• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

  • Site updates coming next Wednesday at 8am CT!

    The site will be down for routine maintenance on Wednesday 6/5 starting at 8am CT. If you have any questions, please PM alexj-12!

Cegorach

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 29, 2009
754
7
33
Juneau, AK
After messing around with my Sig P229 e2 for awhile I decided I wasn't at all satisfied with the trigger. While it was smooth and clean, it had an excessive amount of take-up and an extremely long reset. I debated sending it in for an SRT and a trigger job, but eventually I decided to try something entirely different.

One thing I did really like about my 229 was its 9mm chambering. Light recoil and cheap to shoot is an attractive combination for me. With this in mind I set out to find a metal framed pistol (purely personal preference.) My research led me to two options, the CZ 75 and the 1911. I tried both at a local shop and the 1911 was the clear winner in terms of ergonomics and feel. It certainly isn't the smart option, but I've never let that deter me before so why start now. Having never owned a 1911 I jumped straight in the deep end.

After looking at all the options for a 9mm 1911 I decided on STI. From what I gathered they do a pretty good job with this potentially troublesome cartridge and platform combination. After browsing their models I found the combination of features I was looking for, mainly a high cut forged frame and adjustable rear sight, in their USPSA version. I am sure there are better, more economical options out there, but its what caught my eye.

A quick call to Shooters Connection had the pistol on its way the same day. After a brief wait it arrived at my FFL and I was able to take it home.

Opening the box revealed a beautifully finished pistol that feels spectacular in the hand. I can't think of a better description than it just felt right.

<a href="http://imgur.com/trOClQq"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/trOClQql.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

On Saturday I finally got it to the range and was mentally prepared to battle reliability issues. Much to my surprise it functioned flawlessly. I have never fired a centerfire pistol with such a smooth, light recoil and tack driving accuracy. I am an awful shot with a handgun, as well as a rifle, but somehow it made me look good. I was only able to put 100 rounds through it before I ran out of time. The included Metalform magazine and the Wilsons I had both functioned flawlessly.

One more thing I can't say enough good things about is the trigger. It is light, crisp, and has a gloriously short reset.

The tight, but not overly so, slide fit is smoothing out extremely nicely and I can't wait to feel it after a few hundred more rounds. Speaking of the slide, the cocking serrations on this gun provide a phenomenal grip and are one more thing that really impressed me.

Let me know if you have any questions. I am excited to shoot more through this gun and will provide updates if possible.
 
Over the weekend I put another 264 rounds through it. It ran flawlessly with several different kinds of 115 and 147 grain ball ammo, however, it had trouble feeding some Buffalo Bore JHP's out of Wilson ETM magazines. They did run perfectly out of the STI/Metalform included with the gun. Because of this, and the difficulty of inserting a full Wilson on a closed slide, I have ordered some Tripp Research and Dawson Precision mags to see if they preform better and seat easier.

Other than that, I have nothing but good things to say about the gun. I even traded my Sig for ammo so I could concentrate on becoming proficient with the 1911 controls/ergonomics, which I vastly prefer. I am looking forward to taking some classes and competing with this pistol.
 
Shooters Connection makes some sweet guns! They have a great selection for those who was to upgrade some parts also. I have nothing but good things to say about that company. STI is a great USPSA gun the 9mm is going to place you in minor so I always stayed with major in .40 but what matters is that you have fun and it does help having a gun you love to shoot.
Nice purchase!
 
I thought a lot about going with .40, but I decided to go with 9mm for cheaper ammo and less recoil. I am relatively new to centerfire handguns and would like to build strong fundamentals before adding more recoil. Also, i like to drag my significant other along and she prefers 9mm.