Custom gun makers keep tweaking John Moses Browning's venerable design and, while you might think that after 97 years of tinkering the 1911 has been perfected, believe me--you ain't seen nothing yet.

I recently had the opportunity to test the STI Sentinel Premier, which is advertised as being equally suitable for use as a service pistol or for competing in the various action pistol shooting disciplines.

After shooting it extensively, I can tell you that not only is the Sentinel a serious combat pistol but it has already been approved by the International Practical Shooting Association, U.S. Practical Shooting Association and the International Defensive Pistol Association for use in their various divisions.

STI Sentinal Premier
Type:	1911-semi automatic
Caliber:	.45 ACP
Magazine:	8-round Wilson Combat Elite
Barrel:	5 in., match grade, ramped and supported
Overall Length:	8.5 in.
Weight:	36.7 oz.
Finish:	blue or hard chrome
Sights:	front, STI ramped tritium; rear, fully adjustable Dawson/STI Perfect Impact tritium
Grips:	checkered black cristobal
Price:	$2,295
Manufacturer:	STI International, 512.819.0656

My test pistol came with the optional (and oh so attractive) hard chrome finish and ambidextrous thumb safeties, and as soon as I picked it up, the quality of materials, manufacture and assembly were evident.

The Sentinel comes standard with all the bells and whistles demanded by today's armed professionals and serious competitive shooters. The slide boasts front and rear grasping grooves that not only look good but allow charging and clearing the pistol with perspiring hands or when wearing gloves.

The top of the slide has been flattened and grooved to cut down on glare and cut to accept a ramped tritium front sight, which is mated to a Dawson/STI Perfect Impact--a fully adjustable tritium unit--at the rear of the slide. Both of the sights are mounted low so as to not interfere with drawing.

The Sentinel's ramped, fully supported barrel is held in place by the traditional 1911 muzzle bushing, a match-grade unit that ensures consistent tight lock up and functioning.

The muzzle end of the tube has been crowned to fit flush with the bushing, which is not only attractive but helps protect the vitally important rifling at the muzzle from damage. The sides of the slide have been polished bright, providing an attractive contrast to the dull finished frame.

At the rear of the forged steel frame is an STI Commander-style hammer that permits easy thumb cocking, while the extended thumb safety levers allow smooth and positive manipulation. Metal has been removed from under the trigger guard for a high grip which, when combined with the high, beavertail grip safety, provides above average ergonomics for fast, accurate follow-up shots.

Recoil control is further enhanced with 30 lpi checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing, as well as the checkered Cristobal grips.

At the bottom of the grip frame is a moderately sized magazine well funnel. While originally designed with competition shooting in mind, I believe that anything that can make reloading smoother, faster and more positive has a definite place on a combat handgun.

The Sentinel's internals will be familiar to anyone versed in the mysteries of the 1911 and disassembly is greatly facilitated by the use of the STI Recoil Master spring system. This uses a plastic sleeve that facilitates removing and installing the compressed spring unit. Yes, that's right--no more broken fingernails, busted thumbs or muzzle bushings flying up past your nose to get lost in your workshop.

The Sentinel is chambered only in .45 ACP, a fact sure to please all true 1911 fans.