Greg’s Edge - The STI International .40 S&W; Edge Pistol

Edge Evolution

Edge Evolution

In IPSC competitions shooters competed with eight shot M1911 .45 caliber pistols manufactured by Colt and other companies. This lead to the development of double stack magazine capacity pistols in .45 caliber holding up to 14 rounds. It did not take the firearms manufactures too long to figure out that a high capacity .45 caliber pistol could be modified to fire .40 S & W caliber ammunition, meaning that a pistol of the same dimensions can hold more ammunition. In practical pistol competition a gun holding more ammunition means that you have to perform less reloads, or more available shots to make up for a miss. In practical pistol competition shooting more rounds is what you want! The dominance of .45 caliber high capacity pistols in competition was overtaken and replaced by .40 caliber high capacity pistols.

 



                    The STI Edge is one of the most commonly encountered .40 calibre pistols
                        in practical pistol competition. Many users will then further customise
                                                   the pistol to suit their own needs.

High magazine capacity pistol frames have been around since the late 1980’s with Para Ordnance developing a high capacity metal framed M1911 in .45 ACP. The grip used in STI pistols was developed using computer aided design (CAD) programs, which created a modular concept, with a steel upper section fitted to a synthetic grip assembly. In an impressive feat of engineering it was designed, built, debugged and into production in a year and the first models were displayed at the 1992 SHOT Show. Practical pistol competitors immediately realised the impact the design would have on their sport.

One of the companies involved in the manufacture of premium M1911 style pistols is STI International of Georgetown, Texas. STI use the nomenclature 2011 for their pistols. This lets you know the lineage of STI's guns but is also an expression of STI's further development of the M1911 design. STI is a modern manufacturer using state of the art CNC  ( computer numerical control ) and wire EDM ( electronic discharge machining ). This enables them to produce a very sophisticated production pistol using of the shelf parts that are of very high quality due to the modern manufacturing processes that they use.

 



                          STI European Team member Gregory Midgley takes his STI pistol
                                               to the Edge during competitive events.

The Edge in .40 Smith and Wesson caliber can trace its development       ( and a boost in the shooting communities interest in it ) from the formation of IPSC Standard Division in 1995. Responding to a demand from member countries a 'standard class section' was developed so those competitors who shot standard guns would have their scores listed separately. This provided them with the opportunity of being included in the competition results without overlooking the type of equipment in use.

Edge Manufacture

Edge Manufacture

The STI Edge 2011 pistol in .40 S&W caliber is designed to compete at the highest level of Standard Division practical pistol competition. The dimensions of the pistol are equivalent to that of a Colt Government M 1911 pistol. The Edge achieves a competitive advantage with its full length dust cover which extends to the end of the slide. The slide has a full profile and is not scalloped, as are standard M 1911 style pistols. The full length dust cover and full profile slide add over four ounces to the overall weight of the pistol. This may not sound much but the extra weight is where it is needed, out at the muzzle.

 


                         The groves in the front of the slide allow the support hand to operate
                                 the slide by grasping it at the front, instead of at the rear.

Built on the patented modular steel frame with polymer grip, the Edge delivers the traditional features of a 1911 and allows the added benefit of high capacity magazines. The frame of the Edge is a two part concept with an upper and lower assembly, called the Modular Competition System. The upper assembly is made from 4140 Maxell alloy steel and consists of the slide rails, full length dust cover and contains the trigger mechanism and is mated to the lower assembly.

 



                           To succeed in practical pistol events your pistol must perform with
                                           total reliability for every shot that is fired.


The grip ( lower ) assembly is made from glass filled nylon polymer, which eliminates the need for grip panels, leaving more room for the double column magazine, while keeping the width of the grip at manageable level for the average hand. The frame design preserves the 17° angle of the grip in relation to the slide of the original M1911. The polymer grip is the essential design element for high capacity, which allows for double stack magazines without over sizing the circumference of the grip, which remains comparatively the same as the circumference of a M1911.

 



                       Gregory Midgley’s position as one of the worlds top Standard Division
                           competitors depends on his STI Edge pistol performing with 100% reliability.

The use of polymer in the construction of the frame keeps the weight down, making the overall weight of the Edge only two ounces heavier than a M1911 Colt Government model. The grip is checkered on both sides and front and back for a firm hold. The beavertail grip safety features a palm swell or "speed bump" so that it will be depressed regardless of the style of hold that the shooter uses.

 



                   To compete at top level practical pistol competition you need to use a pistol
                      that you know will provide you with 100% reliability over the thousands
                                         of rounds fired during the competition season.

The ambidextrous safety catch, consisting of a lever on either side of the pistol, is very positive in its function and is very comfortable to use. The elongated Colt Commander style, wire EDM cut from A-6 tool steel, is lightened to speed up lock time. When coupled with a STI S-7 tool steel sear gives an excellent trigger pull, which on the pistols used for this review was around 2 to 2.5 pounds. The magazine release button is slightly extended ( to aid positive reloads ) but not too much to unintentionally dump the magazine from a holstered pistol. The slide locking lever is recessed into the frame.

