Is my STI Spartan V alright? With Range Videos

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So, I recently bought a new STI Spartan from SFRC over the holidays. Just received it today. Interestingly enough, these are brand new stock (SFRC was out of stock for a good while before 2 came in), but the spent cartridge envelope says that the gun was test fired back in 2013. Anyway, can't blame SFRC for that. Just want to hear your opinions if this is what a sub $1000 1911 should look like or is acceptable. The gun was initially greasy so I wiped it down before taking any pics, and I ran patches down the barrel. There is some play between the slide and frame. Not sure if this is normal for STI standards.











 
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If the test firing date holds true, it's understandable it's a little bit dirty. otherwise, the slide condition seems normal from test fire, even my P226s are like that. this is also better than the cz out of box.
just one question though, on the very first picture, on the frame, where the takedown is, there is a white line horizontally across. Is that just a reflection, or an idiot mark/scratch?
 
Are there any problems that jump out at you? I see a gun that could use a good cleaning... Bad ones do happen. I ordered one a few years ago, only to return it because it was clearly built by monkeys on a Friday afternoon. Do your finger nails snag on those marks on the slide lugs?
 
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twoguntim said:
Are there any problems that jump out at you? I see a gun that could use a good cleaning... Bad ones do happen. I ordered one a few years ago, only to return it because it was clearly built by monkeys on a Friday afternoon. Do your finder nails snag on those marks on the slide lugs?
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The big thing that's jumping out at me is that it "looks" cheap. Like i just bought a norc for $900. Hard to explain. My fingers do not snag. The trigger has up and down play but breaks crisp, and is significantly better than my glock, beretta, and sig.
 
I wouldn't want my gun has scratch upon arrival like that, but if you are happy, that's all it matters. as for look, I think it's ok. when you said it's better than Sig, unless you have a SAO with SRT, it's not really apple to apple comparison with 1911.

Protege said:
Thanks guys. Yes luckey that is an idiot scratch. No big deal if the factory did that.
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luckey said:
I wouldn't want my gun has scratch upon arrival like that, but if you are happy, that's all it matters. as for look, I think it's ok. when you said it's better than Sig, unless you have a SAO with SRT, it's not really apple to apple comparison with 1911.
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The slide stop lever covers it when the slide is in battery anyway, so it doesn't really annoy me...especially when the barrel looks like it's been used for 100 rounds. This is my first 1911. So I don't know what the trigger is suppose to be like. My sig has the SRT (P226 Extreme), and this Spartan is still far and away better. It's got a short take-up, crisp break, and short reset (not very tactile, nor very audible though, but super short).
 
plinker 777 said:
Buyer's remorse? We all get it from time to time. I say shoot it! It's going to get banged up don't worry about it too much. Also, my nickels worth says it was used and not brand new in box, but whatever, it a gun.
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I wouldn't say Buyer's remorse. I've always wanted a 1911 and I almost bought the SAM thunderbolt from Wolverine. At this point, I'm hoping the range visit will ease my stress, and this gun can redeem itself by proving to be the best value 1911 under $1000.
 
Odd indeed. I'm not sure how new guns ship from STI, but there are a few things you expect from STI:

1) The finish on anything but the very expensive guns to be garbage.
2) Fit and finish to be great.

My beat up Trojan locks up like a swiss bank still. Held side by side with my two Sig 1911's had me selling the other two instantly.

While I bought it lightly used, I thoroughly enjoy the character it has developed. I knew it was going to be used for speed tests and 3gun. Holstered and dry shot many times. I love it.
 
That white horizontal mark is normal. An "idiot scratch" occurs when you incorrectly try to force the slide stop in, and accidentally rotate it along the frame by mistake. Here's a link to what a true idiot scratch would look like

View attachment 43575
 
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Shibby! said:
Odd indeed. I'm not sure how new guns ship from STI, but there are a few things you expect from STI:

1) The finish on anything but the very expensive guns to be garbage.
2) Fit and finish to be great.

My beat up Trojan locks up like a swiss bank still. Held side by side with my two Sig 1911's had me selling the other two instantly.

While I bought it lightly used, I thoroughly enjoy the character it has developed. I knew it was going to be used for speed tests and 3gun. Holstered and dry shot many times. I love it.
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Sarcasm?

...Anyways, your gun doesn't look new to me. Last time I bought a 'new' gun it was a Kimber Custom and it looked 20 times better then this. If you are unhappy I'm sure Ryan will take it back they are extremely friendly and helpfull at SFRC.
 
Exactly my point. 226 extreme is DA/SA, NOT SAO. so it's not an apple-to-apple comparison with a 1911's SA trigger. that's one of the main reason 1911 is NOT allowed in IPSC production division, while P226 extreme is. I have the extreme too. when you shoot it in SA only, the reset is very close to 1911 which I have as well. In the end, they are in different category.

Protege said:
The slide stop lever covers it when the slide is in battery anyway, so it doesn't really annoy me...especially when the barrel looks like it's been used for 100 rounds. This is my first 1911. So I don't know what the trigger is suppose to be like. My sig has the SRT (P226 Extreme), and this Spartan is still far and away better. It's got a short take-up, crisp break, and short reset (not very tactile, nor very audible though, but super short).
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I have the exact same gun in 45ACP and they are no longer being made as of last Feb 2015 as I recall there was quite a few in inventory and it was around $859 retail at the time.

As far as I was concerned it was the best gun in the $800 price range at the time and is backed up by STI who is terrific to deal with. It was most sought after till they became unobtainable.

Mine is a tack driver and I'm glad I got it ..it was used and well kept by another CGNer so I lucked out..

If it shoots well I say you have a keeper...
 
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There's only one way to tell how far a frog will jump and that's to MAKE IT JUMP AND MEASURE IT!!

Translated: Put the gun back together AND SHOOT IT!!! There are some areas I personally would be polishing eg. breech face to assure 100% reliability, but most "off the shelf and outta the box" pistols take a bit of "working in".
 
This......funny, I had the exact same experience....my sig xo by comparison...put the sig straight up on ee... Op, gotta say it does look like its fired a few rounds...maybe at the factory...they polished the feed ramp and some internals...perhaps just tuning...some wear where the barel locks up, guide rod etc....jmho...wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if it shoots great....not well...Great..
 
Just a FYI the Spartan was produced for STI by Armscore in the Philippines and then sent to Texas for final fitting.. there should be some stamping to that effect on the pistol;

Armscore makes their pistols for several companies with their name on it because they make them well and cheaper ..although perhaps not as pretty
 
superted said:
There's only one way to tell how far a frog will jump and that's to MAKE IT JUMP AND MEASURE IT!!

Translated: Put the gun back together AND SHOOT IT!!! There are some areas I personally would be polishing eg. breech face to assure 100% reliability, but most "off the shelf and outta the box" pistols take a bit of "working in".
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Why would anyone polish a breach face? I'm not being an a-hole (be easy...), the comment honestly had me scratching my head. Anyone out there polish the breach face? Am I missing something?
 
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