BigBamBoo

IMHO open guns are a very personal thing if you are having one built. What I like, the next person may not. For me I like a thumb rest, racker, 8 moa dot, steel grip, curved trigger shoe, etc. For the recoil spring I install a shock buff and see if it gets chewed up quickly. If it does, I install a heavier spring. I do not want to beat up my frame....I am in Calif and 2011 frames are very hard to come by. I currently run a 10 lb spring and it is supper flat and soft shooting. Dot wiggles a bit if I am gripping the pistol correctly. Most folks run lighter springs, but again, you have to find what works for you. Have fun!

Warranty? Most honorable builders stand behind their work. I doubt if Mark builds you a pistol you will receive a printed warranty card with it. But I bet if you had any issues, he would be a phone call away to make it right.

Yep....Venom, Rafferty, CK....

I started with a 3 moa....went to a 6....now using 8. I am 50 and my eyes just ain’t what they use to be.

Using the two port on my full length Venom. Works great.

Is the gray Cerakote ?

No, it is a full length (5.4” SVI hybrid barrel).

Not hating on STI at all.....but here in CA, they are pretty hard to come by them. And if your frame cracks that is pretty much the end of your pistol because it can not be replaced with a new one due to the messed up gun laws here. Unless STI was willing to make it with the same serial number. So whatever the issue is that is leading to cracked slides and frames, for some folks, it could be a real bummer. Heres to hoping they square it away.

Getting some rounds through the Venom rig. Runs like a Swiss watch. Here are some action pics of it in use.

I currently have a two port CFD comp on my full size rig. I am gathering parts or a middy build. I picked up an Atlas comp for the new build. just curious if any one has both and if so, what is the opinion of the two. thanks and happy Holidays.

The problem I find for MYSELF is my eyes need a larger dot these days. I got to look through the SRO, and while it had a nice dot, only being 5 MOA it seems small. I am currently running a RTS2 8 moa and kinda wish I had gotten the 10 moa. it seems strange Sig, Trijicon, etc, only offer the smaller size dots. I am having a new open gun built soon, and wanted to put a Sig XL on it, but the 6 moa dot makes me pause. Probably go With another RTS2 just for the bigger dot.

I do not know if the one I just received is the V2 or V3. It is listed as working with the XL. Here is a picture of it next to my older Cheely RTS2 mount. You can see the material that has been machined out for clearance.

The latest Cheely mount works within the XL, RTS2, etc. it is longer and has a “cut out” in the front to accept the XL.

Thank you.

I was bored today....and it seems like “all” the cool kids have covers for their open guns. So, I made one up for myself.

Another vote for a CO sub-forum.

My new full length Venom 9mm blaster.

I am running range brass, 9.8gr of AA#7, and 124gr MTG JHP at 1.165”. turn around time would have been pretty fast except I kept changing my mind on colors, and could not make up my mind on slide cuts. If I had my crap together it would have been pretty fast. Hit him up and see what he says.

Well I am 50 and started shooting open almost exactly one year ago. So take this for what it is worth. Also, I am in Calif., so options are very limited for new open rigs here. I was lucky enough to find a new 2011 frame on which to build a rig on. Also, I was lucky enough to find myself a “new” Briley Open gun in 38S that I set up for Super Comp. I did not think chasing brass would be that big of a deal....until it was. The Briley rig ran like a top, and I was sad to see pit go. Now....I contacted some of the “known” builders looking to have a new open gun built on my new frame. Some did. It want to deal with me because I was in Calif. Most wanted to build me their vision of an open gun. And the biggest deal was the build time. Most told me it would be 6-12+ months. Then I spoke with Don from Venom Custom. Right away I felt this was the guy to build my rig. So I boxed up a bunch of parts and shipped it all off to him. He kept me updated at all stages of the build. And he never once tried to direct me in a direction I did not want to go. He told me this is your gun and we will build it how you want it. I recently got it and shot my first match with with last Sunday. It ran like a Swiss watch. Not a single hiccup. I plan on having him build me another one shortly. And.....here it is:

I have a 6 moa V3 I believe that I just removed from a rig I sold. Has over 7000 rounds on it. It has been subjected to 110+ degree days here in Redding and sub freezing temps up in Oregon during matches. With my eyes these days I bumped up to a 8 moa model on my new open gun. I am hoping it holds up as well as the 6 moa one has. by the way, I have 6 moa for sale. In excellent condition with box, paperwork, etc.

I use an Everglades with my E2 steel gripped rig. I did have to remove a bit of material from the top of the holster but that was it. I read that the new Everglades holster now works without any filing.

Knguy....I originally had a different color scheme in mind, but then decided on something less blingy. Your setup was on my short list and had influence on my colors. I have to get a shell plate and dies this week so I can go shoot it now.

Does the Honcho use a standard PT 2011 frame?

My turn. Just received my Venom today. I will just reiterate what others have said about Don. He is a true gentleman and fantastic businessman. He took time to answer ALL....and there were quite a few....plus never got annoyed with my mid build changes. And the pistol has exceeded my expectation. I will be having him build me a middy soon. So....it went from a box of parts...to this work of art you see below. 9mm Major. Hybrid barrel with two holes E2 aggressive grip 8 moa RTS2 etc, etc.

Check out Akai’s...pretty slick.