" difference is of course the mag capacity which is negligible here. 10 vs. 7(8) in a SS. Yes, you can get 10 rd mags for SS, but reliability can be spotty with those, and they hang low. On the other hand, if you have friends or family out of state, you'll be able to enjoy the 20+ rounds of freedom with a 2011.

The 2011 is modular. Much easier to swap calibers from 45 - 9mm - 40 with a top end and mag change. Want to go from a plastic grip to metal? No problem. For competition, adjustable triggers, magwells, sights, etc lean towards 2011s. As do many (most) competitors.

Reading the STI info on the Tactical, the "put a 2011 upper on a 1911 lower". See in the pics how the slide is wider than the frame near the front? That's flush on a 2011.

I guess I'm not seeing the advantage of the Tactical SS versus their other SS models. Springfield has a GI model for ~$650, and a loaded for 2-300 more. STI has a Spartan for ~$750, but near triple for the top line? What do we get for that?

If I were doing an STI SS, I think I'd be looking at the Duty One models. If I wanted a 2011 upper, I'd leave it on a 2011 lower and go with an Edge.

Just my thoughts...

[SWAT226]

Where can I find a STi Tactical SS 5.0 (.45) in stock?
Has been looking for one as well

[Gringo Bandito]

I picked up a duty one 5.0 in 40 and the tactical ss in 45. Both are awesome guns. Very smooth slides and, very accurate with great triggers. The only thing I would change is the front site for better visibility. Folks are right about the finish wearing quickly but I really don't care. I buy my stuff to shoot.