SA Loaded or STI Trojan in 9 ?

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wbwanzer

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I'm still wanting a 1911 in 9mm. I've been reading almost every post on 1911s trying to learn as much as possible. (I'm not a new shooter, just never had a 1911 before) I would like to stay around $1000 or less. I'm also looking for full size and weight. I've sort of narrowed down to a Springfield Loaded or STI Trojan.

Carrying the pistol is not an option here in Maryland. The usage would strictly be target shooting and Steel Challenge. Which would you take considering quality control, accuracy and nicest trigger.

Edited to add: Now that I think about it, the trigger is what it's all about for me. I'm looking for the trigger that feels like a S&W revolver in single action.

Thanks for any input.
 
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I had an SA loaded 9mm. Mine was not reliable at all, had some rough spots on the frame, and the hole for the disconnector was rough, causing cycling issues.

It was one of the most shootable, accurate pistols I've ever owned however.

Get the STI or a used Colt.

I gave up on 9mm 1911's.
 
There is no comparison between the two. Get the STI from Dawson Precision and have him do his trigger job on it. I have two Les Baers that are fine guns indeed but their triggers pale to the Dawson job.

My STI is six years old and has never bobbled on even my super economy reloads with home made bullets.
 
I actually thought about the SA, but further research led to the STI Trojan. I got mine through Brazos. Had him do his action tuning and the gun is great. All I've fired through it so far is cheap China Sports ammo. It's not jammed once. Not once. It's a great companion to my old Colt Gold Cup. But it was a little over $1200 by the time I got it in my hands. I hope it handles my reloads OK. My High Power shoots them fine. But then again, I sold the High Power as there is no comparison on the triggers between the two. It's just a fun gun to shoot.
 
I have both the SA and the STI. I had a smith match the triggers in both to 3 1/4 pnds. I run Tripps 10 round Cobra mags in both guns and they both run like a top. I shoot Steel Challenge, IDPA and USPSA with both guns with lead reloads. I just grab the clean one when going to a match. Can't tell the difference between them. I will admit that if I were to buy another one it would be STI.
 
I've shot a friend's Springfield Loaded 9mm and it shot pretty good. I've owned a SS S.A. Loaded 5" target 45 (and a LW Champion) and they were great shooters. I did have to send the LW Champion back to the factory and turnaround time was great. They pay shipping both ways.

I do like stainless steel pistols (easy to "spruce up" the finish) and I own a D.W. SS 45 CBOB which I really like. (BTW, D.W. makes very nice 9mm 1911's.)

I bought a STI Trojan 9mm and love it as much as the CBOB. As with the CBOB, very nice fit and finish. I've shot over 4,000 rounds through the Trojan with no problems. The Trojan, being a blued pistol, will show wear but I don't mind, it adds character. (And, I may just have it hard chromed someday).

I really like the high cut trigger guard and high rise beavertail on the STI. (The CBOB has these same features.) I get a higher grip and don't have the knuckle interference problem I had with the Springfield's.

All three companies have a very good reputation for customer service. I prefer the STI and D.W. for feel, fit, finish, quality, "shootability" and "pride of ownership".
 
if a few hundred isnt a problem get the trojan!, i shoot steelchallenge with my loaded 9 and its awesome!
 
the 9mm taurus 1911 is back in their catalog after a couple year hiatus. Not saying it's equal the the above guns, just that it might be another alternative at a different price point.
 
the 9mm taurus 1911 is back in their catalog after a couple year hiatus. Not saying it's equal the the above guns, just that it might be another alternative at a different price point.
Click to expand...

But are they ever going to actually come out with it?
 
I've had my eye out for the PT1911 in 9. But I'm not going to hold my breath. I've had people on forums tell me that the gun is available. On the other hand, when I called Taurus about a month ago, they told me it would be released 'around the end of the year'. So who knows.

Also I live in Maryland which means that even when the gun is available I couldn't buy one until the State Police review it and add it to their 'approved handgun roster'. So I'm really not inclined to wait for the 9mm PT1911.
 
My local gun shop owners all recommend against Taurus but I've read quite a few positive reviews of the PT1911 on the forums.

I'm leaning towards the STI. But when you take a $1000 gun and add $150 for the hot rod tune-up that everyone is recommending and probably $40 or $50 for a FO front sight, I'm up to $1200. The Taurus 1911 supposedly has a trigger job out of the box and could probably be gotten for less than $700. So it was a consideration. The Taurus reputation always gets in the way though.
 
I didn't say they were. they're also not the same price. like a BMW and a Ford. different cars, different target markets, and neither brand is right for everybody.
 
My local gun shop owners all recommend against Taurus but I've read quite a few positive reviews of the PT1911 on the forums.

I'm leaning towards the STI. But when you take a $1000 gun and add $150 for the hot rod tune-up that everyone is recommending and probably $40 or $50 for a FO front sight, I'm up to $1200. The Taurus 1911 supposedly has a trigger job out of the box and could probably be gotten for less than $700. So it was a consideration. The Taurus reputation always gets in the way though.
Click to expand...

I would guess a STI would have a decent trigger out of the box. If not, they do have a good reputation for customer service. A poll between those who have had a trigger job done and those who have not would be interesting. I've never seen any.

My Trojan supposedly had a "free" trigger job from where I purchased it (not Brazos or Dawson). Personally, I'd have a hard time paying an additional $150.00 for a $1,000 pistol to give it a good trigger. Something in that price range should have a great trigger. I'd take a chance on a factory STI and bet the trigger would be fine.

People who have a Taurus, especially 1911's, seem to be pleased with the pistols from what I've read if they work and very displeased if they have to send it back. I don't think at the price point their 1911's sell at that you're getting much "individual" attention or a "tuned" trigger but I could be wrong.
 
As far as Taurus' trigger job goes, I'm just going by what their magazine ads say. It is one of the '19 custom features' that come standard.
 
I have owned the S.A. Target and currently own the Kimber Stainless II. I prefer the Kimber primarily because it has brushed sides, more aesthetic slide serrations, and super tight frame/slide fit. I usually opt for adjustable sights. but the stock fixed sights (no dots) are well regulated, regardless if I use 115fmj or 124gr +P JHP's. I only use the Metalform "ramped" magazines that come with the newer S.A. models. I love this pistol, but due to a current home remodel you may see it up for sale soon.

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