STI International 2011 Instructions Manual

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
• Check firearm storage frequently, to be certain the location remains
secure and has not been violated in any way.
WARNING!
Store firearms and ammunition separately, under lock and out of the
sight of and beyond reach of children, minors, and adolescents.
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY
WARNING!
Always remove the magazine and any ammunition in the firearm’s
chamber before disassembly. Always wear safety goggles during
disassembly and reassembly to protect your eyes while handling
spring-loaded parts.
General preparations…
• Choose a clean, stable surface at which to comfortably disassemble the
firearm. Allow sufficient room to place the parts removed from the
firearm without interfering with the disassembly process. To prevent
damage to the firearm, disassemble the firearm on a clean, lint-free cloth.
• Read through the entire disassembly procedure before attempting to
disassemble any of the STI model handguns
• The following disassembly procedure requires manual dexterity and
specific tools. Seek the service of a qualified gunsmith for assistance if
you are uncertain of your ability to perform the following disassembly
process.
• Contact STI International for further clarification or instructions should
any of the parts or assemblies shown in the disassembly process of this
manual appear different from those found on your STI model.
Tools and supplies:
Your STI handgun is a precision assembly. Only high-quality tools and
supplies should be used when working on it.
Safety goggles
5/32” Hex wrench
1/8” Dia. Steel punch
Lint-free cloths
Small non-marring hammer (optional) 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY
Two Piece Guide Rod Removal
1.Insert 5/32” Hex wrench into the hex head of Outer Guide Rod
below the muzzle. Loosen the Guide Rod by turning counter-
clockwise.
2.Remove Outer Guide Rod from the handgun by pulling the Rod out
of the handgun towards the muzzle end.
Note: Most STI models have a one
piece guide rod assemble. When
holding the slide to the rear, place a
pin in the small hole in the guide
rod. Allow the slide to slowly move
forward until the spring cap catches
on the pin. The guide rod assembly
will be captivated and will remove
as one unit. Be careful when
handling the unit as it is under
spring tension.
One Piece Guide Rod Removal
1.Remove slide stop (page 22) and slide assembly (page 23.)
2. With the slide assembly off, turn it over exposing the bottom of
barrel and recoil system.
3. For the next step you will need a tool made. Take a standard paper
clip and straighten it out. On one end of the now straight piece make
a small 90° bend. The length of the “hook” should be about .100".
4. With your thumb push on the guide rod head thus compressing the
recoil spring. When a small hole appears in the front of the guide
rod, insert the “hook” into the hole. Slowly release recoil spring
pressure until the tool has captured the reverse plug. The captured
system will be removed by pulling the guide rod head towards the
rear of the slide. Keep the system captured for installation.
Note: with larger caliber firearms the recoil spring will be heavier
thus making it harder to compress.
HOOK
AFTER BEFORE 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY
Slide stop removal
1.Holding the handgun by the grip with one hand, firmly grasp the
handgun’s slide at the rear and pull the slide back. Be careful not to
release pressure on the slide or allow the handgun to slip from your
grasp. Pull the slide back until the disassembly notch on the slide
(the second notch from the muzzle end) aligns with the rear of the
slide stop on the left-hand side of the handgun.
2.  While maintaining the slide
disassembly notch alignment
with the slide stop, remove
the slide stop by pushing
against the extended portion
of the stop, located on the
right-hand side of the hand-
gun.
TIP:  Maintain a firm grasp on
both the slide and frame to
prevent any movement.
Pressure can be released from
the slide once the slide stop
has been removed. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY (continued)
Slide Assembly  Removal
CAUTION:
Wear eye protection! The next two steps require the removal of a
spring under compression.
1.Remove the slide assembly from the handgun frame while maintain-
ing a firm grip on the handgun.
2.Restrain the  recoil spring with the fingers of the hand holding the
slide to prevent the spring form leaving the slide assembly.
The recoil spring will be
exposed at the underside of the
slide as the entire assembly
moves forward and off the
frame of the handgun. Set the
handgun frame aside after
removing the slide assembly
Spring and Guide Rod
Head Removal from Slide
Assembly
1.Turn the slide assembly
upside down, carefully
restraining the recoil spring
under tension. Compress
the recoil spring by grasp-
ing the guide rod head and carefully withdraw both from the slide
releasing the spring tension. Lift the spring with the guide rod head
from the slide assembly using fingers to grasp the spring. Pull
towards the back of the slide to remove it from the handgun.
TIP: Work slowly. This step may require some practice. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
Captive Reverse Plug Removal from Slide Assembly
1.Push the captive reverse plug from the muzzle end of the slide
assembly far enough back to be able to grasp the reverse plug and
remove it from the slide assembly.
TIP: The reverse plug may sometimes be seated firmly, requiring
assistance from a light hammer and punch tool to release it from the slide
assembly. Tap lightly with the hammer and punch from the muzzle end
of the slide.
Barrel Removal
1.  Hold the slide assembly
upside down and rotate the
barrel link to the forward
position.
Note: The barrel cannot be
removed from the slide
assembly without the barrel
link in the forward position.
Always do this procedure before attempting to remove the barrel, to
prevent damage to the slide.
2.Continue holding the slide assembly upside down. Gently lift the
barrel with a finger through the ejection port and slide the barrel out
of the muzzle end. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
Firing Pin Removal
CAUTION:
Wear eye protection! This step requires the removal of a spring
under compression. Before removing the firing pin and stop, position
the slide with the firing pin pointing in a safe direction. The firing
pin can eject from the slide unexpectedly and cause injury.
