STI International Inc., located in Georgetown, Texas, is a manufacturer of some of the most innovatively distinct 1911 style handguns in the world.
The names associated with the founding and continued success of the company are impressive. Chip McCormick, Fred and Virgil Tripp, Sandy Strayer, Steve Nastoff, and Dave Skinner have all had a positive hand in the creation, development, and marketing of these fine pistols. While best known for prized IPSC/USPSA/ competition guns and a superlative line of defensive-type 1911 pistols, STI most recently broke new ground by introducing an "entry-level" 1911 called the "Spartan".
As defined by the Encarta dictionary, Spartan refers not only to strong, determined people but also, when used as an adjective, descriptively defines austere, simplistic frugality. The Spartan may be STI's entry-level 1911, but it has features found on many mid to upper tier offerings from other manufacturers.
The STI Spartan was shipped in a black, hard plastic, clam-shell container from MTM Case-Guard. The egg-crate foam lining held the pistol (wrapped in a plastic bag), one Novak 8 round magazine, a bottle of gun oil, a Wilson bushing wrench, an STI catalog, the owners' manual, and a small packet of desiccant.
The Pistol Removing the pistol from the protective bag introduces one to a full-size (5 inch barrel), Parkerized 1911. That is the austere description!
Further examination reveals features that include an STI adjustable rear sight and an orange fiber optic front sight. Both of these are dovetailed into the top of the slide, with the rear sight having a Bomar cut. In addition, the rear of the sight face is serrated horizontally, to minimize glare.
Photos showing the elevation adjustment screw on the top of the STI adjustable sight, and the windage screw, located on either side of the rear sight. The single thumb safety is serrated, with an extended shelf that allows for positive on/off engagement. The checkered slide stop also sports a slightly extended surface for easier operation.
Serrated, extended shelf thumb safety, and the checkered slide stop. Note the vertically serrated magazine release button. The high rise beavertail grip safety (with palm swell) allows for a comfortable grip without the danger of hammer bite. The square STI combat hammer is wire EDM cut, and precision ground and polished using A-6 tool steel. This hammer comes standard with a half-cock notch.
The flat main spring housing on the STI Spartan is checkered at 20 lines-per-inch, and is constructed of a nylon polymer material. The magazine well is slightly beveled for easier insertion of the magazine.
The stocks on the STI Spartan appear to be some type of rosewood, with double diamond checkering and standard grip screws. Although the stocks do not fill the area toward the front strap as much as I prefer on my personal pistols, they do provide a comfortable, hand-filling grip.
The black, glass filled nylon polymer trigger is equipped with a set screw for over-travel adjustment. Repeated tests of the trigger with my RCBS trigger pull gauge showed an average release at 5.25 pounds, fresh from the box. A firing pin safety is not present on the STI Spartan.
Close-up photo of trigger guard and nylon polymer trigger. The STI Spartan utilizes a steel cast frame, constructed of 4140 grade steel. The slide is constructed of extruded steel, with the same grade of metal. The slide has angled front and rear cocking serrations. These serrations are not sharp, but do provide a very good gripping surface for racking the slide or for press checking. The empty pistol weighs in at 35.3 ounces. Herein lies a major factor in the economical price of the Spartan.
Both the frame and the slide are manufactured by Armscor in the Philippines. In addition, the barrel is also provided by Armscor. The barrel starts out as a piece of round bar stock, which is then dimensionally cut by a CNC machine, with the final rifling process taking place in a conventional manner. Inspection of the bore (after field stripping) revealed accurately cut, sharply distinctive rifling. The barrel bushing is match-fitted to the barrel for improved accuracy.
Small lettering, above the right grip panel, showing the "ArmscorPhilippins" stamp. 
Left side of the slide, showing STI SPARTAN roll mark. The use of Armscor as a contractor for these major parts allows STI to save a considerable amount of capital expenditure. In addition, finishing the pistol in a manganese phosphate (Parkerizing) outer surface saves a great deal of money over the use of other available methods and types of steel (such as stainless steel). These factors allow STI to pass the savings on to the consumer.
Unlike the pistols provided by some of its competitors, STI uses its own internal parts, and these are fitted at the company's state-of-the-art facility in Georgetown, Texas. During initial function and safety tests of the mechanisms of the gun, every action was smooth and positive. The trigger squeeze was non-gritty in its operation, and the thumb safety clicked into the on and off positions quickly, without any hesitation, drag, or grittiness.
Disassembly The full length, one piece guide rod extends the entire length of the barrel on the STI Spartan. This fact makes it necessary to field strip the pistol in a less than conventional procedure. Making sure that the pistol is unloaded and pointing in a safe direction, lock the slide back and remove the empty magazine. While securing the slide with the right hand, slowly release the slide toward the take down notch in the slide, lining it up with the slide stop.
Using your left hand, push the slide stop shaft from the right side, and remove the slide stop. During this process, be sure to keep a firm grip on the pistol, as the recoil spring is under considerable pressure. Slowly remove the slide toward the front of the frame, altering your grip to secure the FLGR and recoil spring in their relative positions. After the frame is set aside, allow the rear of the FLGR to move slightly backwards toward the breech end of the barrel. Its progress will be stopped by the barrel link. Using a bushing wrench, depress the open ended reverse guide rod plug, and turn the barrel bushing in a clockwise direction, being sure to secure the guide rod plug. When the bushing clears the plug, it may be carefully removed toward the muzzle. The recoil spring will easily slide off the full length guide rod; the barrel bushing can be turned counter-clockwise and removed. The FLGR is then pulled up and back, toward the breech end of the barrel, and the barrel removed by pushing it out of the muzzle end of the slide. Naturally, this takes much longer to explain than to actually accomplish. The procedure, once learned, is easy to do.
Reassembly is in reverse order, being mindful of the recoil spring tension when reapplying the spring plug, and taking care to secure the recoil spring assembly when attaching the frame to the slide.
Business end of the STI Spartan, showing the relative positions of the barrel, barrel bushing, and the end of the FLGR. (
Note: Recently, I have encountered two 1911-style pistols that must be field stripped in this manner. While I have become accustomed to this procedure, I spent too many years field stripping these types of weapons using the conventional solid spring plug. As I grow older, I realize that my hand strength might not be what it once was. I am unfamiliar with the reasons why certain companies insist on using a full length guide rod that cannot be depressed with the gun in full (or even partial) battery.
Personally, I would like to see these companies return to a more standard configuration, if that is possible within the constraints of their design of these pistols.
The final photograph in this section of the review will show the inside of the slide. There are few signs of tool marks, and the recesses for the barrel lugs are sharp and true.
Home 
Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:27 am
