TRPOperator

I have 6 of the gen2 STI mags in 9mm. Tuned them up like Atlas said to, and have used them in 3 different guns with no problems.

If you don't go local and do have a custom build don, also add Mclearn custom to you list, he builds very nice as guns as well.

I have seen, but not tried Blackdot Ammunition. They are also making a major 9mm round that is more affordable tan Atlanta

I went with Akai because he was recommended by some high level shooters that I know. He took the time to go through what I wanted and what I thought I wanted/needed but really didn't. I know have 2 and they run great. Like others have said pick one you like the looks of, or better that has a good reputation and is close to you, because again as above they will fail. If you have the smith close to you, its easier and less expensive to ship and get fixed. But, I will give +2 for Akai.

The RTS2 is a 6 moa dot. It's not to small, but not so large it covers small targets. I find the smaller dots a little harder to find in bright light so it's a good compromise for me.

Sorry misread that, no I am not using those on a wide body..on a SS gun. My apologies

I run the tech well grip they work great and the gun stays in place. https://techwearusa.com/techwell/grips/aluminum-inlaid-tape-grips.html

if you look on Facebook at Atlas gunworks page, the talk about up near the top of the mag the dimensions the new mags start at and what they need to be. That usually fixes the tightness problem and then set the feed lips and the mags run fine.

I have shot the sight block, island barrel, and normal slide guns. I think like as stated above it is all about what you are used to and what feels right. For me it was strange shooting the sight block and the island barrel as I am looking for the front sight to not only rise but move when the shot it fired, It definitely took some getting used to. I would recommend finding someone that will let you shoot theirs and get a feel for each before jumping onto something someone else says it great. ^^^^ this is a great statement, what works for him might not work for you. When I have a new limited gun built it will most likely be a sight block gun. Once I shot it a bit, It seemed to be less disturbance in the sights for me and since I am shooting open right now, then it is more like the dot in that it doesn't move back and forth only up and down from the recoil.

I think it will get better, I personally know one of the people/managers they hired to bring back the standards of manufacturing/QC and he has a lot of experience in not just the gun industry, but the custom 1911 world.

I have seen this stuff, but have not tried it. Most probably load there own as it allows them to tune the ammo for feel, dot movement, etc.

I use CCI and Federal Mag Pistol primers. I have never had a problem with either.

I have an akai and another on order. Like others have said all are nice. I have shot several semi to full custom guns. I chose the akai and it has been great. Like others have said shoot before you buy if you can. My vote would be for the akai. He also usually has some in stock if you call. I have never had him not respond quickly to any questions I have had.

I have an akai with 2 v ports and 1 barrel port. I have a brand new v6 akai that should arrive in the next 30days. I am loading PD 124grn jhp at 1.165 with a CCI primer. I have Autocomp from 7.2-8.2 HS6 from 7.4-8.2 3n37 from 8-8.6 AA7 from 9.2-10.2 Once both guns are here I will do my test and decide a powder then, or make changes. I was running a DVC Open before that and it liked 7.6 grns of autocomp at 1.165.

Like a lot of others, I shot a friends gun and was hooked. Also as mentioned before running on the ragged edge of my abilities and the preciseness of engineering of Open guns. Its just fun.

I had a DVC Open till recently and the load was 125 grn zero JHP at 6.7 grns of WAC and a oal of 1.16. Every gun will be dif. but it looks like all using 125s and WAC are pretty close to that 6.7-6.8 range. As said above I would start lower and work my way up.

I figure that will be most of the reply, when I say justify, I mean money wise..I wish I could afford to order to identical open guns...I will prob try to at lest find a decent used one for backup....my new one is an akai...scheduled to be here early May. I also wanted to see others opinions on mainly shooting local matches vs big matches and having a backup still.

Just getting thoughts on backup open guns. I have a new one on order. I will only be shooting a handful of big matches this year, so can't justify buy a backup. What do others think?

Magpul does make some decent stuff. I run techwell grips on all my guns. Little more expensive, but not quite the 99 buck a pair.

VZ are great grips..is price is your concern, then it might limit your options. Ergo make some cheaper, decent texture grips. The more aggressive grips are going to be name brand and cost more most of the time.

I 2nd that DAA Racemaster or Alpha X. Can running them for both limited and open. I have been using them for a couple years now, great holsters.

Silicon Carbide to me is way more aggressive than any stippling you can do. Not that stippling can't be aggressive enough, but just not as much as the silicon Carbide. I have a STI that is really aggressive and works well. I think there is someone out there that will sand and smooth the grip up so the SV grip tape stuff will fit as well. I just don't recall who it is right now.

I have to go with Elftmann. I have had timney, geissele, and CMC. I have shot the hyper fires and Gold's, but to me the cleanest break and short reset is the Elftmann....can tune them and get a flat or curved shoe.

Have to go with Elftmann as well. I have had timney, geissele, and CMC. I have shot the hyper fires and Gold's, but to me the cleanest break and short reset is the Elftmann....can tune them and get a flat or curved shoe.

Looks like it would be a faster and smoother transition to the target, at least for a loaded gun table start.