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I am looking at purchasing a nice used STI VIP in 9mm. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with STI and there firearms. I have looked at reviews and they all seem to be really good. I have always lusted over a Kimber but there 9mm choices are few and I have read some recent reviews speaking poorly of their performance and reliability of late.

I was thinking Glock 17 but really wanted something "better". Not to insult the Glock guys , have 3 now. Just wanted a "custom" and to try something different.

Thanks for the help.

Made in Texas and top notch quality and service. Buy with confidence in my opinion.

What RECIT said!

The ones I "tried on" felt so nice to the hand. I would love to try one out... it is on my wish list for my 25th anniversary

STIs are great guns. Some 9mm "1911" guns have reliability issues; I say "1911" because I'm a purist when it comes to JMB's masterpiece (if it's not a 5" .45 it's not a true 1911 ) but I digress.

The shorter length of the 9mm and .40 S&W cartridges makes feeding issues pop up unexpectedly. If you want the gun for a range/IDPA/IPSC gun great, if for a carry gun be sure you thoroughly reliability test it before carrying. One of the guys that shoots with us has a 9mm STI that malfunctions at least once each match whereas his STI .45 runs like the Energizer bunny .

Just sayin'.

If it gives you any more confidence, the TABC 75th Anniversary pistol was made by STI. This is a custom 1911 marked to honor the 75th anniversary of TABC's founding this year. The pistol engraving was designed by agents in conjunction with STI, as were the actual specs for the pistol. It is a carry pistol, not one of those gold plated commemoratives you would be afraid to use.

And the vendor was selected and negotiated by the agent's themselves. The pistols were all paid for by the agents so no state money or contracting was involved. STI was selected because their designs were trusted for carry guns by the agents, as well as their being manufactured in Texas. I think the other companies looked at were Springfield and Kimber.

Thanks for the replies folks. I am going to take your recommendation and purchase the firearm. I will check its reliability prior to carry.

I'll post some information after I get it and shoot it a bit.

Thanks again,
RT

I had a couple of STI VIPs in .38 Super and they were great. I love double stack mags/high capacity. I went by the STI factory once because I had some questions for them about a gun that I possibly wanted them to produce. If you get the STI VIP 9mm I can tell you that if you have any issues they will take good care of you!!

I sold my 38 super VIPS and those are two guns I wish I had back (they don't make them in 38 super anymore although I guess they would if I special ordered one). The size of the VIP balanced perfectly in my hand. Mine were stainless/alum with all the bells and whistles.

Twice this year I nearly purchased another VIP but I just can't justify the expense right now.