In the 1980′s the founder of STI, Virgil Tripp, was hand crafting competition 1911 pistols using basically the same components and techniques of other gunsmiths of that era. Because of the need for product improvement, Tripp Research Inc., now renamed STI International, led the firearms industry into the precision world of “EDM” hammers, sears, and other components.

Expanding on the success of this highly successful line of precision components, STI then revolutionized the firearms industry with their modular “2011” frame. The patented 2011 frame included a multitude of desirable features such as a 30 lpi full checked grip assembly, 25 lpi checkered trigger guard, 35% weight reduction, less felt recoil, higher capacity, and repeatable dimensions.

STI next introduced complete pistols of such high quality that they quickly became the standard by which other I.P.S.C. firearms and fine “carry” guns are measured- a trend that continues today.

With shooters around the world now clamoring for their products, STI needed to grow to accommodate the huge swell in demand so David L Skinner, a friend of Virgil’s and competitive shooter who had recently retired, bought the company and began building it into a business capable of keeping up with the orders without sacrificing any of the quality STI had become world famous for.

STI lead the industry again with precision subassemblies in progressive stages of factory completion. Using “EDM” and “CNC” machine tools and precision grinding equipment, STI can supply fitted slide/frames or shortblocks to which gunsmiths of all skill levels can add their own finishing touches at a very reasonable cost.

In 2005 David Skinner sold the company to its employees and STI International, Inc. became the only firearm factory in the U.S. to be entirely Employee Owned (An ESOP Company).

Having captured the IPSC, IDPA, PPC, collector, self defense, and LEO market in the United States, STI looked toward expanding its Export market. By 2010, STI had been in the top 5 U.S. exporters of semiautomatic handguns for the previous four (4) years and showed no slowing of growth as more and more countries saw the quality of what STI has to offer.

From it’s simple beginnings as a 2 man gun shop in Texas to its current place at the top of the semi-custom market, STI has always sought to not only provide the very best products at a reasonable price, but to try to stay ahead of the curve in technological innovations. In the Future STI will continue improving and introducing new products to you, our valued customer.