Ron Rodgers Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 I'm building a 9mm open gun on an STI frame and can't decide whether to go with SV or STI mags. Most people I've talked to say STI mags are cheaper and easier to get, but require spacers - and even then aren't as reliable as SV mags. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtr Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 STI mags are easier to get, but they need spacers, I have 6 STI mags with stainless steel spacers installed by Beven Grams, they run great no problems through over 4K rounds. I have 2 SV tubes I'll sell you if you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old shooter Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 I have both, and they are both reliable. The issue is how long you intend to load your ammo. At 1.16, both should feed without a problem (unless you have a spacer) Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansy Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 I load rather long...at 1.180" and I'm using the STI 38 super mag's (7), work like a charm I will install the Grams follower and spring shortly.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chriss Grube Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Ron, BTDT. Save the problems and get the SV mags. STI's worked when I had to load long before USPSA wised up and changed the rules. Loading shorter the STI's will rattle and jam 2 rounds side by side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Merricks Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Hey Ron, I'm with Chriss on this one. Get the SV mag's. I shoot both super and 9 so I don't have to worry about pulling the spacers out. You will also be able to load longer if you what to try diffrent powders without compressing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.40AET Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I had Beven tune 5 SV mags for my 9mm and they run great. I recently picked up 1 STI mag that runs just as well. The SV mags do reload smoother, which is a plus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newguy Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I have STI and SVI mags and they both run fine. But, the spacers needed for the STI's don't give you much wiggle room. Longer than 1.17 or so and they jam the mag. Load too short and you can run into pressure problems. Since most of my mags are STI w/ spacers, I have to drop check my rounds AND use a caliper to make sure that a longer one didn't make it through -- there's a pretty small window between 1.55 and 1.70. Anyway, it's a pain. I've thought about getting SVI mags but no one seems to have them in stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokshwn Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Although there are plenty of folks out there running STI mags and having no problems after getting there ammo and spacers dialed. If possible just go with the SVI mags and be done with it. Mine have been flawless and I can use ammo from factory length all the way to 1.20. Good luck, Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpty1 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I standardized on STI mags with spacers because I had occasional problems with my SV mags with or without spacers. It wasn't a continual thing, but to me, even an intermittent problem is unacceptable. Plus, 170mm SV tubes are hard to find. Granted, I didn't try to load long for the SV tubes, but used the same 1.155 OAL for both mags at the time. My current setup is STI tubes with stainless spacers, Dawson +1 pads, and Grams kits. I know lot's of people who run SV mags with no spacers and have no problems. Wish I were one of them. Spacers aren't a big deal but they are a bit more trouble when cleaning mags, etc. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Cheely Posted June 18, 2005 Share Posted June 18, 2005 Anyone know who has SV tubes in stock?? All I've seen for who carries them is speed shooters international and they're out of stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.40AET Posted June 18, 2005 Share Posted June 18, 2005 Keep an eye on the classified section here. I've seen a bunch of SVI mags pop up. You have to be constantly watching, and then be quick. A pair came up 2 weeks ago and I bought them just to have for steel matches. The USPSA classifieds have them from time to time as well. Persistance is the key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1hotrod Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 Hi Ron, I am on the same path as you building a 9major with a STI lower. From what I've heard from my friends who compete in IPSC, they tell me to get the SV mags or tubes. But it's really really hard to find. So, I will end up like most other people, and go with the STI tubes, change the guts, and have them tuned. PS Are you going toward a shorty or a 5" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Lombardo Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 I have 6 SVI 124mm "carry" tubes tuned by Grams. They hold 19 9mm. I use them for IDPA with win. white box ammo and they work flawlessly. Fed hollowpoints flawlessly also. Work great for .38 super or 9x23 also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulW Posted July 16, 2005 Share Posted July 16, 2005 STIwith stainlessspacers,RTVsiliconed tothe backof the mag after they were fitted and highly polished work 100%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue edge Posted July 16, 2005 Share Posted July 16, 2005 SV trash the rest!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobabygo Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 If no one has them in stock call SVI directly and reserve some for the next time they do a run. Took a little while but worked for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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