USPSA Announces Partnership with STI International

For Immediate Release Contact: Dave Thomas February 2, 2008 (360) 855-2245 or [email protected]

USPSA Announces Partnership With STI International STI will donate funds raised through sale of two new USPSA branded models

Sedro-Woolley, WA — The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) has announced a new fundraising partnership with STI International, a leading firearms manufacturer and major sponsor of competition shooting. The USPSA/STI signature pistol program will raise money through the sale of two specially designed pistols with funds going to support a variety of USPSA programs and initiatives.

“STI International has been a long time supporter of the shooting sports and the sport of Practical Shooting in particular. Thousands of competitors around the world rely on our industry leading competition pistols to compete, and win, at the highest levels. That’s why we are teaming up with USPSA to help grow the sport even further,” said Dave Skinner, STI President and CEO.

“USPSA is proud to partner with one of the biggest names in Practical Shooting. STI has been, and continues to be, a leading proponent of our sport. The USPSA/STI signature pistol program demonstrates their unwavering commitment to growing the shooting sports,” said Dave Thomas, USPSA Executive Director.

This is the second pistol program of its type undertaken by USPSA to help fund the sport which has grown to record levels in the past two years. The first effort was a huge success with firearms maker and partner Para USA donating $31,000 to the organization.

The two limited edition 1911 USPSA/STI signature model pistols are designed specifically for use in competition and are available in three calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP.

The USPSA/STI Single Stack is built on a steel, government length, standard-width forged frame with an undercut trigger guard and checkered front strap. The grip includes a checkered mainspring housing and a machine beveled blue carbon magwell that is blended to the frame inside. The controls are STI International’s stainless steel ambidextrous thumb safety and high- rise beavertail grip safety. The tri-topped classic stainless steel slide features traditional 1911 styling with rear “Sabertooth” cocking serrations, special USPSA engravings and a two-tone finish. The pistol features a 5.0" barrel with a match grade fitted bushing and comes standard with an STI commander hammer, patented STI trigger system, Recoil Master, and STI sear and disconnector for smooth, reliable function. Built on the patented modular steel frame with polymer grip, the USPSA Double Stack delivers the traditional features of a 1911 and allows the added benefit of high capacity magazines without over-sizing the circumference of the grip. The innovative frame design preserves the 17° angle of the grip of the original 1911 design.

This pistol couples STI’s patented receiver with all the most desirable accessories in a factory firearm. The controls are STI International’s stainless steel ambidextrous thumb safety and knuckle relief high-rise beavertail grip safety. The full length forged stainless steel barstock slide features STI’s unique “Sabertooth” rear cocking serrations, custom USPSA engraving, and is Tri-topped to reduce weight and felt recoil. The pistol features a 5.0” fully ramped, fully supported bull barrel and comes standard with an STI square hammer, Recoil Master, patented STI trigger system, STI S-7 sear, and titanium strut for smooth, reliable function. The USPSA Double Stack has black inlayed engraving on the polished sides of the two toned blued/ stainless steel slide, stainless steel magwell, and an STI adjustable rear sight.

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About USPSA: The United States Practical Shooting Association is a non-profit membership association affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation (I.P.S.C.), which is comprised of approximately 67 nations. USPSA’s 16,500+ members and 350 affiliated clubs make it the largest and fastest growing Practical Shooting sport.

About STI: STI International is a leading firearms manufacturer and the pioneer of the modular frame system for the 1911. A favorite of both top competitors and custom gunsmiths, STI pistols are widely regarded as the gold standard in the sport of Practical Shooting.