Featured SHOT16: New blasters from STI – and Costa David Reeder January 19, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Texas based STI as a lot of good stuff going on, and one of the biggest is the new Costa Carry Comp pistol. Built on 1911 frame, with a 4.15 slide on a 5 in. full length frame, so the front of the comp sits flush with the front of the frame. This is intended to give you all the advantages of a 5 in. slide with a longer sight radius, but with a slightly lighter slide and reduced forward/rearward recoil. Less weight in motion yields smoother shooting, aided further by a compensator, and the weapon features the STI Dual Spring recoil system. The new weapon, which has been a year in the making, will be available in 9mm and .45, with an MSRP somewhere past $3,000. Asked about the gun's development Costa had this to say, “I wanted a gun that was 5 inch total length with a comp. The slide is around 4 because I like how fast the gun cycles on a 4 inch. When it came to the comp there were a few ways to go; sight in front of the comp, which means it's hard to see when firing; sight behind the comp, which means it's easier to superimpose through the smoke, but it tracks with the slide and shortens the sight radius. Or, the way we did it, by making it part of the comp on an island so you get the best of both worlds. The slide moves but the front sight stays put, like the Scheumann Barrels. I also wanted a railed gun for lights if people wanted to use it as a tactical gun. We know units are putting comps on Glocks so it's not unheard of…We also angle cut the front so had a better look, put in a tactical magwell and stippled the grip. There are a few non-comped models out there as well…another 5 inch non-comp and a 4 inch with a chopped grip, like a G17 that has a G19 grip…” Check back later for some video of shooting it. A couple of us put some rounds downrange with it and believe me — this thing shoots sweet. Couple of badass pics from Bryan Soderlind there, showing Chris and the new gun. The Costa gun isn't the only thing to see at STI of course. Their Hextactical 1911 and Hextactical 2011 are both very nice indeed. Available in 9mm and .45 ACP, single stack and double. They'll come in 4.0 and 5.0 lengths, with a fixed rear ledge sight, hexagonal hammer and fiber optic up front, flared magwell, CeraKote finish, tri-topped slide and rail. Note that the 1911 model comes with VZ Alien grips. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
