v1911 Posted April 9, 2016 Share Posted April 9, 2016 Recently picked up one of STI's newest offerings for 2016, the Costa VIP 4.0. I was in the market for a new 2011 Guardian when I found this. I love it. Had everything I was looking for in the Guardian and a few more goodies to boot. While I'm not a fan of the Costa branding, the aesthetics were hard to ignore. It's my first handgun that isn't blued and I have to say, wow. I'm not sure if it's the DLC finish, but the fit and finish of this STI is much nicer than other models I've handled. I'd still like to get an SVI trigger installed, but that can wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armydad Posted April 9, 2016 Share Posted April 9, 2016 Sweet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sideshowbob Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 That is one good looking gun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooldylocks Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I really dig the way these look. Is it a steel or Al frame? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v1911 Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Steel. Weighs is at about 34oz with empty mag and Dawson base pad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooldylocks Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooper74 Posted April 16, 2016 Share Posted April 16, 2016 mmmmm nice. stupid california... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renowell Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 How does it shoot? Can you share how much it cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v1911 Posted May 11, 2016 Author Share Posted May 11, 2016 It doesn't care for powder puff loads. Runs reliably with 140pf loads and/or SD rounds. For carry use, the trigger is ideal. For competition I'd prefer a lighter pull. Won't be changing anything except getting an SVI trigger installed and if possible, a new guiderod system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTRDRGN Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 Looks like a nice piece! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanonSterVA Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 Great looking piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splashdown Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 I agree, not a fan of the Costa branding, but the cuts look good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridlock Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 That's really nice how dose it shoot for u Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnivelingDramaQueen Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 Super super ugly design ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v1911 Posted October 2, 2016 Author Share Posted October 2, 2016 On 9/26/2016 at 0:11 AM, Gridlock said: That's really nice how dose it shoot for u Just shot a match with it a few weeks ago. I didn't do very well. The Heinie straight 8 sights aren't exactly conducive for competition shooting. At least not without a lot of practice. I kept hitting several inches low because I allowed the front dot to drift down towards the rear dot. The gun is also feels over sprung for powder puff 147gr loads. But when I review video, it looks very flat. I sent it off to Bob Cogan to have the barrel flush cut and reverse crowned, SVI long flat trigger set to 3# as well as the safeties trimmed back. In the process of changing out the sights. Still undecided on fixed or adjustable. I can understand that the aesthetics aren't for everyone. And not everyone will be fond of the branding on the side. I'm not a huge fan of the branding but it wasn't enough to stop me from buying one. The machining and rail is what sold me. And since STI tuned my 3 mags and sent me a free 4th, I've been a very happy camper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridlock Posted October 2, 2016 Share Posted October 2, 2016 You have any video of you shooting it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v1911 Posted October 2, 2016 Author Share Posted October 2, 2016 (edited) I don't normally upload videos of myself shooting but I happen to have one from this year's IDPA Nationals. It also shows exactly how badly I was shooting that day. What kills me is I'm not a very fast shooter but I'm normally very accurate. So I was slow and inaccurate. stage 1 Some pics of the work done by Bob's shop. pic1 pic2 Edited October 2, 2016 by v1911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now