The Continuing Evolution  of the 1911   

shooting on the

ike all good things that come in a box, my new STI factory-built Edge arrived in a purpose-built carry-case, supplied with user manual, one fully crimped STI magazine, tools for disassembly and replacement grip screws. Still vacuum-sealed in the manufacturer’s wrapping, once removed, together with the thick layer of packing grease, a very nicely satin-blued finish was revealed.

Built on STI’s patented 2011 model full-length dust-cover frame, the Edge comes complete with a matte black anodised aluminum magazine well, stainless ambi-safeties and beavertail grip safety, a fully adjustable Bomar-inspired rear-sight for windage/elevation and target blade dovetail front-sight that’s pinned for extra security.

Unlike some custom guns of this genre, the STI’s Edge does not have a ‘flat-topped’ slide; instead the slide maintains classic lines and maximum strength through the locking lug area. My initial question was:
Will it fit the IPSC box? To my surprise not only does it fit, there’s room to move, The efficient design of STI’s mag well, even when used n in conjunction with an ASI aftermarket magazine base pad, passed this test easily.

As expected the slide to frame fit s very tight, with no play evident whatsoever. With regard to finish, was suitably impressed or should I say surprised? There is no evidence of machine marks inside or on the target pistol’s exterior. The blending of the back and front of the slide in relationship to the frame is perfect.

At the range, using my standard match load (4.4 grains of Winchester WST behind a 125 grain conical), felt recoil was negligible, reliability faultless for the entire 200 rounds tested. Interestingly, windage required no adjustment, which I’d have to attribute to the precise installation of the sights; elevation required a one-quarter rotation. Once sighted-in at 25 metres, repeatable sub one inch accuracy was consistent round after round.

As it comes from the factory, the Edge utilises STI’s ‘Recoil Master’ system. I’d never used this before, so naturally I was curious. Due to the dual springs and smooth action, cycling is very fast. For shooters who like the feel of a snappy’ gun, you will love the RecoilMaster; open class shooters may want to take a look at this relatively new recoil system. Having shot 4Ocal for a few years in standard class (prior to the national handgun buy back), I like my guns to cycle a little slower and will either go for a slightly heaver spring or opt for a tungsten recoil guide rod.

Out of the box the Edge trigger measured a crisp three pounds, with little pre-travel and a safe level of reset. I’d have to make the assumption that STI does this intentionally due to product liability. Similarly, the beavertail grip safety is left active for this reason. For increased sensitivity, only minor adjustments are required and if in doubt, should be performed by a competent gunsmith.

In short, the Edge is a great competition ready gun designed to perform at the highest level. As a package, it’s complete and represents genuine value for money.

Handgun supplied by Action Shooter Imports, phone 02 4975 1660.

STI - Designed to Perform    

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