Trying to decide between a STI Edge or Targetmaster? Opinions please.

redrams9

redrams9

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Been looking and researching between an STI Edge in 5'', or the 3504 cheaper 6'' barrel Targetmaster, both in 9mm.
Does anybody have experience with both or something they really like, or dislike about either one?
Thanks.
 
Mostly I'll be using it for target shooting with buddies at the range. May want to compete somewhere down the line but chances are small.
 
Having shot both. The targetmaster will be more accurate than the edge. But the edge with have a faster recovery between shots. If you are shooting IPSC or IDPA I would go with the edge. If you are shooting bullseye or plinking with buddies go with the targetmaster.
I will never part with my Targetmaster.
 
I like my Target Master, use it for NRA Action Pistol(Bianchi) and it will keep them inside the X ring at 50.
Cycle time is a bit slow so I had the slide lightened a bit.
The Edge is a bit more versatile in that it has many different disciplines it can be used in and will be accurate enough for all of them.
 
One other thing to consider is the cost of the mags. The targetmaster just uses standard 1911 magazines while the Edge is going to use double stack mags which, are about double the cost, and being that you arent going to use it to shoot IPSC/competitively that added cost would be completely unnecessary
 
That is great to know, that spare mags for the Edge are more money, thanks!
I've handled the Edge, and it feels fantastic and very balanced, but have heard from a couple people that the target master is a little nose heavy, have you guys found that?
 
My plan is to cut enough weight out of the slide so it cycles about the same as a 5 inch gun but with the extra bit of sight radius.
 
tigrr said:
Having shot both. The targetmaster will be more accurate than the edge. But the edge with have a faster recovery between shots. If you are shooting IPSC or IDPA I would go with the edge. If you are shooting bullseye or plinking with buddies go with the targetmaster.
I will never part with my Targetmaster.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt choose the edge for IDPA because it isnt legal there, and IPSC its not particularly competitive in 9mm

edit:the target master isnt actually legal in either sports as well, so at least the edge is legal for IPSC if not the best choice
 
I would choose the STI TargetMaster. For the price, there is no other auto on the market that can print so well out to the 50 yard line. It is an outstanding value and made in the USA. STI is employee owned, so these guys have a vested interest in making sure their guns are great.
As for lightening the slide to make it recoil like the 5 inch, I would say that is not a good idea. I would either change out the recoil spring for a lighter one or use a hotter load. If that doesn't do it for you, I would consider buying one of the very nice S.A.M. pistols in 9mm and improve it to where you want to be.
 
wah? slide lightening not a good idea? based on what? the thing is you are talking about guns designed for two completly different tasks. both are overkill for plinking at the range. both guns have the same barrel and the same quality of fit, you just get and extra inch or sight radius on the target master which will help when you stretch out the distance. The edge is optimized for IPSC/USPSA shooting which rarely requires x ring accuracy at 50 yrds but does require you to shoot and reload at high speed while moving. some people do run 6" or 5.4" guns to get the extra velcoity and sight radius but they lighten up their slides too so the gun handles like a 5". as for the above suggestions if you are looking at an Edge or target master then a sam is a little below what you are looking at. using a hotter laod in a 6" inch won't make it feel like a 5" it will make it recoil more. what recoil spriong you use will depend on your load and your slide weight. there isn;t a real science to it, mostly just trail and error untill you get the feel you are looking for
 
as you said, you may want to get into competitions latter on. what type? The edge will be good for ipsc, uspsa, 3gun, ppc, bullseye and steel challenge. if you want to shoot idap with it you would have to do major mods/metal removal. the targetmaster will have a slight edge in ppc, bullseye and steel challenge but isn't legal in ipsc,uspsa or idpa without extensive mods/metal removal. at the end of the day its your money so get what you want, but be aware that depending on what you get and what you want to use it for down the road you may have to buy something else too
 
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