Bought first handgun. What #2?

Not to derail, but can anyone explain why STI would park their "bargain brand" gun, and blue all of the more expensive ones (aside from the SS/chromed guns)? Parking may not be as versatile as bluing aesthetically, but it's a more robust finish.
 
S&W makes some of the best 1911s out there (except for high-end stuff like Ed Brown and Les Baer of course). Unlike the Spartan, S&W is not made out of castings. Nor is it made in the Philippines. Personally, if I were to buy something made in the Philippines, it would be a pair of socks, maybe even a T-shirt.....But when it comes to guns, I wouldn't go for something made by a guy who gets three rice patties per week for his labor.

And unlike anything you buy from the Phillipiness, the Spartan carries FULL STI warranty. Not to mention Freedom Ventures is great and they will take care of you if you have any issues.

I wonder who you'll be dealing with if you bought a S&W.
 
And unlike anything you buy from the Phillipiness, the Spartan carries FULL STI warranty. Not to mention Freedom Ventures is great and they will take care of you if you have any issues.

I wonder who you'll be dealing with if you bought a S&W.
S&W has lifetime warranty and two highly respected gunsmiths (MD Carlton and Wortner) acting as Canadian warranty centers.
 
Thanks for all the replys.

I'd get a S&W over a Springer any day. By the way, where can you buy a S&W 1911 for under $1000?

Wholesale Sports has it listed for $970. Whether they have it or not is another story.

I wouldn't overlook other STI models because of the Spartan. IMO, American-made STI's offer better quality than Kimber.

I like the look of the STI Trojan SS. It's not too far out of the price range. Where is the best place to order/buy STI? EDIT: I see that Freedom Ventures has it listed for $1265 and they were mentioned earlier.

STITrojanSS07_Main_280w.jpg


After you've picked up the ejected brass often enough you'll start to appreciate a revolver, especially a long barrelled revolver like the S&W 686 if you like accuracy. Chambered for 38 Special and 357 Magnum.

I do plan on a revolver for my 3rd gun and the 686 is at the top of that list.

FWIW, Smith and Wesson has a promo for a $100 rebate until April 30th on their 1911's.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=49802&sectionId=10002

I'd was considering model # 108284 which is similar to the one in your picture but it has adjustable sights and wood grips. I made a mistake and bought a Para SSP..........'nuff said. :mad:

I am considering that model as well.

I think I'll elliminate the Springer and look more into STI with respect to the opinions mentioned here.

Thanks again.
 
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I like the look of the STI Trojan SS. It's not too far out of the price range. Where is the best place to order/buy STI? EDIT: I see that Freedom Ventures has it listed for $1265 and they were mentioned earlier.

STITrojanSS07_Main_280w.jpg



I think I'll elliminate the Springer and look more into STI with respect to the opinions mentioned here.

Thanks again.



:agree: I think you're going in the right direction and making a great choice.
 
They only post a very minor amount of their inventory. I'd phone to see what they have. I purchased a Kim a while back from them. Solid guys, they'll bring you up to speed on stripping and cleaning a 1911 and walk you through it. They have a few 1911's in the rental pool which you might want to give a try. I seem to remember seeing a few STI's (for sale not rent) there as well if that makes your thing go ping....errr BANG! Smith's are great too, but I've had such a terrific experience with Kimbers as of late it would be hard to sway me.

As for your next gun, 686p (they've got them too).

Just my opinion.

Gdog


TSE only shows a Gold Cup II on their site and its $2089. I like the looks of the Kimber Custom TLE II and it's $1189 at Wholesale Sports. What makes the Kimber better than the S&W?

I really need to get to TSE and shoot a few of these.
 
They only post a very minor amount of their inventory. I'd phone to see what they have. I purchased a Kim a while back from them. Solid guys, they'll bring you up to speed on stripping and cleaning a 1911 and walk you through it. They have a few 1911's in the rental pool which you might want to give a try. I seem to remember seeing a few STI's (for sale not rent) there as well if that makes your thing go ping....errr BANG! Smith's are great too, but I've had such a terrific experience with Kimbers as of late it would be hard to sway me.

As for your next gun, 686p (they've got them too).

Just my opinion.

Gdog

I am going to head down to TSE today to have a look at the Kimbers and see what they actually stock. I found out it takes about 8 weeks to get the STI Trojan SS. I am not in a big hurry as I won't have my RPAL until June, but if I put down a deposit I can get one on the way.
 
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