Delta Force STI 2011: Competition Meets Operations

Published on March 7, 2022
Duration: 11:18

This review details the rare Delta Force STI 2011 pistol, highlighting its origins in Delta Force's search for higher-capacity .45 ACP or .40 S&W handguns to replace the 1911. Despite its tactical features like a 5-inch barrel and night sights, the pistol suffered critical magazine reliability issues due to .40 S&W rounds being too short for the .45-sized magazine bodies. These feeding failures led Delta Force to reject the STI 2011 in favor of the Glock 22, with the pistols later being sold on the civilian market.

Quick Summary

Delta Force rejected the STI 2011 pistol due to critical magazine reliability issues. The .40 S&W rounds were too short for the .45 ACP-sized magazine bodies, causing feeding failures. This led to their adoption of the Glock 22, with the rejected STI 2011s later appearing on the civilian market.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: STI 2011 & Military/Competition Link
  2. 01:28Delta Force's Search for Capacity: .40 S&W vs .45 ACP
  3. 03:28STI 2011 Technical Features & Markings
  4. 05:12Magazine Reliability Issues: .40 S&W in .45 Mags
  5. 08:56Rejection & Civilian Disposal of Delta Force STI 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Delta Force consider the STI 2011 pistol?

In the mid-2000s, Delta Force sought higher-capacity pistols to replace their 1911s. They tested the STI 2011, chambered in .40 S&W, alongside the Glock 22 as potential options balancing capacity and firepower.

What were the main reliability issues with the Delta Force STI 2011?

The primary problem was magazine reliability. The .40 S&W rounds were too short for the .45 ACP-sized magazine bodies, causing feeding failures due to excessive movement ('slop') within the magazine.

Did Delta Force adopt the STI 2011 pistol?

No, Delta Force rejected the STI 2011. The persistent magazine feeding issues were deemed unacceptable for operational use, leading them to choose the Glock 22 instead.

What happened to the rejected Delta Force STI 2011 pistols?

The pistols were returned to STI International and subsequently sold on the civilian market as used firearms. Many buyers were unaware of their elite military provenance.

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