The slide is CNC machined from 4140 bar stock steel and is surface ground to give the smoothest possible mating surfaces and longest life. When hand cycling the gun the slide practically glides along the frame. The slide is grooved at the front and rear with serrations to aid manual manipulation. The breach face is wire EDM cut ( an industry first ) and the ejection port is enlarged to facilitate the manual ejection of live rounds.

 



                    With the full length dust cover adding weight to the front of the pistol and the
                          removal of metal from the slide to make it lighter, this STI Edge has
                                been set up to compete at the top of practical pistol events.

Barrel

Barrel

The Edge's 5.1" bull barrel starts life as a Jarvis forged blank manufactured from 416R stainless steel, which is just about the best barrel steel that you can get. The barrels are button rifled with a one turn in 16" rifling twist and air gauged for accuracy. STI barrels are vacuum heat treated and tempered to 40 Rockwell hardness, then machined. The slide and upper frame are also heat treated before machining. Heat treating before machining ensures that no warpage occurs. This is tough on machine tool life, but this is the way STI does it. STI barrels are all of bull barrel configuration. There is no barrel bushing ( as found on a conventional M 1911 pistol ) so the barrel mates to the slide in a three point lock up. The lower and upper lugs and barrel hood are cut for minimal tolerances. The feedramp angles and barrel throating were researched to ensure maximum reliability for the chambering of ammunition.

 



                        Unlike the M1911 which uses a barrel bushing, the barrel on the Edge has
                                     a three point lock up with direct contact with the slide.

Sights

Sights

The sights fit the character of this pistol. The front sight is dovetailed into the slide and can be a STI straight black competition sight, or a front sight provided with a light gathering red coloured fibre. Other colours are available. The light gathering fibre front sight is a great aid in quickly acquiring the target, as the fiber really stands out in most light conditions. This is positive for both duty and sport shooting. The rear sight is a STI sight modeled on the classic Bor-Mar and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The corners of the rear sight are rounded so you will not cut your hands during fast manipulations of the slide.

 



                            Viewing Greg’s Edge from the top you can see the Bo-Mar style
                                    adjustable rear sight and ambidextrous safety catch.

One of my initial questions was, with the adjustable sights and magazine well, would the Edge fit the “IPSC box” to make it eligible for Standard Division. The dimensions of the box are slightly bigger than those of a standard M1911 pistol. It does it fit and there is room to move. The efficient design of STI’s magazine well, even when used in conjunction with aftermarket magazine base pads, passes this test.

 



                         As well as having metal machined from the top and sides of the slide,
                             slots have also been machine in the slide to reduce its weight.
                                   Note the light gathering green fibre in the front sight.

 
The trigger with titanium bow can be provided in the same colour as the grip. The trigger is set crisp, clean move, no after travel, which is what you need for accurate shooting. Out of the box the Edge’s trigger pull will measure a crisp three pounds, with little pre travel and a safe level of reset. The trigger pull weight can be reduced, but this should be performed by a competent gunsmith who is experienced with the design.

The standard length magazines for the .40 caliber Edge are designed to hold 15 rounds. The STI magazines for this gun are 126mm in length to be eligible for IPSC Standard Division and are a flush fit in the magazine well. With the addition of extended base pads, followers and specialised magazine springs, the magazine capacity can be increased up to 18 rounds and still fit in the IPSC Box. The magazines can easily be taken apart for occasional cleaning.

 



                                  When the magazine release button is pressed the magazine
                                                will drop cleanly from the Edge pistol.

STI Recoil Master

STI Recoil Master

As it comes from the factory, the Executive utilises STI’s ‘Recoil Master’ system. Having previously used the standard recoil spring and steel recoil guide rod in an Edge, STI sent me a recoil master to try and I have used it ever since. Due to the dual springs and smooth action, the firing cycle is very fast and the recoil is more manageable. This system is also much easier to insert and remove from the pistol for cleaning purposes. The Recoil Master is also utilised in many other of the different types of pistol that STI make.

 



         The Edge utilises the STI Recoil Master recoil control system. Shown with the take down                          tool the Recoil Master is very easy to insert and remove from the pistol.

Range Tests

Range Tests

Accuracy testing was performed at ranges out to 25 metres using a mixture of factory ammunition and ammunition reloaded to IPSC major power factor with bullet weights of 180 and 200 grains. With the pistol secured in a Ransom Rest five shot groups of less than 50mm ( two inches ) in size were achieved. Standing with two hands unsupported gave five shot groups of 100 to 150 mm       ( four to six inches ) at 25 metres. This is due in no small part to the excellent sights and trigger. I also carried out a series of speed drills in drawing from the holster, shooting with two hands, strong hand and weak hand at one and multiple targets from five to fifteen metres. I fired fast pairs of shots with both, strong and weak hands as fast as I could obtain a flash sight picture. It is at distances out to 15 metres that the extra weight of the Edge pays off to give you a faster recovery time between shots. The recoil was very controllable. The polymer frame assists with absorbing the recoil generated during the discharge. The pistol was 100 % reliable with all the ammunition types used. This is due to the research that STI put into the feed ramp, barrel throating and the configuration of the magazine feed lips to ensure a smooth transfer of the round from the magazine to the chamber of the barrel. The magazine release button drops the magazines cleanly when either empty or partially loaded. The magazine well at the base of the grip is flared in order to accomplish fast reloads.

