This is very true and important information. I’m one of those guys years ago who had a round detonate on the ejector and still have scars on my hand as a reminder.
The SVI signature certainly does feel smaller than the Cheely. I have two of each and next one will be another SVI. In my little bit of experience, the Cheely is much easier and less work to fit to the frames.
I just put a set of those on one of my open guns and very happy with them. Took a bit of fitting but not terrible either. I would buy another set and not even think twice if I needed them at this point.
I picked up a lightly used 4.25” Prodigy and like it pretty well so far. Have an Atlas tool-lesss guide rod in it but I’m not loving it at the moment it is doesn’t give you a good feeling your confidence when the guide rod lock engages when shooting. Did a quick trigger job with stock parts and is pretty nice right now. I don’t know why anyone says the EGW evolved sear spring does not work because I dropped one in and seems to be perfectly good. It’s the only spare new one I had available so I had to try. So far like the gun pretty well I’ve had no failures of any sort other than the guide rod. Stock mags run fine. I have a few hundred rounds through it at this point.
I take a 4’ level to the range and draw a plumb line on cardboard at 100 yards. Then have a small level that fits on the picatinny rail to ensure the rifle is level and go from there.
The comp cracking is a common problem with that series of Open gun and has been posted about several times. No easy repair. Time for a new barrel and comp.
Thanks for the replies and the pictures are great. I have the STI/SV regular insert and the SV steel insert so sounds like one of those will work for sure. Gun will be here Friday afternoon with any luck.