STI Spartan 9mm - The Firearms Forum

Shooter45 · 01-06-2011, 07:22 PM

The pistol came in today and I'm very impressed. Packed in a foam lined plastic case with owners manual and one stainless mag. More about that later.

All I have heard about this pistol is true, except for a few things that I'll cover over the next couple of days.

After stripping the pistol and giving it a good cleaning, I can see the work that went into it. All parts are FITTED correctly with no flaws anywhere. I then reassembled with a light oiling using SBGO. The frame and slide are tightly fitted and moves smoothly.

What would I change ? Maybe replace the mainspring housing. I prefer an arched housing. And the grips. just because I can. The supplied grips are Phillipine Mahogany and nicely checkered in the double diamond pattern. And I'll probably wrap a strip of skate board tape across the front strap for a non skid grip.

I did fire the pistol today a total for 50 rounds with ZERO malfunctions. Nothing for group size as I was shooting at a 12" steel plate at fifty yards. I did have a couple of misses but the sight was set at the factory setting and not disturbed. I'll dial it in later. All I wanted to do was get some break in time and check for function.

I'll post a couple of pictures and write more later.

JLA · 01-06-2011, 08:09 PM

Damn nice shooter, I think ill buy me one as well...

Shooter45 · 01-06-2011, 08:30 PM

Josh, I don't think you will go wrong. Remember, this is an STI bottom line pistol. I have owned their high end pistols and have never been disappointed.

The pistol has a suggested retail price of $660 and is a real bargain in a 1911. I'll get into much more detail later.

JLA · 01-06-2011, 08:34 PM

lookin forward to it shooter. Heck I was happy with the taurus 1911s and wouldnt trade my mut for nuttn, But STIs are assembled right here in TEXAS, so theres a little redneck pride in owning one... for me anyway

1969SS396 · 01-06-2011, 08:37 PM

My son has been looking for a 1911 in a 9mm, next time he's over I'll have him look at this thread.

Zane71464 · 01-07-2011, 04:31 AM

That's REAL nice Shooter!
And yep, that one is still on my mind big time. Real anxious for your range report!

Crpdeth · 01-07-2011, 10:27 AM

Very nice, Sam! I am a bit jealous at the moment.

Crpdeth

Helix_FR · 01-07-2011, 11:13 AM

I can't say enough about them. STI in my book is one of the best even surpassing Colt and Kimber, and Springfield by a long shot. (sorry springfield guys, they've been shipping out some real turds lately) The spartan is the bottom line gun but its better than top of the line from other manufactures. Your right about the slides, they are really smooth even for a low end. The steelmasters feel like they are on ball bearings. The price you can't go wrong either. Arched mainspring housing and different grips is small potatoes compared to what you have to do to other manufactures to get them running right.

mxracer07 · 01-07-2011, 08:41 PM

very nice gun shooter be sure to post a range report i have heard good things about them now lets see how it shoots

Shooter45 · 01-09-2011, 09:02 AM

After three hundred rounds of ammo downrange with zero malfunctions, I'd say the break in period is over.

Two passes with a BoreSnake and a quick wipe down, the pistol is clean. The SBGO is still in place so I'm not reoiling.

I'll put the pistol thru it's paces today at the local combat match.

Shooter45 · 01-11-2011, 11:43 AM

The pistol ran flawlessly thru the match. I didn't expect anything less. STI has a winner with this one. It's a very accurate pistol at a great price and it just doesn't get any better than that.

Guess I'd better start on the review.

TheGunClinger · 01-11-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

The pistol came in today and I'm very impressed. Packed in a foam lined plastic case with owners manual and one stainless mag. More about that later.

All I have heard about this pistol is true, except for a few things that I'll cover over the next couple of days.

After stripping the pistol and giving it a good cleaning, I can see the work that went into it. All parts are FITTED correctly with no flaws anywhere. I then reassembled with a light oiling using SBGO. The frame and slide are tightly fitted and moves smoothly.

What would I change ? Maybe replace the mainspring housing. I prefer an arched housing. And the grips. just because I can. The supplied grips are Phillipine Mahogany and nicely checkered in the double diamond pattern. And I'll probably wrap a strip of skate board tape across the front strap for a non skid grip.

