The STI 2011 from STI International evolved into the Staccato 2011 in early to mid-May of 2020. Some say the company rebranded. We'd describe it as an evolution into the brand's truer nature and best potential.
Sure, that could be argued as semantics, but ultimately that's what happened.
STI Guns to Staccato 2011
STI International (named with an acronym, "Science, Technology, Ingenuity") began as Tripp Research. It was founded in 1987 by Virgil Tripp, an American gunsmith. Six years later, an engineer named Sandy Strayer joined Tripp's efforts, and the company was renamed "Strayer Tripp International." The Strayer Tripp International version of STI became Science Technology Ingenuity in 1994 when Stayer moved on to co-found Strayer-Voigt Inc. (SVI) with competitive shooter Michael Voigt.
Circa 1997, Dave Skinner purchased STI from Mr. Tripp, who restarted Tripp Research.
In 2018 the company brought Tony Pignato aboard to handle marketing and brand experience efforts.
STI International became Staccato in 2020, 33 years after the launch of the original Tripp Research and 27 years after its first incarnation as STI. The ownership and management of the company did not change; just the name.
SVI, by the way, does business as Infinity Firearms.
As Staccato 2011 put it when they announced the change via press release,
The Staccato brand was introduced to the market in 2019 as the company’s new brand for duty and personal defense-oriented pistols. Incredibly well received by consumers and professionals alike, the Staccato brand reflects the company’s vision for the future.
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CEO Nate Horvath (a USMC veteran) said,
"As we chart our course for the future, we will strive to continue making the best pistols possible. We will proudly serve those who protect and embody American freedoms and we will work to spark America’s rediscovery and love of firearms to inspire every American to take pride in owning a gun. Thank you to all of our team members who have worked tirelessly to move us forward and thank you to our industry partners, customers, dealers and especially the law enforcement agencies who spent months testing our pistols over the course of tens of thousands of rounds. We exist to serve you all and are thankful for the opportunity."
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Staccato 2011 from STI Onward
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The earliest incarnations of the now iconic STI pistol were primarily used in competition shooting, at least initially. Based on the venerable 1911 platform, the 2011 utilizes a modular framed, wide-bodied design patented by Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer. These first handguns proved very popular in IDPA, ISPC, and similar circles, but eventually, the company began reaching out to the LEO and defensive user market. Examples of this include the Staccato P (P for Professional) and the Staccato C and Staccato C2 versions (C is for Concealed or Concealment), which were designed with the EDC gun owner in mind.
STI firearms remain very popular in the competition market, largely spurred by guns like the Staccato XL and, interestingly, the Staccato P.
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STI International Staccato 2011 C, via Shooting Illustrated.
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The STI Staccato is no ordinary firearm.
Some additional context was provided during the name change, to wit:
25 years ago, Staccato (formerly STI) revolutionized competition shooting by bringing the world a whole new gun platform, the 2011. Built with FlaTec, the 2011 is the best shooting handgun available and trusted by elite law enforcement teams like the U.S. Marshall’s SOG team, the Texas Rangers, and LAPD Metro. Staccato pistols are approved for use on duty by over 150 agencies across the country. Reliable, durable, insanely accurate, safe, and easy to shoot well, Staccato pistols are fast becoming the pistol of choice for serious professionals and civilians alike.
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With a lifetime warranty, Staccato handguns are designed, precision-engineered, and handcrafted in the heart of Texas, built with American steel and parts.
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“We are honored that thousands of law enforcement officers across the country trust and carry our Staccato pistols both on and off-duty – these brave men and women put their lives in danger on a daily basis, protecting our freedoms. Because Staccato pistols are duty proven, reliable, durable, and easy to shoot well, they are a great choice for shooters of all skill levels. Whether your needs are duty, home defense, CCW, or just hitting the target every time at the range, our pistols will increase your confidence and help you improve.”
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STI 2011 / Staccato 2011 Design
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The following comes from Modern Firearms:
Each STI 2011 / Staccato 2011 pistol is built upon a patented frame, which consists of a steel upper part (receiver), with slide rails and trigger housing, and a detachable polymer pistol grip with an integrated trigger guard. The grip is connected to the receiver by small screws and can be easily replaced by the shooter.
All STI 2011 / Staccato 2011 pistols use short recoil-operated, locked breech action closely based on the Colt M1911, with a single swinging link connecting the barrel to the frame and controlling its locking and unlocking movements. A noticeable departure from the classic M1911 pattern is the lack of the separate barrel bushing at the front of the slide. Most STI pistols require some sort of tool to remove the recoil spring guide rod during disassembly.
Current production Staccato 2011 pistols feature a patented recoil spring guide design that does not require any additional tools for its removal and installation during routine maintenance. Pistols use classic Single action trigger with exposed hammer, ambidextrous manual safeties and an automatic grip safety. Most are fitted with adjustable rear sight, and many of the modern Staccato 2011 pistols have a mounting interface on the slide that can accept various micro-compact Red Dot sights. Most 2011-style pistols use high-capacity double-stack, single-feed magazines. While sport pistols are available in a variety of popular calibers, service-type guns such as Staccato P 2011 pistol are offered in the most popular 9x19mm Luger chambering.
STI Guns in Pop Culture
Many people will recall seeing Staccato in the John Wick franchise, but that's hardly the first time they appeared in a show. Before the change to Staccato, STI guns made an appearance in several movies, shows, and video games, including one where it "starred" as the WESTAR-35 Blaster Pistol in Season 1 of the Mandalorian. Others were carried by tactical officers used by LAPD SWAT in Season 4 of S.W.A.T.
STI Guns: the Perfect 10 model in Mandalorian Season 1.
STI DVC 3-Gun in an episode of S.W.A.T.
Additional Information:
- Staccato for sale
- Top 2011 and DS 1911 Brands
- Staccato 2011 P Optic Ready on American Rifleman
- Tripp Research history
