RGC Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 I have owned a few varieties of 38 super comp pistols. My preferred open round. I started out in single stack, played in Open a bit (florida open, euro xtreme, etc.). Completely fell out of the sport for personal and health reasons 4 years ago. Now back...to 50yr old eyes....so decided to get into open again. I have an older SV and a banged up Akai. In the past I have owned STIs, SV's, Brazo STI, Millenium Custom STI, etc. Now considering my next build. I am looking for something that will be more comfortable with IPSC power factor loads (171pf with a 1.240 Zero on 9.8gr of 3N38 was my load). If you had $6-7K to put into an open build, what would you buy? Custom shop (SV) or the custom/assembly shops (Akai/Atlas). Or a more private builder (McLearn, etc)? I really want a metal grip (but lower weight), stroked pistol). Recommendations and why (from owners)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvDog Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 The stuff Glenn from Lone Star Innovations LSI is putting out looks awesome. When he has frames available for sale, then I’ll be ordering a frame and grip from him for a build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBamBoo Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 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: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGC Posted November 29, 2019 Author Share Posted November 29, 2019 12 minutes ago, BigBamBoo said: 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: She is a beaut! What load and pf are you running through it? Heard good things about Venom...turnaround time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGC Posted November 29, 2019 Author Share Posted November 29, 2019 17 minutes ago, LuvDog said: The stuff Glenn from Lone Star Innovations LSI is putting out looks awesome. When he has frames available for sale, then I’ll be ordering a frame and grip from him for a build. Thanks....will check on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBamBoo Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGC Posted November 29, 2019 Author Share Posted November 29, 2019 2 minutes ago, BigBamBoo said: 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. Thanks. Will do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lacivilian Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 Atlas Gunworks. The guns and the people are the best I have come across, you won't be disappointed. Let me know if you have any questions Pm me if you have any questions, would love to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tke37617 Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 I went with Atlas about a 1 1/2 years ago and went full custom. I knew very little about an open gun but Adam took the time to go over every item on the build sheet explaining everything in detail. He guaranteed a 3 month delivery and Cat called 3 days early to let me know it was completed. Workmanship and support has been amazing. Gun functions flawlessly. I hope to purchase another Atlas in the near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perttime Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 On 11/29/2019 at 5:06 AM, BigBamBoo said: ... 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. ... And.....here it is: So, it is a 9mm shorty? Looks good to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bwillis Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Rafferty or akai if I had it to do over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean_ht Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Custom route is the way to go for that price range. I would look at Infinity(SVI), limcat, and Atlas, in that order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBamBoo Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 15 hours ago, perttime said: So, it is a 9mm shorty? Looks good to me. No, it is a full length (5.4” SVI hybrid barrel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRPOperator Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 I am on my 4th Akai gun, and have nothing but positive interactions with them..the stroked gun gives you more tunning options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donno Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 It looks like you are in the Atlanta area so I am going to throw out Jeff Abernathy at Tommy Guns USA. He has built several of my guns and they are rock solid. The last open gun he built me was way below your budget. He will however trick it up as much as you want. He will give you a build sheet with his preferred parts list or you can send him anything you want. The reason he has a preferred parts list is some folks want it pushed to the edge and the parts on his list are all top quality and guaranteed to work. The pic is a dedicated 3-gun 9mm shorty he did last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aircooled6racer Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Hello: I would go 9mm for your next open pistol. Lots of great loads for 9mm major and once fired brass is in good supply. Thanks, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockeycor22 Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Custom is the way to go. Call and talk to the different builders mentioned and get a feel for who you would like to work with. Find someone your comfortable and trust and get one in the works. Good luck on your build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levellinebrad Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 On 1/1/2020 at 9:16 PM, donno said: It looks like you are in the Atlanta area so I am going to throw out Jeff Abernathy at Tommy Guns USA. He has built several of my guns and they are rock solid. The last open gun he built me was way below your budget. He will however trick it up as much as you want. He will give you a build sheet with his preferred parts list or you can send him anything you want. The reason he has a preferred parts list is some folks want it pushed to the edge and the parts on his list are all top quality and guaranteed to work. The pic is a dedicated 3-gun 9mm shorty he did last year. I will second the Jeff Abernathy recommendation. I’ve never had him build a whole gun but he’s worked on several for me and the improvements were awesome. Other than that, I have to say that I am an SVI FANBOY. I’ve shot quite a few other makers guns and while they were all very good guns, they just don’t compare to the SVI, at least for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AverageJoeShooting Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I came here to recommend venom custom, but like 15 people beat me to it. Also jeff Abernathy from Tommy guns is great. Hes never built me one but he's done a ton of work on guns that I have. I have no doubt that his custom work would be excellent quality Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGC Posted January 15, 2020 Author Share Posted January 15, 2020 Lots of great suggestions...I will look up Tommy Guns if local as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posvar Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 50 minutes ago, RGC said: Lots of great suggestions...I will look up Tommy Guns if local as well. He is in the Charlotte NC area. I was just at his new shop last week. Great guy and he really cares about his clients and the guns he works on. Worth looking into him for sure. He will also assemble your "box o parts" and guide you as to what to buy if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGC Posted January 16, 2020 Author Share Posted January 16, 2020 Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YellowShooter Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 Oh! I didnt realize that you were in the Atl area! I am picking this up in a week or so, guy (CJ Smith from Sky Customs) is in OH. I'll meet up with you and let you shoot it as much as you want so you can get a feel and the features you want for yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSAF61 Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 Sky Customs is located in north central KY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, DSAF61 said: Sky Customs is located in north central KY. Yeah, I sent a message and he said Mammoth Cave. That's definitely KY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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