I did fire the pistol today a total for 50 rounds with ZERO malfunctions. Nothing for group size as I was shooting at a 12" steel plate at fifty yards. I did have a couple of misses but the sight was set at the factory setting and not disturbed. I'll dial it in later. All I wanted to do was get some break in time and check for function.

I'll post a couple of pictures and write more later.

Shooter, is the finish on that gun a bit rough or parked, or did you wipe it down with SBGO? When I wipe down my TRP with SBGO it looks like that until I take a dry rag to it. That stuff really sticks!

Shooter45 · 01-11-2011, 03:47 PM

The pics were taken just as the pistol was removed out of the factory plastic bag. I removed the grips later and cleaned the outside with alcohol to remove the factory grease. Then the SBGO. The finish is parkerized and smooth.

TheGunClinger · 01-11-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

The pics were taken just as the pistol was removed out of the factory plastic bag. I removed the grips later and cleaned the outside with alcohol to remove the factory grease. Then the SBGO. The finish is parkerized and smooth.

Ok parked. That would explain why it looks parkerized.

My TRP looks like parked in photos if I dont wipe off the SBGO real good. I find it very hard to not use too much. BTW, very nice looking 1911. I have to find one to hold.

Shooter45 · 01-11-2011, 04:45 PM

Try a drop on a good quality shaving brush. A little goes a long way and the brush really spreads it around.

TheGunClinger · 01-11-2011, 05:02 PM

I'll try that. I usually just put a few drops on my micro fiber and wipe down whatever it is I'm cleaning, but I still over do it.

Shooter45 · 01-15-2011, 07:03 AM

Spent most of yesterday fitting a magwell then altering the factory grips to fit. With snow still on the ground, no range time.

JLA · 01-15-2011, 05:54 PM

I am going to buy one shooter, I got stu checkin on me one straight from STI. He and carol got to tour the shop last week (luckies).. So far, can you see anything that would need improving as it comes from the factory?

Shooter45 · 01-15-2011, 06:15 PM

Yes, but for the price this is a great entry level competition pistol. The checkering on the Phillipine Mahogany grips isn't sharp enough for me and without the frontstrap checkered, the pistol could move around in my grip in hot weather. Not really a problem as the fix is simple. Plus, I usually change the grips on a new pistol anyway.

Also, the trigger on my pistol breaks just shy of 5 lb. Not bad but I'm used to 3 lb and lower. Another easy fix.

Keep in mind that suggested retail on this pistol is $660 and they can be bought for less. I bought this one from Double D Guns at a great price. I haven't done anything to the STI except clean it and shoot it. No problems. No FTF. Nothing. Goes bang everytime I press the trigger. The trigger is adj for overtravel. I didn't have to adj it. No creep and just a slight amount of takeup, then bang. I was concerned about the mags being cheap so I ordered a couple of Metalform Mags. My pistol and Mags came in the same day. I opened the case, took the pistol from the plastic wrapper, removed the mag, guess what. The mag was a stainless Metalform. Excellent mag. Two matches later, still no malfunction and that says a lot. Keep in mind that is with very little break in time.

I tore the pistol down for cleaning before firing and inspected all the fire control parts. All fitted. Nothing cheap there. Frame to slide fit was excellent. The barrel and bushing are a perfect fit. No movement anywhere. The LPA rear adj sight was made in Italy, not a BoMar but close enough for competition. Money saved there. The fiber optic front sight is bright and I like it. The checkered trigger is comfortable. The beavertail grip safety is well fitted as is the thumb safety.

The frames and slides are made in the Phillipines, then fitted with STI internals. Then shipped to STI for testing before being shipped to distributors. If problems are found, they are repaired by STI.

STI has a winner and I have a keeper.

JLA · 01-15-2011, 06:21 PM

just what I want to hear. itll be 6 bills well dropped then. cant wait to hear back from stu.

Shooter45 · 01-15-2011, 07:04 PM

I got a really good price from DoubleD here on the forum. Give him a call.

