STI

The evolution and revolution of the 1911 are both alive and doing well. Modern machining and the lessons learned from 30 years of competition means even these classics can get the best triggers, sights, finishes and magazine wells available. These may be the Classic Division guns but they are leaps and bounds better than most of the 1911s of old.

I have never owned an STI pistol, and until I received the Hex Tactical for this review, I had only shot them a few times, during “hey, try this out” sessions on match days. I was impressed on those occasions and was eager to have this model – a relatively new one from STI, all to myself for testing. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed!

STI is most known for their competition-ready pistols, but this year they have reached out into the tactical market with the STI DVC.

STI made their name on competition pistols, and this year was no different. In addition to providing the base kit on which probably 95% of the custom race guns are made, STI has their own out of the box ready to go model available now. As the name implies, this year’s model was made with the 3-Gunner in mind.

The NRA World Shooting Championship competition is set to award $250,000 in cash and prizes, so there is ample opportunity to get some cool cash or gear from the event. The event is broken up into three competitions divisions (Open Professional, Stock Professional and Amateur), allowing a range of shooters with a variety of skill sets to compete. There are 12 stages total in the event, giving you a broad breadth of pistol, rifle and shotgun segments to really test your skills.

I’ll share my Christmas list with you, just for fun – or in case you’re looking for ideas of your own to begin hinting at – or maybe because there is an enthusiast on your list and you need ideas. Whatever the interest, here are the top five that come to mind for me this season.