surfmaster Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I know this has been covered before but I want to resurrect it due to some different circumstances. I'm considering building a major 9mm race gun and I wanted to know what type of STI slide to use: A 38 Super version or a 9mm version. I did recall seeing threads where Dan Bedell and GansGuns.com both recommend the 38 Super version instead of the 9mm version. In fact, here's a good explanation that involves the 9mm having an ejector slot machined outwards too far and cuts into the side of the breechface, which can cause ejection problems. Here's the link, http://www.gansguns.com/breechface.html. It seems like 38 Super is the clear choice of slide. However, when I visit Brownells.com, ShootersConnection.com and STIGuns.com they only offer a 38 Super/9mm slide: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=29407/p..._Rear_Serration http://shootersconnectionstore.com/STI-Slide-50-P911.aspx http://shootersconnectionstore.com/STI-Sli...-Logo-P899.aspx Did STI fix the problem and now offers an all-in-one version for both 38 Super and 9mm? Thanks in advance for your insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
born-in-45 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 A quick call to STI would get you an answer on their current version(s). 512-819-0656 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I have an sti 38/9 slide and having problem with it. Get 9mm slide if you can find it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt2ace Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 2 - STI 38S slides built to 9mm major. I have had zero problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I haven't verified this personally, but I think STI is only making the 38S version now and selling it for either application. The slight ledge on the face of the 9mm version was causing problems for some people (probably made worse by tired brass). R, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I haven't verified this personally, but I think STI is only making the 38S version now and selling it for either application. The slight ledge on the face of the 9mm version was causing problems for some people (probably made worse by tired brass). R, There it is!! that is the answer and the PROBLEM!! most convert to the weird Cmore mount or docter sights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMITH Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Either slide works fine if you understand the operation of the gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
born-in-45 Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 My 3 week old Steel Master (9mm) does not have the 9mm "ledge" on the breech face so maybe STI is using the single 38/9 version on their new guns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tzygä Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I have 3 STI open 9 major guns and two of them have STI 38 super slides and the newest one have 9mm slide. All guns are custom made and works fine. I use the newest one for my match gun now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfmaster Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 Hi Everyone, I received confirmation today from STI that they do not make 9mm slides just 38 Super: "We do not make specific 9mm slides anymore, everything is 38 super now so you will not have to worry about the ledge problem." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Snyder Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Unless there is a valid reason for staying with an STI slide I would go with a Caspian 38super slide as that is what Bennie Hill used when he built my 9mm Major stroker and it's still going strong. Just use a Nowlin Tuff Stuff extractor and a extended ejector and you shouldn't have any problems! I know that I didn't Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Unless there is a valid reason for staying with an STI slide I would go with a Caspian 38super slide as that is what Bennie Hill used when he built my 9mm Major stroker and it's still going strong. Just use a Nowlin Tuff Stuff extractor and a extended ejector and you shouldn't have any problems! I know that I didn't I seem to recall a well-known smith tell me that it's gone back and forth as to who made the "best" slide and there was a period of time when he wasn't happy with Caspian slides. I just can't recall what vintage he was talking about. I have one of the very earliest Caspian "bar stock" slides that they made....got mine right after they were released and it's lasted for ages. I don't know of any current issues, but I haven't heard of any current issues with STI slides either. R, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 +1 with caspian slides..I know a gunsmith that now switched from STI to caspian slide to build 9mm major. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 run the super slide just have it and extractor fitted correctly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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