STI TEXICAN-Anyone see, handle or shoot one of these?

[Virginia Gentleman]

I am sure it is a very well made gun, but it is short on authenticity with no patent dates or period correct grips.  It seems a bit pricey when compared to USFA or the clones or even a Colt.  Does anyone have any experience with this gun and how it shoots?

[Fox Creek Kid]

http://www.gunblast.com/STI-Texican.htm

[Virginia Gentleman]

Thanks for the link and it gives a good assessment of the STI Texican.  One thing I see I don't really care for on the gun are the obvious 21st century plastic grips.  The other two period incorrect things on the Texican that stand out to me are the ugly BILLBOARD barrel roll marks and NO patent dates.  For a gun that costs MORE THAN a USFA or Colt SAA I'd expect more in historical detail. 

[Advertising]

[Leo Tanner]

Sorry V.G.  I was in an all fired hurry when I started the same discussion and overlooked yours.
I agree with you on the details.
  These rods MSRP for over $1200.  My old model Vaquero cost me 500 and an out of the box new model was available for 450.  The engineering and machining of the Texican looks impressive, but can it be worth the extra $800?  I'm sure it's reliable but so are Rugers!  Also, the grips on the STI remind me of the newer Blackhawk grips which I don't much care for--like you said in the other thread, "like they belong on a phaser".  I'd still like to hear from anyone who has put a few through one of these.


Leo

[Virginia Gentleman]

No problem Leo, I think we are both asking a very legitimate question, especially when one looks at the competition to the STI.  On one hand, you have the New Ruger Vaquero which from an engineering standpoint is superior to the original SAA design.  The Ruger price point further puts the value of the STI in question.  On the other hand, the USFA guns are much more authentic, extremely well built, cost about the same, are smooth as butter out of the box and I seriously doubt the STI will outshoot them.  I don't know if STI really did its market research on this one and I guess the number they will sell will determine if it is a success.  For my money, I'd go with the USFA in that price range with not a second thought.  If I was a first time buyer on a budget, I would not even consider it.  Just my 2 cents.