New to the forum and looking to get soon be a 1st time 1911 owner. Right now at the top oft short list is a STI Spartan V. Had a chance to handle one at my local gun shop and I was impressed. Also looked at a Colt, Springfield, and a Kimber. For the $ and the features I walked away strongly considering the Spartan. Any thoughts?
STI Spartan
- Thread starter rhp997
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STI is one of those few brands that trust completely, and the Spartan is a solid value.rhp997 said:
If it's what you like, there's no reason not to buy one.
smalls
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I carry a Spartan IV in 9mm everyday. I think it's the best budget 1911 out there currently, for what you get.
I had some extractor tension issues at first (common with 9mm 1911's, they need a lot of tension), but since then I've been extremely happy with it. Accuracy is great, it feeds everything I've thrown at it, and the finish has been holding up pretty well, considering it's everyday holster use.
I'm thinking of buying another in officers size for summer carry, or buying an officers frame from them for a CCO project with my current top end.
I had some extractor tension issues at first (common with 9mm 1911's, they need a lot of tension), but since then I've been extremely happy with it. Accuracy is great, it feeds everything I've thrown at it, and the finish has been holding up pretty well, considering it's everyday holster use.
I'm thinking of buying another in officers size for summer carry, or buying an officers frame from them for a CCO project with my current top end.
chris in va
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One of our top club shooters uses an STI double stack. His is considerably more expensive though.
peacemaker45
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Just one? Seems like STI owns USPSA's Open and Limited Divisions, and is steadily eating Single Stack as well.
I have the SPARTAN III. Very solid, reliable, and accurate. Carries very well in a OWB holster that I made.
The only modification that I have made is to paint the sights. Although they are sized right for me. They were hard for me to pick up in low light.
I have had a couple other sub -compact 1911, Springfield micro, and an original Detonics Combat Master. The micro didn't like JHP ammo. The Detonics didn't like truncated bullets.
The Spartan has fed and fired every type of ammo I have put through it.
I 'ts a lot of gun for the price.
The only modification that I have made is to paint the sights. Although they are sized right for me. They were hard for me to pick up in low light.
I have had a couple other sub -compact 1911, Springfield micro, and an original Detonics Combat Master. The micro didn't like JHP ammo. The Detonics didn't like truncated bullets.
The Spartan has fed and fired every type of ammo I have put through it.
I 'ts a lot of gun for the price.
I just picked up a Spartan IV in 9mm. Word was / is that the cast frame encases the better STI internals. I stripped mine down and sure enough the sear, hammer and trigger bow are TOP notch. I've inspected a few sears and the STI is as good as I've seen. The parker build up where the sear resides caused a little sticking, but nothing a little emmory cloth couldnt fix quick. I bob tailed the Spartan and for sure the frame is cast. Chucked chips out instead of nice long chips. Not that many will be grinding or drilling the frames. I say buy it you'll like it.
smalls
Member
I also painted my front sight bright red to help pick it up in low light. The V comes with a fiber optic front sight, but the smaller versions do not.
raze
Member
theyre great guns, excellent value for the money. I had the V when i got it the mag catch was messed up and not sticking out far enough to properly hold the mag in. I gave them a call and they sent me a new mag release right away other than that it is a great gun
Carter
Member
Love my Spartan. It is my first and only 1911 right now, but I like it a lot better than my brother in laws RIA that he customized himself. My blackhawk serpa has been real rough on the finish though. It runs like a champ and is very accurate.
smalls
Member
Nice!
I do wish they came with the square hammer like thee it site says they do, though. It's my only complaint about the way mine looks.
I do wish they came with the square hammer like thee it site says they do, though. It's my only complaint about the way mine looks.
I also think the STI Spartan is a good value in an budget price range and STI is a great company. My only objection on it is the large billboard logo...but that's true of the whole STI line
I really believe it is the best 1911 imported out of the Philippines
I really believe it is the best 1911 imported out of the Philippines
wild cat mccane
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Since STI's start out as RIA's...I see zero reason not to recommend the RIA too and save $150. meh.
smalls
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... Because they don't "start out" as RIA's. Armscor makes the frame/slide (I've been told its different steel, too), then adds STI fire controls, barrels, etc. then ships them here for final QC.
All thus happens by a the STI division of Armscor, trained by STI.
When I last spoke to the Armscor and STI folks at SHOT, they both explained it the same way.
The STI Spartans don't start as RIA guns...it would be silly to mark and then remark the slides...but the frames and slide are produced on the same production line (of the same steel; they are identical until marked)
The is no STI division of Armscor. What STI did was send some folks over to the PI to show the folks assembling their guns how they wanted them fitted. Armscor 1911s intended for the STI contract are assembled to that standard. Armscor adopted the same techniques for the 1911s meant for RIA...I can't speak to the ones they produce for other companies.
STI does final QC inspections in their own factory in TX; RIA in NV
The STI Spartans don't start as RIA guns...it would be silly to mark and then remark the slides...but the frames and slide are produced on the same production line (of the same steel; they are identical until marked)
The is no STI division of Armscor. What STI did was send some folks over to the PI to show the folks assembling their guns how they wanted them fitted. Armscor 1911s intended for the STI contract are assembled to that standard. Armscor adopted the same techniques for the 1911s meant for RIA...I can't speak to the ones they produce for other companies.
STI does final QC inspections in their own factory in TX; RIA in NV
wild cat mccane
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^^^ So as I said, the RIA should also be a good option.
Owning both I can say yes they are both good options, but the spartan is better. Better finish. Better trigger. Better sights.
...and that, plus the lower price is what makes the RIA a better basis to build on...I'd start with the Tactical.
It depends on where you want to go with your 1st 1911. My first one is long gone, but each one that followed it was a learning experience that refined my knowledge of what I wanted when I felt ready to have one built
smalls
Member
Right from the STI website:
Q: Are STI pistols made in America?
A: The Spartans are built for STI (to STI specifications and utilizing STI internals) in the Philippinesby the STI division of Armscorp. All of the rest of our pistols are built right here in Georgetown, TX.
Emphasis added by me.
I was told (by an employee of STI) that they had a whole separate shop in the same building that builds the Spartans. He also told me that there was something different about the steel, either it was completely different, or had a different heat treatment or something. I can't recall exactly what he said, and can't seem to find any other info on it right now.
Just going by what they told me.
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