How hard is it to build an STI from a kit.  Is it much cheaper and can the average skilled shopworker do it.  I dont value ultra accuracy, I want a reliable high cap.

Barrels need to be hand fit to work reliably & shoot accurately. Not a job for a noobie.

STI and SVI have offered "short blocks" with fitted slide, frame, barrel, slide stop, barrel link.

Then it's up to you for sights, fire control parts, etc.

I built a SVI from a short block in this same way in about 1998.  A friend helped with fitting the ambi safety, grip safety, and hammer/sear (these are NOT drop in parts).

I have at least 20k on this gun, works great, but my buddy had built several guns and knew what the heck he was doing.

You might want to make up an itemized list of what you'd need and the prices  You'll probably find it cheaper to buy a complete gun now, not to mention the cost of replacing ruined hammers, sears, safeties while you learn how to fit them.

As much fun as it would be to say that you built one, do not discount being able to find a good gun from a gunsmith.  For instance, Brazos Custom has guns for sale all the time and his package deals are great too.

Other good gunsmiths to consider:

Benny Hill at Triangle Shooting Sports
George Smith @ Evolution Gun Works
Dan Bedell at Bedell Custom (through Shooters' Connection)
Irv Stone @ Bar-Sto Precision

There are others, but between these guys you'll do just fine!

SPC Richard A. White, Senior Medic
249th MP Detachment (EACF)
Camp Humphreys, ROK

Thanks guys.  You talked me out of it.  I was just trying to be cheap

It looks like a factory built 2011 is on my Christmas wish for next Christmas though

Thanks guys. You talked me out of it. I was just trying to be cheap

It looks like a factory built 2011 is on my Christmas wish for next Christmas though

Smart decision.

Buying cheap often means buying twice.

Buy a factory built STI Eagle or Edge from Dawson or one of the other vendors.  You will smile everytime you shoot it.

If you want to see what these guys can do, go watch a IPSC/USPSA match in person.

www.uspsa.org

It really is not that much different form building a more traditional 1911.  I have built a few trying to get the most gun for my money (when I was a poor college student).  

Barrel fitting and timing is the most difficult part.

But turning a $12 piece of stainless steel in to one of these is worth it.


Please excuse the Bourbon.




a38337- Did you do that grip your self?  How do you like it?  I have been thinking of doing a grip reduction and undercutting the triggerguard.

Wombat

Nice looking STI, Wombat.  The GE tuned mags are the only way to go.

The grip was modified by Tony Roupe, IIRC.  Obtained it through Chuck Bradley at Shooters Connection.

a38337- Did you do that grip your self? How do you like it? I have been thinking of doing a grip reduction and undercutting the triggerguard.

Wombat