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Staccato, previously known as STI Firearms or simply STI (Strayer-Tripp International), is an American firearm company based in Georgetown, Texas that manufactures modular M1911-style semi-automatic pistols, such as its proprietary 2011 handguns, and various gun parts for competition, duty and self-defense. All firearms are designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Texas with American materials and parts.
On May 26, 2020, STI Firearms announced that the company will begin operating as Staccato.
Staccato (formerly STI) is known for its modular frame guns, and shares the patent on the modular frame with Strayer Voigt Inc.
In 1990, Virgil Tripp, a gunsmith and machinist, started building custom M1911s for competition use, especially the United States Practical Shooting Association/International Practical Shooting Confederation. Virgil also designed parts for 1911s, including electrical discharge machining (EDM) hammers and sears. Virgil's company was called Tripp Research, Inc. and most of his parts were sold and marketed by Chip McCormick, a champion pistol shooter, under his company's name, Chip McCormick Corporation (known as CMC).
In June 1994, Sandy Strayer left STI to start a new company called Strayer Voigt Inc, which focuses on building custom pistols as opposed to the "semi-custom" models of STI.
In November 1994, Dave and Shirley Skinner, owners of an electronics company named Tessco, Inc., became involved in the operation of STI along with Virgil Tripp. In early 1997, the Skinners completed their purchase of STI from Virgil Tripp and renamed the company to STI International, Inc. Virgil went on to start a new company using the name Tripp Research, Inc., which produces various finishes for firearms and magazines for 1911s. During the Clinton era high-capacity ban, STI focused on exports and the growing concealed-carry market. As of 2007, STI was the third-largest exporter of pistols in America.
From 1994 to the late 1990s, STI had a custom shop which would build guns to customer's specifications.
In January 2005, Dave Skinner sold the company to the employees of STI, making it the first employee-owned company in the firearms industry.
In 2010, Tim Dillon was hired and made President and CEO, and later joined the Board of Directors. Dillon left the company in early 2014.
In 2014, Greg Mooney joined STI as the President/CEO and a Member of the Board of Directors.
In 2017, a private equity group, Westwind Investors, purchased STI.
In 2020, STI announced its name change to Staccato.
