Is my STI Spartan V alright? With Range Videos
- Thread starter Protege
- Start date
Yes, you do.
While the gun is loaded, cartridge rim is sliding up the breach face. It's enough to polish just a 1/8" strip in the centre of the face. Also, the top half of the firing pin hole should be lightly chamfered.
The Spartan isn't really an STI. It was made by Armscor in the Philippines and marketed by STI as their entry level model before being discontinued a few years ago (your gun must be new old stock). The fit and finish of the Spartan is not on par with other STI models, which is why it feels cheap to you. IMO, there are other Philippines made 1911s of comparable quality that can be had for a lot less than $900.
- Location
- West Quebec
^^^^ This you have a good shooter based upon all the other Spartans I've seen in action.. go to it
Thanks a bunch for all the advice and opinions fellas. Greatly appreciated. If you see any rust it's the copper grease that was used. As the old saying goes "it is what it is." I keep thinking if the sam thunderbolt would've been a better buy for $300 less. But oh well. Not going to keep fretting about it. I'm going to revive this thread in a few weeks after i do some shooting videos. The truth will come out then...mind you I'm still a bad shot. Now onto to some chip mccormick mags. 
Well, finally made it to the range last night. From looking at the gun, and examining the finish, machining, etc. it certainly does not feel like a $900 gun. The finish rubs off very easily. Even though I have yet to handle a SAM Thunderbolt, I do feel that gun is the better buy for $300 less. Now, I'm not exactly a marksman. I have poor trigger control because I've been focusing on my grip, stance, and sight alignment. Last night's range visit gave me a bit of a revelation in regards to my fundamentals though. I've been working on my mechanics for the past month, and last night, was able to see its effectiveness. I have - in my opinion - significantly improved my recoil control of 9mm. It still requires a lot work, but I feel I finally have a foundation to build upon. Now, having said that, I still do not have the required strength to handle .45acp. So please bear that in mind when watching the videos below. The Spartan shot well. It cycled well. It functioned well. I do like its balance - I prefer it over the Beretta 92FS and the Glock 41. The Glock 41 felt violent under sustained fire. My support hand index finger took a beating, but not so with the Spartan. Again, I attribute that to poor strength. I didn't like the polymer trigger. I might replace it with an aluminum or steel trigger. Also, the trigger break felt heavier during live fire than it did during dry fire. I used 5 E-Lander mags, and they all work well, with no FTE/FTF using American Eagle and Sellier & Bellot factory ammo. My only gripe with the E-Lander mags are that it was a bit difficult inserting the 8th round.
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It's not #####ing. I'm posting my opinion. It's $900, and I don't exactly $hit money. Maybe you do, but I don't. And yeah, having worked my a$$ off and buying the gun, I'm entitled to post what I think is poor workmanship. The bluing started to chip off in a few areas before I could even take it to the range...what does that have to do with how poorly I shoot?
Gun looks fine, I can count the number of tool marks on one hand which is good for any 1911. I have 3 SAM's and a Spartan VI in .45, I still prefer the STI. They build them to shoot well and work well for a loooong time.
I'd take that rear sight apart though and clean it out, they have been known to rust underneath.
And slow down if you want to shoot better....
I'd take that rear sight apart though and clean it out, they have been known to rust underneath.
And slow down if you want to shoot better....
My youngest and his knuckleheaded buddies were shooting my .45acp 1911's from about the age of 9, and loving every second of it. Trust me, you're strong enough.
Don't get me wrong, I have no plans in selling the spartan for now. It's a good gun, just poor initial quality for the money paid. And yes, I know about slowing down. I was just full of excitement, and tend to shoot faster than what I am capable of doing (haven't shot in a month).
wayupnorth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northern Alberta
i think you got a lemon.
it happens with everything, when ya make 10,000 of anything your bound to get a few sub par ones.
me personally i went with the SAM's over the STI when i went to buy my next 1911 and i am over the moon with my choice, the SAM has been nothing but perfect.
as a comparison for ya here is my SAM right out of the box and it cost me $400 less then what you paid. I know, comparing a stainless to a blue is not fair but hey it is what it is.
it happens with everything, when ya make 10,000 of anything your bound to get a few sub par ones.
me personally i went with the SAM's over the STI when i went to buy my next 1911 and i am over the moon with my choice, the SAM has been nothing but perfect.
as a comparison for ya here is my SAM right out of the box and it cost me $400 less then what you paid. I know, comparing a stainless to a blue is not fair but hey it is what it is.
OldFrankHog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Gatineau QC
That does not cost 600$ though does it?
Thanks a bunch for all the advice and opinions fellas. Greatly appreciated. If you see any rust it's the copper grease that was used. As the old saying goes "it is what it is." I keep thinking if the sam thunderbolt would've been a better buy for $300 less. But oh well. Not going to keep fretting about it. I'm going to revive this thread in a few weeks after i do some shooting videos. The truth will come out then...mind you I'm still a bad shot. Now onto to some chip mccormick mags.
Copper grease? Are you using an anti seize product on your gun? Bluing doesn't chip, it is not a coating like paint.
OldFrankHog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Gatineau QC
STI spartan is not blued it is parkerized.