1.Firmly grasp the rear end of the slide and depress the end of the
firing pin with a 1/8” punch tool. Push down on the firing pin
sufficiently to release it from the hole in the firing pin stop. Place a
finger of the hand holding the slide over the firing pin to retain the
firing pin while removing the firing pin stop, to prevent the firing pin
from ejecting from the slide.
TIP: This can be done in one motion by rotating the punch tool within
the hole of the firing pin stop, using it to move the hole away from the
firing pin.
2.Remove the firing pin stop by sliding the stop off the slide rails
which retain it.
3.Slowly release pressure on the firing pin. The firing pin can be
removed, once all the pressure has been released. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
4.  Remove the firing pin spring
from the firing pin by turning the
firing pin clockwise and pulling
off the spring.
Extractor Removal
1.Firmly grasp the back of the slide with the muzzle end towards you
and the underside of the slide facing up. Press firmly against the
front of the extractor using a 1/8” punch tool. Push the tip of the
extractor towards the side of the breach while depressing the extrac-
tor tip, until the extractor passes the extractor hold located at the
back of the breach face.
2.Turn the slide around so the rear of the slide faces up, exposing the
back end of the partially-removed extractor. Pull the extractor from
the back of the slide. Use the punch tool as required to assist in
releasing the extractor from its position. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - GENERAL CARE
The STI semi-automatic model handguns must be clean and properly
lubricated to function reliably and maintain optimum performance and
accuracy. Proper maintenance can provide smooth operation, minimize
the wear of parts, and prevent malfunctions.
Periodic maintenance of this family of STI handguns involve cleaning
and lubrication whenever any of the following conditions exist:
1.Before firing you STI handgun for the first time.
2.After disassembling the firearm. Disassembly removes lubrication
from the moving parts and requires that you properly apply a high-
quality lubricant intended for semi-automatic handguns upon reas-
sembly.
3.After shooting the firearm. Clean and lubricate the handgun to
prevent corrosion and reduce friction on moving parts caused by
powder deposits that accumulate during shooting.
4.Before and after storing the handgun for more that a month. Firearms
which have been stored for long periods of time accumulate deposits
of dust, dirt and sometimes rust and other corrosive actions caused
by the environment.
5.After the handgun becomes wet or dirty. Excessive moisture of dirt
within the firearm and around it can create obstructions, causing an
unsafe shooting condition.
WARNING!
Always empty a firearm before cleaning. Be certain to remove the
magazine and any ammunition in the firearm’s chamber before
cleaning. Note: STI model handguns must be checked first by remov-
ing that magazine from the firearm to prevent a round from entering
the chamber. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - CLEANING
Properly cleaning and lubricating firearms requires a basic set of tools
and supplies. Your STI handgun is a precision assembly. Only high-
quality tools and supplies should be used when working on it.
Tools:
• Bronze Bore-Cleaning Brush to remove heavy bore deposits from the
barrel
• Handgun Bore Cleaning Rod with Threaded End to receive Cleaning
Accessories
• Slotted Tip to hold Cleaning Patches
• Nylon Bristle Brush
Supplies:
• Cleaning Patches - 100% Cotton Flannel Cloth
• Cleaning Rags - 100% Cotton Flannel Cloth
• High-Quality Cleaning Solvent
• High-Quality Gun Oil ∗ (available through STI International)
∗ Also required before shooting the handgun for the first time.
Procedure:
Cleaning your STI handgun should be done in the following manner.
1.Disassemble your STI handgun (Pages 20 through 26)
2.Clean and lubricate (Page 28-29)
3.Reassemble the handgun by reversing the disassembly procedure
(Pages 20 through 26)
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
1.Clean slide using a nylon brush and cleaning solvent; scrub away any
powder residue, particularly on the slide rails. Wipe slide clean with
a lint-free cotton cloth. Inspect the slide for damage or signs of
unusual wear. 
						

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Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
2.Clean frame with a nylon brush and cleaning solvent; scrub away
any powder residue, particularly on the frame rails. Wipe frame clean
with a lint-free cotton cloth. Inspect the frame for damage or signs of
unusual wear.
3.Saturate a cotton pad with cleaning solvent and attach it to the bore
cleaning rod; make several passes through the bore with the pad to
saturate and loosen metallic and powder residues. Allow the barrel to
soak for a few moments, then attach the bore brush to the bore
cleaning rod, saturate the bristles with cleaning solvent, and make
several passes through the bore with the bore brush. Inspect the bore
for residues and repeat cleaning with the bore brush as necessary.
Note: Always keep the bore brush saturated with cleaning solvent to
prevent damage to the bore and/or compensator, and make each pass
through the barrel a 
complete pass starting at the breach end of the
barrel and continuing until the entire bristle section of the bore brush
is outside the barrel or compensator – do not change directions when
the brush is inside the barrel or compensator. Once the bore is free of
residues, attach a clean cotton pad to the bore cleaning rod, saturate
it with cleaning solvent and make several passes though the bore.
Continue changing pads until the pad emerges clean. Finally, dry the
bore with a clean cotton pad, apply a very small amount of high-
quality lubricant to a clean cotton pad and make several passes
through the barrel to lubricate it.
4.Clean all springs, pins and other components with cleaning solvent
and wipe them dry with a lint-free cotton cloth. Inspect each part for
damage or signs of unusual wear.
5.Apply a light coating of high-quality lubricating oil to all moving
parts and reassemble the handgun. To reduce the possibility of
corrosion, apply a 
very light coating of lubricating oil to all external
steel parts.
Note: If any handgun components show signs of damage or unusual or
excessive wear, stop using the firearm immediately and contact your
gunsmith or STI International for assistance.