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AR15.COM
7/29/2011 1:52:08 PM EDT
I am not really a 1911 guy. I've got nothing against them, I've just always leaned towards Glocks.



Anyway, I picked up a used STI Spartan in a trade. It's a good gun. It runs good, it is accurate and doesn't have any mechanical or functional issues.



The problems with it are that the finish is crappy (rubs off on my hands when I handle it) and I don't like the grips. It has these adjustable target sights on it, which are OK, but I'd rather have some combat sights on it. The sights aren't a major issue though.



So, what I am wondering is whether or not it would be worth while to spend the money and time/effort to work this gun over or should I just keep it as a beater and get a better 1911 down the line?



If I were to work it over, then I'd probably have it duracoated and replace the grips. I'm not for sure if I'd actually replace the sights or not.



Or, would I be better off keeping this gun as is to use as a beater and buy me something better (like maybe a Kimber or a Springfield)?



Opinions are solicited.
7/29/2011 6:00:27 PM EDT
[#1]
diy finishs can sometimes come out really nice and other times can come out horrible.  really depends on how good of a prep job you do.  the spartan is a solid gun tho it is also the bottom of the sti line-up.  in fact its the only series that is not usa made.  not knocking it just the truth.  sti has a good reputation of making a quality gun.  and they stand behind the spartan even tho they dont make it.  its really a matter of what mood your in as far as putting money into the spartan or buying a new gun.  kimber and springfeild make quality guns.  i personally prefer kimber but many will argue that.  new grips and new finish maybe a couple hundred bucks,  new gun 500 on up.  good luck,  tho personally i always find an excuse to add to the collection.
7/29/2011 8:13:21 PM EDT
[#2]
STI's guns have never been well known for their blueing. I think the Spartan is parked though. It's really a nice entry level gun for shooting Single Stack or IDPA.
7/30/2011 7:29:39 AM EDT
[#3]



Quoted:



I picked up a used STI Spartan in a trade. It's a good gun. It runs good, it is accurate and doesn't have any mechanical or functional issues.





So, what I am wondering is whether or not it would be worth while to spend the money and time/effort to work this gun over or should I just keep it as a beater and get a better 1911 down the line?



If I were to work it over, then I'd probably have it duracoated and replace the grips. I'm not for sure if I'd actually replace the sights or not.



Or, would I be better off keeping this gun as is to use as a beater and buy me something better (like maybe a Kimber or a Springfield)?



Opinions are solicited.
If you are wanting a solid weapon that performs the function of a weapon, it looks as if you already have one. Have the sights replaced if the new ones will make hitting the target easier or if the current ones are not robust.



If you want a solid weapon that you can show off to your friends, then go buy a Springfield stainless Mil Spec or a stainless COLT Government model.





 
7/30/2011 6:22:32 PM EDT
[#4]



Quoted:





Quoted:



I picked up a used STI Spartan in a trade. It's a good gun. It runs good, it is accurate and doesn't have any mechanical or functional issues.





So, what I am wondering is whether or not it would be worth while to spend the money and time/effort to work this gun over or should I just keep it as a beater and get a better 1911 down the line?



If I were to work it over, then I'd probably have it duracoated and replace the grips. I'm not for sure if I'd actually replace the sights or not.



Or, would I be better off keeping this gun as is to use as a beater and buy me something better (like maybe a Kimber or a Springfield)?



Opinions are solicited.
If you are wanting a solid weapon that performs the function of a weapon, it looks as if you already have one. Have the sights replaced if the new ones will make hitting the target easier or if the current ones are not robust.



If you want a solid weapon that you can show off to your friends, then go buy a Springfield stainless Mil Spec or a stainless COLT Government model.



 


My first priority with any firearm is it's function as a weapon. This gun does function well as a weapon, no doubts there.



That said, the finish on this gun irritates me. Having my hands blackened by the wearing off of the finish every time I handle the gun is a nuisance. I don't think this is STI's fault, I think the previous owner tried to re-finish it.



However, the finish contributes to the longevity of the gun does it not? A weapon with a solid finish will out last a poorly finished weapon right?



The grips are an easy replacement. Four screws out, four screws in and done.



 
7/30/2011 9:26:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:

I picked up a used STI Spartan in a trade. It's a good gun. It runs good, it is accurate and doesn't have any mechanical or functional issues.


So, what I am wondering is whether or not it would be worth while to spend the money and time/effort to work this gun over or should I just keep it as a beater and get a better 1911 down the line?

If I were to work it over, then I'd probably have it duracoated and replace the grips. I'm not for sure if I'd actually replace the sights or not.

Or, would I be better off keeping this gun as is to use as a beater and buy me something better (like maybe a Kimber or a Springfield)?

Opinions are solicited.
If you are wanting a solid weapon that performs the function of a weapon, it looks as if you already have one. Have the sights replaced if the new ones will make hitting the target easier or if the current ones are not robust.

If you want a solid weapon that you can show off to your friends, then go buy a Springfield stainless Mil Spec or a stainless COLT Government model.

 

My first priority with any firearm is it's function as a weapon. This gun does function well as a weapon, no doubts there.

That said, the finish on this gun irritates me. Having my hands blackened by the wearing off of the finish every time I handle the gun is a nuisance. I don't think this is STI's fault, I think the previous owner tried to re-finish it.

However, the finish contributes to the longevity of the gun does it not? A weapon with a solid finish will out last a poorly finished weapon right?

The grips are an easy replacement. Four screws out, four screws in and done.
 


yes and no as far as the longevity of the gun with the finish.  mechanically most factory finishes have nothing to do with the mechanics of the gun.  however the finish can prevent rust so in that sense yes it does contribute to the gun lasting.  if you are really feeling froggy check out robar finishes.  they actually help lubricate moving parts and are just about impossible to mess up.  and look really nice.  but they are expensive and you have to send the gun to them.  depends on what your willing to spend i guess.