Zane71464 · 01-16-2011, 04:41 AM

Really good to hear your review of the Spartan, Shooter! And all sounds well and very good...

Ive read about everything I could on the 1911's, both here and every where else I could find to read and I'm sold, that this will be my first 1911. Not a matter of if, but when!
Congrat's on your STI 9mm Spartan!

dbltap · 01-17-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

The pistol ran flawlessly thru the match. I didn't expect anything less. STI has a winner with this one. It's a very accurate pistol at a great price and it just doesn't get any better than that.

Guess I'd better start on the review.

What ammo do you run; factory or reloads? I just bought my Spartan today.

Thanks

JLA · 01-17-2011, 07:38 PM

bein a match shooter, id suspect shooter runs a mix if his most trusted factory brands as well as handloads...

mxracer07 · 01-18-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

Spent most of yesterday fitting a magwell then altering the factory grips to fit. With snow still on the ground, no range time.

i would like to see some pics of it with the new magwell on it if you get a chance

01-06-2011, 07:22 PM	#1
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	STI Spartan 9mm The pistol came in today and I'm very impressed. Packed in a foam lined plastic case with owners manual and one stainless mag. More about that later. All I have heard about this pistol is true, except for a few things that I'll cover over the next couple of days. After stripping the pistol and giving it a good cleaning, I can see the work that went into it. All parts are FITTED correctly with no flaws anywhere. I then reassembled with a light oiling using SBGO. The frame and slide are tightly fitted and moves smoothly. What would I change ? Maybe replace the mainspring housing. I prefer an arched housing. And the grips. just because I can. The supplied grips are Phillipine Mahogany and nicely checkered in the double diamond pattern. And I'll probably wrap a strip of skate board tape across the front strap for a non skid grip. I did fire the pistol today a total for 50 rounds with ZERO malfunctions. Nothing for group size as I was shooting at a 12" steel plate at fifty yards. I did have a couple of misses but the sight was set at the factory setting and not disturbed. I'll dial it in later. All I wanted to do was get some break in time and check for function. I'll post a couple of pictures and write more later. Attached Images -->

01-06-2011, 08:09 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Damn nice shooter, I think ill buy me one as well... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-06-2011, 08:30 PM	#3
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Josh, I don't think you will go wrong. Remember, this is an STI bottom line pistol. I have owned their high end pistols and have never been disappointed. The pistol has a suggested retail price of $660 and is a real bargain in a 1911. I'll get into much more detail later.

01-06-2011, 08:34 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: STI Spartan 9mm lookin forward to it shooter. Heck I was happy with the taurus 1911s and wouldnt trade my mut for nuttn, But STIs are assembled right here in TEXAS, so theres a little redneck pride in owning one... for me anyway __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-06-2011, 08:37 PM	#5
1969SS396 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: the "Mitten" state Posts: 256	Re: STI Spartan 9mm My son has been looking for a 1911 in a 9mm, next time he's over I'll have him look at this thread. __________________ So Mote it be.

01-07-2011, 04:31 AM	#6
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,366	Re: STI Spartan 9mm That's REAL nice Shooter! And yep, that one is still on my mind big time. Real anxious for your range report! __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

01-07-2011, 10:27 AM	#7
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Very nice, Sam! I am a bit jealous at the moment. Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

01-07-2011, 11:13 AM	#8
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,624	Re: STI Spartan 9mm I can't say enough about them. STI in my book is one of the best even surpassing Colt and Kimber, and Springfield by a long shot. (sorry springfield guys, they've been shipping out some real turds lately) The spartan is the bottom line gun but its better than top of the line from other manufactures. Your right about the slides, they are really smooth even for a low end. The steelmasters feel like they are on ball bearings. The price you can't go wrong either. Arched mainspring housing and different grips is small potatoes compared to what you have to do to other manufactures to get them running right. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

01-07-2011, 08:41 PM	#9
mxracer07 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 60	Re: STI Spartan 9mm very nice gun shooter be sure to post a range report i have heard good things about them now lets see how it shoots

01-09-2011, 09:02 AM	#10
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm After three hundred rounds of ammo downrange with zero malfunctions, I'd say the break in period is over. Two passes with a BoreSnake and a quick wipe down, the pistol is clean. The SBGO is still in place so I'm not reoiling. I'll put the pistol thru it's paces today at the local combat match.

