 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 remained in business by focusing on exports and the growing concealed-carry market.As of 2007, STI was the third-largest exporter of pistols in America.