riden

I bought my 650 & Dillon accessories from Brian and do not have any complaints on their scale. Sure beats what I used to do 30+ years ago when handloading .222 & .22-250 varmint loads on an old RCBS & beam scale!

While sorting 38 Super Auto brass, have come across some 38 TJ, and obviously separating it out. The case base measures .014 less in diameter. There are other visual differences, but thought I'd solicit feedback. I performed a search and saw 1 post on Super Comp & TJ. I assume a gun tuned for Super Auto will have extraction & chambering problems. What else should be noted?

Thanks to all who helped me sort this out, particularly Beven!

For clarification, are you saying that to feed 9x19 properly using the same mag, that a floor plate under the spring must be in place? Or, are you referring to something else? I have a number of mags used in 2 current 38 Supers that I would want to use in this STI chambered for 9x19.

Will a STI 2011 chambered for 9x19 run the same mags used in the same gun chambered for 38 Super? Some debate among us novices here, so putting it out on the forum. Thanks!

Richard---thanks for the pics! Not sure I'm into taking the chance to get where I need to go for installation on a STI GrandMaster open gun that is already hardchromed. Unless I want to spend the $$$$ to send to a chromer, will need to exchange & go to Plan B. Ron

Hot dipped galvanized is probably a better description than "matte". I'm sending mine back and exchanging for a different ambi, even if there isn't a shielded alternative available through Brownell's. A call to their tech department (by the first guy)..."just sand it some & then buff it out". The 2nd tech via email stated that I would not get the results desired & should exchange. Since there was a post unfavorable regarding the Bul, don't want that problem either! What are you going to do with your set?

Regarding posting of images, I see that this function needs enabled by the administrator. Since I don't have that icon visible, must not be included yet.

I just bought a new grip from D&G Precision and installed on a STI Grand Master open gun, replacing the stock "blue" one. The business card does not have a website, but you can email David Weers at dweers@aol.com or call him at 830.303.8930. Prices are reasonable and fit & finish can be customized. Mine has moderate aggressiveness to the stippling, but much easier to control versus the smoother standard STI. Someone tell me how to post a jpeg and I'll place a pic here...

Thanks to all who responded, especially 300-lb. with an immediate alternative!

Just received a Swenson ambi safety that I hoped would have a bright enough stainless gloss to contrast well against a hardchromed slide & frame. To my surprise, the safety arrived in matte finish, and was informed this is standard. Seller indicated that it could be polished to where I wanted it. Looks like a lot of work to me! Anyone else run into this? If so, what did you do or where did you send it to get it at least to a polished stainless condition?

I've had a Smoking Hole on my SV-Infinity & just added the same to my STI GrandMaster. Provides me with a nice ledge for both strong & weak hand, plus appears to assist with some balancing...at least for me. It's certainly "one heck of a hole"...if you miss this one, time to check out!

To mimic Shred...there seems to be some decent "used" open guns currently on the market, particularly with some guys needing money for bills or building something else over the winter. If you're a USPSA member, go to the "Members" link and then click on the "Classified Ads". If you find one, and live too far away to see, handle, & shoot, then try to get as many referrals as possible...pistolsmith, description details, pics, components used, etc. I've found 2 decent deals over the last couple years that prevented me from needing to go the route of new blaster, but did end sending one off to Benny Hill for reliability tweaking. Generally, you can get a decent gun with some mags included as well. If you go this route, good shopping...ask a lot of questions!

May have an opportunity to buy a nice used Caspian open gun and several mags. The gun is currently chambered for 9x23. I've performed a search and have read some previous posts, but want to gather some additional information. I currently shoot 38 Super Auto in another gun and have read where 9x23 should run either 38 Super or Super Comp okay. What is there to question or consider further (like needing another extractor, etc.) before buying, if I want to shoot Super in the gun? Thanks!

I have a S&W 625 V-Comp Performance Center revolver that is going to require trigger work to lighten double-action pull for competition. What recommendations are suggested and who to perform the work? After some light primer hits this weekend, another shooter suggested I micrometer my moon clips to ensure there are no variances on thickness. Has this been a problem for anyone? Thanks in advance.

Relatively new to the reloading scene, but here is where I am right now: 38 Super- 9.1 HS6 / 125-gr. Zero FMJ / Federal SR primers (Major) - 7.4 IMR 7625 / dot / dot (Major) - 6.0 IMR 7625 / dot / dot (Minor)

Start 'er out with reloaded Major...it's made for it! Run OAL's in the 1.245-1.255 range. Factory recoil spring will likely be 10-lb., so you might want to place a shock buff on the rod to see how it works. Once you get used to the gun a bit, try going to an 8-lb. spring along with the buff, but will depend on how much recoil you want coming back into your hand and then where the dot ends up once the slide goes home...watch to see how much dot movement you have. Test...test....test...shoot...shoot...shoot...and have fun!

I went through the same scenario last year and did not find any factory that will run Major, so shot Minor until invested in a Dillon 650 this year. Winchester/USA +P-130 gr./FMJ's ran approximately 1200 fps out of my gun...around 155 PF. The powder used in the factory ammo did not work the comp well, further detering really competing, and factory OAL's are too long for consistent chambering in STI's or SV's. In addition, the mags likely will not work well with the long rounds associated with factory 38 Super. If you are serious, invest in a Dillon press, and then roll your own!

Thanks, Jon...found the thread and the other options available.

I should have added "other than the over-the-counter" plastic doodads. Right now, use a high-tech wide-mouth ziplock baggie.

Can anyone recommend where to buy a pistol cover for protection from the elements when holstered and large enough for an open gun? See one on Speed Shooters International site made by Buchanan Bagworks. Are there others and where can I get them? Thanks!

Have bought a hardchromed STI 2011 that has the standard width ambi thumb safety. Since I'm used to the wider option, I am tending to ride the thumb too tight against the slide (on top of the safety) and have experienced a few failures on the slide coming completely home. I know I can find a stainless wider replacement, but does anyone know where I can find one already hardchromed to keep the look consistent with the finish? Thanks!

For shooting Steel Challenge with a Beretta 87T in rimfire class, what are thoughts on the better dot sight for Open between tube or tubeless? I shoot IPSC and use a C-More. Should I stick with the same type? Why or why not? Suggestions appreciated!

I have an Aimpoint CompXD dot sight that the dot goes on and off while adjusting the dot brightness. If you squeeze the adjustment knob and the battery compartment knob together, you can get the dot to come back. Other than contacting Aimpoint for an answer, does anyone know what the problem may be? The sight is now discontinued, so not much other information on their website. However, the design looks similar to those currently being sold. Thanks!

FYI...have tried the 2 thinner batteries in place of the standard one for the dot and no change in intensity.