Coming changes to STI lineup?

domyalex

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Hello folks,

there seem to be rumors about upcoming changes coming to STI's lineup (what with the change of CEO, declining demand, etc).

Anything you can confirm on your side?
 
Not much to tell at this time.

They are fine-tuning their selection of firearms, but that happens every year around this time with a lead up to SHOT Show.
There are a few gun models that are being discontinued after backorders are filled (Sentry and USPSA are examples - BUT we have lots of them in stock, so they will still be available for a while in Canada) Some finish selections will be changed.

They might introduce a couple new guns at SHOT - they usually do.

The new CEO has impressed the hell out of me. In his first month on the job - he came to visit me to get my concerns about the company.
That hasn't happened in a while, and he talked a lot about refocusing on the competition line of products for STI.

If I haven't addressed your concerns, please post the rumors and I'll tell you what I can.
 
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Thanks for the quick response.
What I heard (read) is basically what you said: http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=472390

Quite a few models have been discontinued - for example pretty much all 40cal 1911's except for the Trojan.

There are no more distributors. Brazos is currently listed as a dealer and will continue to stock both guns and parts. STI will be dealer direct only no sales to individuals.

Legend, GM, Shadow, Ranger II, Sentry, VIP, and USPSA models are discontinued.

Although I assume you are not affected by the distributors/dealers change.

Nice to hear about your impressions of the new CEO!
 
There are less 40 cal options in 1911 - it is the slowest moving of the calibers in single stack so that makes sense that there will be less options.

As for the models; it really doesn't effect Canada much.
VIP - we imported and sold (with long barrels) maybe 3 in the last 7 years.
The GM as the top of the line race gun has been there for a while and race guns evolve - it will likely be replaced in the new year.
The STI Shadow wasn't legal in Canada.
Ranger IIs - there were a lot of 4" STI 1911s (Lawman, Tactical SS, Spartan, Ranger II) so it made sense that the oldest version got trimmed.
Legend - too many variants of the 2011 "Standard" gun... Apeiro, Edge, Executive, Legend, USPSA Double Stack, IPSC Gun. Some trimming made sense.
Sentry - well - it's a great gun. I am going to miss that one.
The USPSA is also a great gun, a little pricey due to the SS top end, and I will miss it too. Might have to grab one from inventory for myself before they sell out.
Of course, STI will continue to warrant all of these guns like they always have.

There are still a couple distributors in the US, and the foreign distributors still do their thing. (like me) In the USA, there were some "distributors" that really didn't sell to dealers - they just got a decent discount and then torpedoed any dealers trying to sell the product. That was never going to last so it's not a surprise that it got cleaned up.

STI seems to be transforming its business model to be more like all other firearm manufacturers; they focus on manufacturing; they have a limited number of customers; distributors - who work with the dealers to get the product to the customer. It was bound to happen sooner or later. The model works for Sig, Taurus, Colt, Springfield, Tanfoglio, Magnum Research, Smith and Wesson, Ruger, so it's proven.

Generally, I think their changes are good for both business and the end customers.
 
Great Post! Thank you for the update.

There are less 40 cal options in 1911 - it is the slowest moving of the calibers in single stack so that makes sense that there will be less options.

As for the models; it really doesn't effect Canada much.
VIP - we imported and sold (with long barrels) maybe 3 in the last 7 years.
The GM as the top of the line race gun has been there for a while and race guns evolve - it will likely be replaced in the new year.
The STI Shadow wasn't legal in Canada.
Ranger IIs - there were a lot of 4" STI 1911s (Lawman, Tactical SS, Spartan, Ranger II) so it made sense that the oldest version got trimmed.
Legend - too many variants of the 2011 "Standard" gun... Apeiro, Edge, Executive, Legend, USPSA Double Stack, IPSC Gun. Some trimming made sense.
Sentry - well - it's a great gun. I am going to miss that one.
The USPSA is also a great gun, a little pricey due to the SS top end, and I will miss it too. Might have to grab one from inventory for myself before they sell out.
Of course, STI will continue to warrant all of these guns like they always have.

There are still a couple distributors in the US, and the foreign distributors still do their thing. (like me) In the USA, there were some "distributors" that really didn't sell to dealers - they just got a decent discount and then torpedoed any dealers trying to sell the product. That was never going to last so it's not a surprise that it got cleaned up.

STI seems to be transforming its business model to be more like all other firearm manufacturers; they focus on manufacturing; they have a limited number of customers; distributors - who work with the dealers to get the product to the customer. It was bound to happen sooner or later. The model works for Sig, Taurus, Colt, Springfield, Tanfoglio, Magnum Research, Smith and Wesson, Ruger, so it's proven.

Generally, I think their changes are good for both business and the end customers.
 
Thanks a lot Sean. Like I didn't want a USPSA single stack bad enough. Now I have to get one sooner since they won't be made any more. You are evil.
 
Took me nearly a year to get my Perfect 10. The even bigger kick in the balls was losing it in a house fire with less than 150 rounds through it...
 
Too bad about the Sentry.....one of their best all around models IMO.

After cutting a couple top models of SS....something cool must be on the way.....right??

Yes sir, it is too bad. Good thing I've got a line on one that's nicely tuned .......

It'll be a good partner to my Trojan that I always " throw down " with... ;)
 
Any word on the parts feed ?
Meaning are they still going to be fairly available to people,.... with their new focus being mainly on manufacturing
 
Too bad about the Sentry.....one of their best all around models
We still have some left and we still have some coming in on backorders – you still have a chance to get one or a pair.:cool:

After cutting a couple top models of SS....something cool must be on the way.....right??
Every SHOT Show, there's something new - this year, it won't be like the last couple with new models of 3" tactical carry guns - the focus has swung back to the middle and competition guns are in the spotlight again. We just have to wait and see...

Any word on the parts feed ? Meaning are they still going to be fairly available to people,....
Definitely! – Less Parts sales have never been discussed and will never be an issue.
STI needs parts for their guns and are more than happy to make them for everyone else too.
 
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