01-11-2011, 11:43 AM	#11
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm The pistol ran flawlessly thru the match. I didn't expect anything less. STI has a winner with this one. It's a very accurate pistol at a great price and it just doesn't get any better than that. Guess I'd better start on the review.

01-11-2011, 03:47 PM	#13
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm The pics were taken just as the pistol was removed out of the factory plastic bag. I removed the grips later and cleaned the outside with alcohol to remove the factory grease. Then the SBGO. The finish is parkerized and smooth.

01-11-2011, 04:45 PM	#15
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Try a drop on a good quality shaving brush. A little goes a long way and the brush really spreads it around.

01-11-2011, 05:02 PM	#16
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,383	Re: STI Spartan 9mm I'll try that. I usually just put a few drops on my micro fiber and wipe down whatever it is I'm cleaning, but I still over do it. __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

01-15-2011, 07:03 AM	#17
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Spent most of yesterday fitting a magwell then altering the factory grips to fit. With snow still on the ground, no range time.

01-15-2011, 05:54 PM	#18
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: STI Spartan 9mm I am going to buy one shooter, I got stu checkin on me one straight from STI. He and carol got to tour the shop last week (luckies).. So far, can you see anything that would need improving as it comes from the factory? __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-15-2011, 06:15 PM	#19
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Yes, but for the price this is a great entry level competition pistol. The checkering on the Phillipine Mahogany grips isn't sharp enough for me and without the frontstrap checkered, the pistol could move around in my grip in hot weather. Not really a problem as the fix is simple. Plus, I usually change the grips on a new pistol anyway. Also, the trigger on my pistol breaks just shy of 5 lb. Not bad but I'm used to 3 lb and lower. Another easy fix. Keep in mind that suggested retail on this pistol is $660 and they can be bought for less. I bought this one from Double D Guns at a great price. I haven't done anything to the STI except clean it and shoot it. No problems. No FTF. Nothing. Goes bang everytime I press the trigger. The trigger is adj for overtravel. I didn't have to adj it. No creep and just a slight amount of takeup, then bang. I was concerned about the mags being cheap so I ordered a couple of Metalform Mags. My pistol and Mags came in the same day. I opened the case, took the pistol from the plastic wrapper, removed the mag, guess what. The mag was a stainless Metalform. Excellent mag. Two matches later, still no malfunction and that says a lot. Keep in mind that is with very little break in time. I tore the pistol down for cleaning before firing and inspected all the fire control parts. All fitted. Nothing cheap there. Frame to slide fit was excellent. The barrel and bushing are a perfect fit. No movement anywhere. The LPA rear adj sight was made in Italy, not a BoMar but close enough for competition. Money saved there. The fiber optic front sight is bright and I like it. The checkered trigger is comfortable. The beavertail grip safety is well fitted as is the thumb safety. The frames and slides are made in the Phillipines, then fitted with STI internals. Then shipped to STI for testing before being shipped to distributors. If problems are found, they are repaired by STI. STI has a winner and I have a keeper.

01-15-2011, 06:21 PM	#20
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: STI Spartan 9mm just what I want to hear. itll be 6 bills well dropped then. cant wait to hear back from stu. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-15-2011, 07:04 PM	#21
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: STI Spartan 9mm I got a really good price from DoubleD here on the forum. Give him a call.

01-16-2011, 04:41 AM	#22
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,366	Re: STI Spartan 9mm Really good to hear your review of the Spartan, Shooter! And all sounds well and very good... Ive read about everything I could on the 1911's, both here and every where else I could find to read and I'm sold, that this will be my first 1911. Not a matter of if, but when! Congrat's on your STI 9mm Spartan! __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

01-17-2011, 07:38 PM	#24
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: STI Spartan 9mm bein a match shooter, id suspect shooter runs a mix if his most trusted factory brands as well as handloads... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!