Some pictures from my STI tour

Raw bar stock



Sears in mid production


1911 slides in production, going from rectangular blanks through the whole machining process.







2011 slides going through blank to finished slides

STI Collection

Clockwise:
STI Shadow, .45ACP
STI Ranger II, .45ACP
STI Ranger II, 9x19mm
STI Conversion Slide on Ranger II frame, .22LR
STI Escort,.45ACP

Not impressed with Kimber repair work

Here are some photos after Kimber serviced my Super Carry Pro and before I have had a chance to test it again. I am not impressed to say the least. Round count is 850+ (not sure how many they added to my count). You can see where they left some marring inside the frame and below the feed ramp when they worked on it, as well as undue wear on several areas for such a low round count. Also notice the very visible marks on and in the barrel.

Kimber Super Carry Pro Update

I received the call from Kimber today that my Super Carry Pro is on the way back to me. The good news so far is that they did find an issue with the fit of the barrel to the feed ramp. I had noticed that the barrel had what appeared to be a slightly asymmetrical cut in it before I sent it in, so I will be interested to see if it looks different now. They also said they worked on the feed ramp and polished it afterwards, along with adjusting the extractor tension. They didn't mention anything about the wear on the lugs so we'll see if they changed anything there and maybe forgot to mention it in the short phone call.

I am hopeful that the changes will get it up and running reliably. I am glad I sent it in rather than continuing to try things on my own, as it obviously had some problems as it came from the factory.

Pre-refurb work pictures:








Post-rehab pictures to come....

Dawson Precision tritium sight on STI Ranger II

I finally got the Dawson Precision tritium front sight installed on my STI Ranger II. It took more fitting time than the Springfield did, but nothing difficult. Just a little more time trimming down the front edge of the dovetail with a file and in it went. If you're looking for a good set of small files, take a look at these from Lee Valley. If you want a less expensive file, look at these Nicholsons.

The sight has the same base area as the stock STI sight did, unlike the Springfield version which was not as wide as the factory model. I am happy with the fit and looks, and the improved sight picture is great. It matches well with the factory Heinie rear sight, and this pistol is now ready for carry.



Link: Dawson Precision
Part number: 020-053
Description: STI 1911/2011 Compact/Mid Size Tritium Inserted Front Sight
Size: .130 Tall x .125 Wide, Match with All Rear
Price: $49 + shipping

Tritium front sight on the Range Officer

Received the Dawson Precision tritium front sight and installed it yesterday. It's a very good combo with the Harrison, really improves the sight picture over the black against black stock sights.

Range Officer update

I took the Range Officer back to the range today to try out the Harrison sight. 250 rounds later and I still like it. It did change my POA/POI relationship a little bit as it now strikes about 1.25" lower at 15 yards.



No problems of any kind running the Magtech 230gr FMJ through the pistol. I was pleased with the accuracy and put up this group at 15 yards shooting offhand (no rest). Four out of five into less than one inch. I jerked the trigger a bit on the flyer.



I should have a report on the new front sight in a week or so.