Craft Holsters - STI Holsters
STI Holsters
The Story of STI Holsters

STI International, Inc is a well known Texas- based company. The company was founded in 1990 by Virgil Smith, gunsmith and mechanic, who started to build 1911 for competition use. In 1993 a hi-capacity 1911 frame for IPSC shooters had been revolutionized by Virgil Tripp along with a computer aided design (CAD) specialist named Sandy Strayer. After introducing the frame to the market and receiving a patent for it, Strayer and Tripp changed the company’s name to STI (Strayer-Tripp Inc.) and changed the focus of the company on building custom pistols solely.
Today’s pistols are based on a modular frame made of steel or aluminium depending on the caliber variety. A new technology of a linkless barrel with a 1911 style permits the STI International LS pistol to be slimmest, full high-powered 1911 model on the market today. It’s only .765” across the slide and 1.065” across the slim rosewood grip panels. The pistol is designed for concealed carry and self-defense. The LS mount, undercut trigger guard and front strap transfers most of the felt recoil to the heel of the palm. It also reduces muzzle rise through the distinctive style of the STI Camblock linkless barrel system. The LS uses typical 1911 controls with the extra advantage that the slide will be cycled for loading or unloading with the thumb safety engaged. The LS side arm has an abbreviated grip, 3.4” barrel and a weight of 28 oz. The sights area consists of a integral front sight with a Heinie Low Mount rear sight for a snag-resistant style.
The LS comes usually with its own proprietary trigger assembly and Recoil Master guide red system. Calibers are usually 9mm and 40SW.
Holsters for STI reviews
Latest reviews
Cross Draw Leather Holster
I originally bought the cross draw from craft in the nylon.. It was nice, was comfortable and the geometry they used in the design really kept it in a user friendly way. Barrell wasn't stabbing me in the thigh and it did not have a large area of the pistol rubbing your belly the whole day. But it was dang sure a good holster.. So I upgraded to the same holster but leather.. With the embossing it looks good. Good enough that it's almost a shame to have to keep it covered with my shirt. But I don't particularly like the open carry. Seems it's a signal for people to target you if they want to rob you or etc. So far this is my favorite holster for My P229 Legion. Only suggestion I would have is possibly integrate a piece of leather to go between the pistol and your belly and it would be Perfect. I would Definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to conceal carry and have a cross draw holster.
Paul
After reading some reviews about holsters being too tight, I had some hesitation about buying. I finally made the jump, and I'm glad I did. When the holster arrived, after double checking to be sure the gun was unloaded (safety first), I put the gun into the holster. Every leather holster is going to be a tight fit at first, but the gun went in smoothly, and the thumb break latched with no issue. I have kept the gun in the holster for four days now, and each day I holster and unholster the gun. Zero issues. It's perfect and will get even better with time. The cross draw is a great position for sitting. The gun for this holster is a very heavy full size steel frame, and it rides extremely comfortably in this holster. The leather itself is a thick, sturdy composition, well constructed, finely stitched. It fits the gun. I have no hesitation to recommend this holster. It is high quality, and it will last a long time. If everyone has the same "luck" I did in getting a holster that isn't too tight, they will be as happy with their purchase as I am with mine. Great company, excellent communication throughout the sale. I'm glad I bought this holster.
Dave M.
Extremely pleased with this holster. It arrived 2 weeks earlier than expected which was a nice surprise too. I expect this holster will provide excellent service for many years to come. I’ll pass it along to my son when I’m gone.