STI Spartan good 1st handgun?

[Dean407]

I'd like to get my 1st handgun very soon.

I am considering getting in on the group buy here for this gun:

http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Spartan/Spartan.html

I have smallish hands. The Springfield XD 9 grip fits nicely and I can go a tad larger than that.

To be realistic, I'm looking at the gun mostly to enjoy going to a range once in a while.

I like the way 1911's look and feel.

I actually preferred the way a .45 felt as opposed to a 9mm felt when I took the CCW class.

I could see myself getting into the nicer 1911's down the line if I enjoy shooting.

Is the STI Spartan a good gun to get into the hobby with?

From my research, it seems many folks feel you get a bit more bang for the buck with an STI than say a Mil-Spec Springfield.

I feel oddly comfortable involving myself in a group buy with folks from this forum.

Thanks in advance...

Dean

 

[longhorngunman]

I think you'd like it. STI has a great reputation. The 1911 .45 feels small because it uses single stack magazines instead of double stack. The Spartan is actually made by STI and Armscor of the Phillipines. The frame and slides are made by Armscor and most of the internals are STI. STI is putting their name on it and will be who stands behind it. Armscor has a good reputation, if you want a really basic cheap 1911 check out their Rock Island pistols. Also you might check out the Taurus PT1911, I have one and love it, especially for the price, but the good reputation is getting around and they are starting to jump up in price.

 

[wally]

IMHO, the bang/buck leader by far in 1911s are the new Armscor/RIA "Tacticals". Got mine for $375+ tax. If the STI Spartans are as good you'll love it. Other than a better finish (the RIA is parkerized) I don't see much that needed improving on my RIA beyond the grips.

I did do my old eyes a favor and added a fiber optic insert front sight from www.novaksights.com. I can't believe how good the trigger is on this gun and no laywer locks or extra parts. I liked it so much I got a second before people realize how good they are and the prices go up, so now I know the trigger and tight lock-up of my first was not a fluke. The Taurus PT-1911 is getting all the buzz, but IMHO these are better at a lower cost. I got the Heine "straight-8" sights like on the PT-1911 on my Taurus PT-140-PRO and hated the rear dot so much (too distracting) I've painted it black.

I've regretted not getting a couple of extra Norinco's back when they were $225-250, so I'm not making that mistake again. The RIAs are better shooters than either of the Norinco's I had (one went away with the second wife who really loved it).

--wally.

 

[longhorngunman]

Glad to hear you like it Wally . I just saw an ad with these the other day, not much more than the basic Rock Island. I am quite happy with my PT1911 though, Might have to add one of these Tacticals to the collection too.