jwhittin

Thanks for the input. Based on what I see, I also concluded the barrel was not installed properly. I will continue working with the manufacturer and hopefully they will come around after they physically inspect the gun. I don't know why they would say it was normal wear. Maybe trying to lower my expectations...

All, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break! I have an open gun with only about 3K rounds on it. I checked the accuracy and did an inspection and would like to get some feedback. I did bench testing with 6 different loads at 20 yards and shot multiple groups with each load. I’m getting random outliers from 2” to as much as 5” from the main group. I’m certain they are not due to me. I also see varying group sizes using the same ammo (e.g., 1.5”, 1.6”, then 3” or more). And this happened 4 out of 6 times. I did an inspection and found uneven barrel wear patterns on the lower lugs (see photo). The top lugs look fine but the lower lugs have uneven wear (nitride is worn off one lug but not the other lug). There are also a couple small dings on the outer edge of one of the lugs and I also found the barrel link is elongated by about 0.002”. The manufacturer no longer makes open guns but will repair at cost and do warranty if they deem it’s covered. I am planning to send it back, but the initial feedback from the manufacturer was that it looks like normal wear. This doesn’t seem like normal barrel wear to me. I would appreciate your observations and thoughts. Thanks!

JB Weld works great!

Having trouble finding and tracking the dot isn’t due to the RDS. Won’t matter what dot you get. Nothing wrong with the Romeo 1 Pro. Shoot what you have and focus on training. You can alway upgrade latter.

Good discussion on the topic. My main takeaway is if in doubt, consult with the RM. That will ensure consistent penalty for all competitors.

It was on the second string. Thanks Joe!

10.2.2 A competitor who fails to comply with the procedure specified in the written stage briefing will incur one procedural penalty for each occurrence. However, if a competitor has gained a significant advantage during non-compliance, the competitor may be assessed one procedural penalty for each shot fired, instead of a single penalty (e.g. firing multiple shots contrary to the required position or stance). Not moving to a new position per the WSB definitely saves time and could be considered a significant advantage. Judgement call for the specific stage. I called per shot penalty on competitor for same error.

Definitely NOT legit. They ripped me off with their scheme. I've filed fraudulent charges against them.

That is a good point. I didn't even ask since they offered a discount with Zelle. If they refuse to accept a CC that would be a big red flag. Do you agree that Zelle is a legitimate form of payment for companies?

All, I placed an order online 23Sept22 at maxiumsfirearms.com (aka Maximus Arms). The website seems legit but it is fraudulent! Beware!!! Everything seemed okay at first. They offered a 10% discount to use Zelle which I didn’t mind. The status of my order showed processing. I emailed them after 4 days to check on the status and they provided a tracking number 094832962387 (a fake number) and a link for more info https://marathonpostalannex.com. I contacted Marathon Postal Annex (MPA) and they emailed the notice below demanding $297 for a “Diplomatic and Customs” stamp to release my order for deliver. They insisted it was a COVID policy but the email says nothing about COVID. I refused to pay and realized this was a scam. I contacted the so called sales manager at Maximus who stated his name is Christopher Paluch. He initially spoke to me. Said they have been using MPA for 5 years with no problem and would look into it. Nothing heard. I left messages and emails. I discovered that the business addresses listed on both websites do not exist. It also looks like Maximus Firearms had a spotty past and is no longer in business. It’s too late for me, but I hope to get the word out to the shooting community so no one else gets ripped off. I’ve started filing fraud reports with various agencies and companies including Tennessee, my bank, Zelle, FTC.gov, FBI, and will continue with others as identified. I will be cross posting the alert to other shooting community blogs. Please help me get the word out to the community. Please contact me if you have any experience with these websites or for more information. Joel

Yes, it looks like they are called Maximus Arms LLC.

Did a search but nothing came up. Anyone have any experience with them?

Anyone have any experience with this trigger system? Having occasional double fires. Company replaced it but still has the same problem. Any idea?

Up to the RM if they want to “correct” the stage. If so, fix the stage and have everyone reshoot it.

If I take a barrel to a welder that is not familiar with welding barrel lugs, but is an experienced welder, what guidance should I give him? How do you prevent the link pin holes from warping?

Another point is that if you have to send it out for repair it could take a while (especially these days). It would leave you without a blaster. When I can afford to get a backup open gun, I plan to buy one.

That makes sense. Thanks.

I don’t follow. How is “hands relaxed at side” any different from a WSB stating other start positions? So everyone can ignore it if they want and use “wrists below belt” when a WSB states “relaxed at side”? I may be missing something.

“The value of low SDs is that EVERY round will pass chrono.” Completely wrong! The SD measures the variation around (above and below) the mean. If you require every round to be at least the min vel to make PF, your loads will always be much hotter than statistically necessary. Yes you meet PF, but with unnecessary recoil and higher cost. There is nothing wrong with the approach, just pointing out the cost. There are many factors that affect SD and they don’t remain constant in your reloading process. Using your measured SD as I described in the article, allows you to statistically determine a minimum Avg velocity needed to meet PF with a high confidence level. Then you can adjust your load up for feel and accuracy.

For Limited and CO I use 3 mag holders on my belt. Should only need two for any stage but incase I fumble a reload I have a spare on my belt.

I say you should use your STD. What you do with it depends on your application. For long range shooting you want to minimize it for better down range accuracy. For competition, use it to ensure you meet PF. For a 127 gn bullet, min velocity is 985 for minor so add 2x32 for a min avg reload velocity of about 1050. The data looks good. You can adjust upward for accuracy and feel. Check your STD regularly and adjust as needed.

Everything mentioned can affect the standard deviation of your ammo but to what end? What really matters is accuracy AND being able to pass a PF check. The latter is what the STD is used for. Here is a post that explains how.

Yes, I understand all that. I can't help but think there are unique aspects when you add the weight to a compensated gun. How does it affect tuning and the operating pressure needed for a flat response compared to less grip weight? What are the tradeoffs? Maybe the differences in tuning are negligible.

Hi All, I decided to jump into open and swim with the sharks! I have some technical questions about running steel grips on open guns. I did a search but didn't find what I'm looking for. I understand the advantage of steel grips on non-compensated guns. But what are the benefits and tradeoffs for a compensated gun? Is it easier to tune the gun with the extra grip weight? Also, do the steel grips have a tendency to crack more than the polymer grips on open guns? Am I overthinking this and it boils down to personal preference? Thanks

I had the same problem. I replaced it. You could try to set it with a center punch enough to hold it or try loctite.