SVI or STI

SVI are more expensive but are custom made to order.
STI are nice but aren't usually made to order.

Both are fine firearms, i would be glad to own either one.

Freedom Ventures deals STI.
 
For an SVI built up to the same specs as an STI edge you'll pay close to $1000 more. You get an interchangeable breachface, some like it some don't, a schueman barrel, tri-glide trigger,some like it some don't, and you'll be able to say you have an SVI.
SVI will build you want you want from their vast selection of options. STI, you buy a certain model and can add options based on what's available for that model. For an SVI you're looking at a couple of months a least since their is no stock, Fredoom ventures probably has what you are looinkg for ready to go, or can get it from the factory in short order.
They started out the same company, one just went more towards production then the other.
If you plan on shooting USPSA matches STI has the advantage since they offer then contingency program where they pay you $350 or more for winning your class at a match while shooting an STI and wearing a shirt with the STI logo.
I've drooled over some slick looking SVI's but STI is where the money's at for me.
 
Think Lexus(SVI) versus Toyota (STI) and you get the picture.
Having said that, and owned numerous versions of both, pay your money and take your choice.
 
How is the finish on the STI? I hated that I had to wipe my Kimber TLEII down after handling it because after a few days it would start to rust.

Would I expect the same from the STI Trojan or Ranger?
 
irish said:
Are there any STI dealers in Canada?

Thanks in advance.

Irish




You were at an STI dealer on Sunday; Phoenix Indoor Range and Gun Shop is a dealer.

You're welcome in advance......
 
Man if I could type I would be Dangerous.

I meant to ask if there were any SVI dealers in Canada, I know there are quite a few STI Dealers.

Also the type of guns I was comparing were the double stacks to be used for Standard division in IPSC.

Thanks again. Irish
 
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the lexus toyota thing is a little off, its difficult to make an automotive comparative. All though STI is not a custom gun, its far above a typical production firearm. You can have a custom built from the ground up STI made from Dan Bedell or Deker Janowiczs(sp?) of millenium for less then a factory SV. If you want an SVI send a pm to IPSIK or DTJOS they are the SV guys up here. when you buy an STI you get the best semi production gun on the market built by 2 or 3 different highly skilled people, when you have an SVI built you are getting a gun hand built by 1 highly skilled person to your specs. Some people feel that SV is worth the extra money some don't. These 2 brands are the top of the food chain when it comes to 1911's so you can't go wrong with either one it just depends on what you're looking for and what your budget is.
If you want an SVI because its a better gun so you'll shoot better, then buy an STI and with the money you saved buy a lot of ammo to practice with. I race with an STI but when it comes to good looking guns I haven't seen anything that can compare to what SVI puts on the market.
Will a Rolex tell time better then an Esquire? No but some people would rather have the Rolex. Why? because they can.
 
If anyone is seriously looking at either of these...do yourself, and your precious
mental health, a favour and go with the STI.
Both guns are great..but both can require 'massaging'...(mag fitting, trigger adjusting)...and SVI has no 'man on the ground' in Canada.
Supply from the factory (SVI) has been 'spotty' in the past.
Again, I have owned, and enjoyed both, but sticking to STI would involve a lot less heartburn and invoking of revenge of the gods!
 
darko said:
How is the finish on the STI? I hated that I had to wipe my Kimber TLEII down after handling it because after a few days it would start to rust.

Would I expect the same from the STI Trojan or Ranger?

Are you ####ting me!?,...it really started to rust......? I have an STI hard chrome, a USP stainless, and a GP100 stainless that have never shown a spot of rust. The other blued pistols (USP's) never have shown rust either......
what the hell is the metal in Kimber.....?
 
We have brought several SVI's in at CRAFM during the past few months and can get pretty much anything you would need.

There is at LEAST a three month delay on any new SVI due to them being custom guns however, but they are worth the wait IMO.

Contact us if you have any questions.

www.crafm.com
 
maurice said:
Are you s**tting me!?,...it really started to rust......? I have an STI hard chrome, a USP stainless, and a GP100 stainless that have never shown a spot of rust. The other blued pistols (USP's) never have shown rust either......
what the hell is the metal in Kimber.....?

Kimber's site lists the finish as "black metal oxide" or something. Whatever it is, it didn't like the oil/moisture from my skin!

But take note that this was merely surface corrosion... a slight orange colour on any areas I touched. It would come off with one or two wipes and some gun oil, no big deal... but a pain in the butt nonetheless!

My XD's slide doesnt show any sign of similar issues.
 
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