STI ....Good Company?

At that price you're probably looking at the Spartan.

They're a good company, but be aware that the Spartan isn't really a 100% STI product. The frame, slide and barrel are made by Armscor in the Phillipines (same company that makes the RIA). They do use STI manufactured control components though and the gun is warranted by STI.

That said, STI is apparently dropping the Spartan from their lineup (that's what people were told at SHOT Show anyway). I have the Spartan myself and if I had it to do over again I'd probably save a few extra $$$ for the STI Trojan instead, which is a little more refined and is completely built by STI rather than outsourced.

Overall though they're a good company. As soon as they become available I'm going to be getting their new STI DVC Limited that they just announced (tax return present).

STI has a very good reputation. If you are looking at $600 guns, the STI model you are considering probably came off the same assembly line in the Philippines as the RIA. RIA also has a very good customer support reputation.

The lowest end USA made STI is the Trojan. The models below the Trojan are from the PI, with STI's very fine small parts inside.

STI has a good rep, as mentioned. They also have a developmental history of getting the 1911 right. They began with Virgil Tripp building race guns and Sandy Voight bringing CNC production to Virgils ideas.

Even their "low end" models are good. This is not to say RIA isn't good, they are. Neither one you're looking at is ever going to be a "silk purse", but neither is the proverbial "sows ear", either. They work. And if you do get an infrequent lemon, both companies stand behind their products to make it right. Unlike a few other companies (para ordnance).

Years ago, I bought a used STI Spartan for $350.00. Good gun. Shoots fine. But it developed barrel bump. I sent a picture of the problem via email to STI after talking to a pleasant gentleman on the phone. I don't recall his name. He responded instantly with shipping information and STI paid shipping both ways. The gun was in their hands for 2 or 3 days and they fitted a brand new barrel and link to the gun. It was out of my hands for about a week. Gun continues to run great. Can't complain about that and I would have no reservations about buying STI stuff again.

I carry a Spartan IV in 9mm. It's also my first 1911.

When I first bought it it had extraction problems. I called STI and they figured that my extractor tension was off. They told me I could send it in on their dime, or fix it myself. Being a tinkerer, I wanted to do it myself. They sat on the phone with me and walked me through the process. Then they called me a week later to make sure it was running properly. They also sent me a free mag for the troubles. I've got about 6-7k rounds through it now, and it's still running like a top. The only complaint I've had is that the finish is somewhat thin.

STI is definitely a company that cares about their customers. Another STI will definitely be in my future.

STI is a good company.

I didn't know the Spartan was made in the Phillippines.

Yeesh.

My 9mm Trojan is one of my favorites. If they are discontinuing the Spartan I need to get one.

STI good, so is the Spartan

The unfortunate label "Filipino beer can" got applied to firearms made in the islands. And I'm quite sure there are some clunkers made there.

However, the STI and RIA guns made there are good. Being made there isn't a problem. If it were, QC at either company would have stopped it long ago.