February 4, 2009
After having purchased that unfired/NIB Model 12 recently, I decided I better get out and find myself a shooter to avoid firing the Model 12 (which has been calling my name recently). Now I have the Supermags I can shoot, but I was looking for something a little "lighter" to shoot for now- especially since my elbow has been very grouchy for the past month or so.
I've searched high and low for a model 15 at a reasonable price and it just hasn't worked out. I have always had a thing for 1911's but never really owned one that I was happy with (other than my very first Series 70 Colt Gold Cup) and that I didn't feel needed a ton of gunsmithing to be acceptable. There are plenty of top quality 1911's out there but I don't have 4 digits of disposable income to get into one that won't need "work".
Then I started looking at the Dan 1911's. I wasn't exactly excited about spending that much coin right now so I searched out other options. I finally found something I can work with.
The 1911 I purchased is from a little company about 10 miles up the road called STI. This pistol is the bottom of the barrel and still has tighter tolerances than ANY pistol I've ever owned before. I was a little concerned with obtaining the entry level model, sight unseen. Fortunately, I found one locally to handle, and it appears to be a high quality build for the price. Zero movement in the frame to slide fitment and zero movement in the barrel. It certainly doesn't remind me of my last rattling Series 80 Gold Cup. About the only weakness I can see in this pistol right off is the feed ramp- it could use a nice polishing. That will give me something to do the next rainy weekend I guess. I am really impressed with this gun for the price and hope it shoots as well as I expect it will.
I can't wait to hit the range. Calling Dusty Trail.....calling Dusty Trail.
December 17, 2008
Wahoo!
I just happen to have some fresh 10mm and think my CBOB could use a little work!
Congrats on the acquisition CDF, I'm eager to see it!
Full size?
.45 ACP?
Must be about time for that second conference, send me a PM!
-->By the way, I suspect there is still a model 15 in your future...
-DT
January 22, 2008
Congradulations on your 1911 purchase. Everything I have read about STI indicated they produce very good pistols.
I have a pre-CZ Dan Wesson Panther stainless. I conceal-carried it for a while but grew tired of the weight and switched to a snub revolver (Colt Cobra).
I have been tying to find a dealer who has an STI Texican (Colt SAA clone) I can look at. No luck sofar...
Wayne
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Unfortunately, the new DW 1911's are really pretty pricey, and the great deals on used ones of used ones is a thing of the past. For what it's worth, in 1911's, I've had good results with 2 Taurus PT 1911's, although Taurus does seem to have a fairly well deserved bad rep for Customer Service.
My son was away from home for training 8 weeks, took just one pistol for recreational purposes, his PT1911 (and left his Kimber home).
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
February 4, 2009
DT- it's a full sized, single stack 45 with adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front.
I will send you a PM tomorrow and we can try to arrange the 2nd conference. It's rather ironic- I sold my XD45 and all of the 45 ammo to pay for the 7445. Here I am at the same crossroad I find myself at all too often, I need ammo for a 45 again.
I did pick up 100 rounds so I (we ) can see how it shoots though. I look forward to shooting that 10mm as well.
Wayne- I have not seen a Texican here in Austin either. I would suspect, having seen and purchased the bottom end of the STI line, that the Texican would be a very nice rig as well. It sounds like you and I are on the same page though- I don't buy anything that I can't confirm, in person, is acceptable to my desires/needs/expectations.
If money weren't an issue, I might have gone with the "Perfect 10" model. What's not to like about a $2500 longslide 10mm (except the price)?
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
STI Spartan is a pretty well regarded 1911.
http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=31
Adjustable rear, F/O front, and nice looking too!
You did good, but as a rule, I would NEVER polish a feed ramp unless it doesn't feed well. Wring it out first with a variety of ammo, if it ain't broke, why fix it ("fixing" it could create a problem)?
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
February 4, 2009
Steve CT said:
You did good, but as a rule, I would NEVER polish a feed ramp unless it doesn't feed well. Wring it out first with a variety of ammo, if it ain't broke, why fix it (”fixing” it could create a problem)?
That's a very good point Steve.
I certainly intend on sticking every flavor of ammo through it before making a rash decision.
As a mechanic, that's the golden rule- if it's not broke, don't fix it. If you fix it when it's not broken, it is almost guaranteed to create nothing but headaches for you.
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
February 4, 2009
Dusty Trail said:
We'll have some fun - I've got some .45 rounds to contribute…
That's great Dusty- sounds like a plan.
I will have to turn you loose with the 445 on the next trip. I think, much like the 357SM, you will be pleasantly surprised at the tolerable recoil and have a good time shooting it.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
Nice new hot rod you got there. If I remember correctly I believe DW uses some STI parts in their guns so It's at least a branch kin cousin. I have heard good things about STI also. Send us a range report after the smoke test. And of course more pics.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
February 4, 2009
lbruce said:
Oh and BTW. You don't think you are getting off that easy do you. You still need a 15 eventually. DWAS doesn't go away.
lbruce- thats funny.
I thought about that myself. I figure I have a couple months before I have obtained all the brass, bullets, and a steady supply of ready to shoot ammo for the STI before the DWAS bug comes back. Let's hope so at least.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
You probably are right about that. However hanging out here tends to exacerbate DWAS. Not that that's a bad thing. And if your luck runs like mine all kinds of oppurtinuties for a M 15will pop up now that the funds are committed elsewhere.
Any way I am sure you will have fun chasing brass.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
April 25, 2008
Charger Fan said:
Congrats on your newest arrival in the lead-slingin' family.
The correct terminology for semi-autos is "brass-flingers".
Nice quality .45 there. I only have 3 semi-auto centerfires, but it looks like a Dan Wesson will have to make it number 4 sometime.
The Savantist
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