STI Spartan

[MarkS]

Placed order for a STI Spartan today and its my first 1911. Thinking about using it for a CCW. Thoughts on the gun in general? Thoughts on using for a CCW?

Thanks,

MarkS

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Brad426]

My brother has one that I have shot... I like it a lot. It's a full size 1911, so it is bigger than what a lot of folks like for EDC, but it can certainly be done.

[archer51]

Which Spartan model are you looking at?

[MarkS]

Spartan v

[MarkS]

Is it better to save the money and go with the Trojan 5.0? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Eyescream]

I had a Spartan back before they divided them into Spartan IV and Spartan V models. I loved everything about the gun except for the sights.

[pogo2]

STI is a well respected brand of 1911s, and the Spartan is a full size 1911 with steel frame, 5 inch barrel and target sights. I personally find it too large for easy carry, and would be concerned about snagging the target sights on my clothing during the draw. Although I own guns like the Spartan, my own 1911 carry has been mainly aluminum frame guns with 3 and 4 inch barrels and carry sights. These are much easier to conceal and carry all day, weighing from 10 to 15 ounces less than the Spartan.

Personally I would go with the STI Escort model, which has a aluminum frame with 3.25 inch barrel, and weighs about 23 ounces.

[bgusty]

A full sized steel 1911 is not easy to conceal. Can it be done? Absolutely. A 3" or 4" 1911, especially a 4" with a bobtail is much easier to conceal.

[Phaedrus]

I'm planning on getting a Spartan in 9mm, probably the 5". I've already purchased three Wilson Combat mags for it, now I just need the gun!

[deadguy]

Great choice in a first 1911. I've never owned nor held an STI, but the reputation for quality amongst many 1911 gurus tells me it's worth it.

Carrying a full size 1911 is not as difficult as many make it out to be. First, you HAVE to have a sturdy gun belt and a good holster to do it effectively and comfortably. Don't skimp in this area or you will either a) spend more money on a better setup later, or b) decide against carrying a full size 1911.

The slim profile of the 1911 slide is much more comfortable for me vs. something like a Glock or SD. I carried both, with a G29 being the last polymer I carried before going with a 1911 exclusively. The difference in width was noticed immediately.

Hiding the longer grip of a full size or commander 1911 is easier if you have a forward cant of your holster (mainly if you carry in the 3:00-4:00 position). Some prefer a 10-15 degree, some a straight drop, and some, like me, prefer a more extreme cant (mine is 40 degrees with 20 on my backup holster).

Another important detail in carrying a 1911 is the disengaging of the thumb safety on the draw. Some folks will discourage you from carrying a 1911 for this simple feature. I, however, will not. With enough practice, you will find that sweeping the safety off on the draw will become second nature. I shoot with a thumb on top grip, so drawing and snapping the safety off is not an issue. My thumb goes to the safety on my initial purchase, and it is snapped off as the pistol clears the holster.

Adjustable sights being an issue with concealed carry is not as bad as some make it out to be. Yes, there are more edges for a garment to hang up on, but they can be beveled to reduce the chance. If the rear blade is squared off at the top, it can be dog-eared to reduce the profile. The full size 1911 I carry has a buried adjustable rear that I find is not a problem. It's a nice feature to have at the range.

Shoot the crap out of it. You will enjoy the trigger and the recoil absorbing weight of the larger pistol. Read as much as you can about care and maintenance of the 1911. Once you get to know it, and appreciate it, on the outside, and especially on the inside, you will see why so many love it.

Congrats!

[MarkS]

Thanks for all the feed back, I really appreciate it! I'm very excited to own my first 1911.

[RH45]

I know of a lot of guys that run full-sized Spartans in IDPA, and USPSA matches with sucess and like them. I really don't like the look of a parkerized finish, other than that, I would maybe own one myself.

[cmdrdredd]

I have never owned one but have fired one. Felt nice and fired nice. I am not necessarily a fan of the small parts used but it is not a knock on the quality overall.

[IsaiahM33]

Thinking about getting a Spartan IV. I've heard great things about STI....AND they're from Texas!

[dukalmighty]

My buddy bought another STI a couple years ago,after the first couple rounds it failed to eject,I looked at it and the ejector had broken,he sent it back for repairs,got it back and was having failure to feed issues sent it back got it repaired,got it back and it was having other issues,disassembled the gun and the "Gunsmith" had run the sear pin in behind the disconnector and the gun was shipped like that.I wouldn't buy one their QC has gone down hill from where it used to be OMOYMMV