 


                      When secured in a Ransom Rest the Edge will produce five shot groups
                                 of less than 50 mm ( two inches ) at 25 metres range.
                 The image grips on the STI Edge are designed by www.extremeshooters.com

The excellent sights and trigger are conductive to producing fast center hits while under pressure. This pistol exhibits excellent craftsmanship combined with modern manufacturing processes. Integrating patented 2011 technology with classic 1911 design, the STI International Edge is a high capacity pistol that carries John Browning’s design into the 21st Century. You can add custom serial numbers, coloured grips and triggers, a hard chrome finish, engraving inlays and tritium night sights.

Competitive Use

Competitive Use

The STI Edge sees world wide use in practical pistol competition shooting. In our Edge pistol review we enlisted the assistance of Gregory Midgley. Greg is a member of STI’s European Team and is one of the world’s top Standard Division competitors in practical pistol events. We put a series of questions to Greg of his thoughts on the STI Edge pistols he uses in competition shooting.

 



                    With the Edge in .40 S&W calibre STI has produced a match winning pistol.

PH: How do you find the Edge’s functional reliability.

Greg: My Edges are working jam free. But like with the car you drive you have to maintain and take care of your pistols. For instance I change the recoil spring every 8000 rounds fired.

PH: How is the accuracy and reliability with your reloaded ammunition.

Greg: I use the Fiocchi 170gr FMJ bullet. This is a very accurate bullet. To make major power factor the velocity is higher than the 180 grain bullets that most competitors use, but I like the feeling with the 170 grain bullet more than the heavier 180 grain bullets.

PH: How much ammunition you use in both practice and competition.

Greg: Each year I shoot up to 50,000 rounds and I split it something like 40,000 on my practice and around 10,000 with my competition gun. 

PH: How does the grip, trigger pull and sight picture suit your style of shooting.

Greg: The whole pistol suits me very well. The Edge is made for competitors who want to be at the top of practical pistol competition shooting. The trigger pull weight on my Edge pistols is 2 pounds. 

 



                   This image shows Greg Midgley at the Practical Pistol World Shoot in Rhodes,
                      Greece in 2011. The Edge is in recoil, but note the slide of the pistol is flat.

PH: How does the performance of your Edge influence how you shoot a match.

Greg: A jam-free gun is a winning gun. The rest is up to the person who is holding the pistol in their hands. It is all about what you want to give from yourself to reach your goals in practical pistol shooting. I always say when I am practising that "I start counting the rounds when it starts hurting my hands". Train hard or go home. There is no in between. 

PH: You have the STI aluminium alloy grip on your pistols, so how do you find this.

Greg: I really like the aluminium alloy grip so I continue to use it. My performance is the same whether I use an Edge fitted with an alloy or polymer grip. This is a personal choice and feeling for every shooter.

PH: We checked with STI and the aluminium alloy grip option is in production and available.

 



                         Greg’s personal preference is to use the STI aluminium alloy grip.
                               Users can chose between using the alloy or polymer grip.

Since its introduction in 1997 the STI Edge has become the undisputed standard handgun for USPSA Limited Division and IPSC Standard Division competition shooting. Pistols made by STI have been adopted by SWAT and HRT teams, uniformed duty officers, and law enforcement training facilities. STI pistols have also been embraced by other target shooting disciplines. From simple beginnings as a two man gun shop in Texas to its current place at the top of the handgun market, STI has always sought to both provide the very best products and to stay ahead of the curve in technological innovations. With 100 % functional reliability, excellent handling characteristics and accuracy potential above normal the Edge is a state of the art pistol that can compete at the top of IPSC Standard Division practical pistol competition shooting.

For Further Information

www.stiguns.com

STI Edge Technical Specification
Model	STI Edge
Function principle	Mechanically locked - recoil operated
Frame	STI Wide Extended Frame
Slide	STI serrations front and rear. STI custom "Edge" engraving
Trigger	STI Long Curved ( Titanium bow and glass filled nylon shoe )
Safety system	Ambidextrous thumb safety and grip safety
Caliber	.40 S & W
Length	8.625"
Height	5.75"
Width	0.93" across slide / 1.29" across frame
Barrel length	5.1"
Rifling twist	One turn in 16"
Recoil Control	STI Recoil Master
Sights	STI Competition front post and STI fully adjustable rear         ( Bo-Mar style )
Weight ( empty )	2 lb. 7 oz.
Trigger pull weight	3 lb
Finish	Blue steel - Hard Chrome optional
Cartridge capacity	15 + 1 - Extended capacity magazines available