STI Spartan or Trojan?

[BlayGlock]

I have been trying to decide between these two. Should I buy the Spartan or save a little longer for the Trojan? Anyone have any experience with these two? Is the Trojan really worth the extra price just for a target pistol that will only be shot in local IDPA matches?

Also, while Colt, Kimber, Wilson, SA, ect. all make some fine pistols will you please keep the discussion limited to the the STI models.

Thank you.

 

[wditto]

which one do you like better ?

 

[MAKster]

The Spartan is actually made by Armscor in the Phillipines with some STI parts. It's their budget gun. The Trojan is on the totally different quality level.

 

[EAJ]

Although I don't think you would go wrong with either, the Trojan has received good reviews and their owners seem to be very happy with them. Of course, if you decide on the Trojan, your next decision will be which one; 5 or 6.

 

[weisse52]

Is the Trojan really worth the extra price just for a target pistol that will only be shot in local IDPA matches?

That is going to be your decision. As has been stated the Spartan is STI entry in the lower cost 1911. For them to make that price point it requires a off-shore build. With the addation of the STI parts, and with STI standing behind the product it seems like a great product. These guys think it is a nice piece:
http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=31

I would lean toward the Trojan because of my preference for forged frame and American made. But that is just me.

IF this is a first 1911 a Spartan is a great way to get your feet wet without a giant price tag. The few I have gotten to handle seem like well made guns.

 

[sarduy]

flip a coin!

 

[kdstrick]

I haven't shot a Spartan, but they look like a great value. The Trojan is fantastic. I got one recently, and view it as the best buy in the 1911 world at this time.

If you really have your heart set on the Trojan, save your money get one. They are worth it.

 

[LancerMW]

The Spartan is an excellent gun, its boring how easy it is, now ive never owned a Trojan but i would think its even better

 

[BlayGlock]

This is not my first 1911. I have a RIA compact 1911 that I like to carry. I have been very pleased with it, so I am not scared of the Armscor parts by any means.

 

[ROBBY.1911]

if you are looking at the spartan why not buy the metro arms american classic or whatever they call it. for $449 you get everything the spartan has and you save $200. look up/search for metro arms and read the reviews. on this forum under a heading that says "1911 just got it today." there are some great pictures and i see you ordering your own. they are on GB at #139375309. check post "first 1911 arrived--pics of budget 45."

 

[waterhouse]

I own and sell both. Both are good guns. I prefer the Trojan, but mainly because the finish looks nicer and I got mine used for not a lot more than the Spartan. My Trojan has a tighter bushing fit and I shoot it a little bit better.

If I was spending cash right now to buy a new one, I'd probably opt for a Spartan and a stack of ammo.

for $449 you get everything the spartan has and you save $200.

I searched for that gun. The first google result stated:

Trigger pull was nothing to write home about, at least initially.

I haven't handled one, it does look like it is a great price point, but the Spartans do come with really nice triggers right out of the box. I'd say it's their main selling point over other "budget" 1911s.

 

[biblefreak]

That is going to be your decision. As has been stated the Spartan is STI entry in the lower cost 1911. For them to make that price point it requires a off-shore build. With the addation of the STI parts, and with STI standing behind the product it seems like a great product. These guys think it is a nice piece:
http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=31

I would lean toward the Trojan because of my preference for forged frame and American made. But that is just me.

IF this is a first 1911 a Spartan is a great way to get your feet wet without a giant price tag. The few I have gotten to handle seem like well made guns.

I thought the Trojan was a cast frame. Can anybody confirm this? BTW, I have a Trojan and it is hands down my favorite pistol! My vote would have to be to save a little more scratch and get the Trojan.

 

[weisse52]

I thought the Trojan was a cast frame[/QUOTE

Well that is what I get for not looking something myself. On the STI web site they say the Trojan is built with "the standard steel" frame. If you look further in the site it has three frames listed. The standard steel does indeed say it is cast.

You have to move further up the product line to get to the forged frames on complete guns.

SO, in the case why spend more.

 

[BlayGlock]

I appreciate the info guys. Thanks.

 

[farscott]

I have owned both the Spartan and Trojans in 9x19 and .40 S&W, and the real difference in the two comes down to factory-offered options,the front strap treatment, and finish options. The Spartan only comes with the bare front strap, the adjustable rear with fiber optic front, and the parkerized finish. The Trojan comes with the STIppled front strap, a choice of sights (including night sights for an upcharge), and a standard blued finish. Hard chrome is optional on the Trojan. The Trojan frame is indeed cast.

If the Spartan feature set works for you, it is a screaming good deal.

 

[JTQ]

As mentioned above, the Trojan has the option of fixed sights while the Spartan only comes with adjustable sights.

The Trojan also has a ramped barrel while the Spartan has the ramped frame.

 

[Rinspeed]

I think the Trojan is the best 1911 you could choose for under $1000.

 

[pittspilot]

Love my Spartan. Paid $400 for mine and it was LNIB. Maybe 50 rounds. Bought it for IDPA CDP and to venture into 1911's. A little while ago it began to have failure to go into battery issues, but swapping out the recoil spring to a Wolff caused the problem to go away. This was at about 2K rounds so it seemed a little shy to me.

 

[biblefreak]

I think the Trojan is the best 1911 you could choose for under $1000.

I absolutely agree. One day I plan on picking up a 1911 in 9mm for the wife and it will be without question an STI Trojan!

 

[KyJim]

if you are looking at the spartan why not buy the metro arms american classic or whatever they call it. for $449 you get everything the spartan has and you save $200.

This is not correct. While the frame and slide of both guns are made in the Philippines, I believe they are from two different manufacturers. Armscor makes the Spartan frame. Not sure about the Metro Arms.

However, even if the frames and slides are made by the same company, the guns are not the same. Different internals and difference in fitting. I am not saying one gun is better than the other. I am saying that they are not the same gun simply because the same company may have made the slides and frames.

 

[BlayGlock]

Decided to go with a Spartan. When I get it Ill let you know how it goes.

 

[Rob0811]

Trojan

oops, looks like I'm too late.