For those diving into the world of open-division competition shooting, the quest for a high-performance gun can often feel like chasing a unicorn. Enter the Tanfoglio Domina Open. This was our first foray into “production” open guns, and it proved to be a surprisingly capable platform, especially considering its sub-$3,500 price tag.
Out of the Box: A Solid Foundation
Let’s be clear: the Domina doesn’t arrive fully race-ready. It’s a solid base that demands some personalization. Notably, it lacks a pre-installed optics mount and thumb rest. But that’s part of its charm – it allows you to customize it to your exact preferences.
Mounting Options: The Tanfo Pattern
One of the first challenges we faced was finding a compatible optics mount. The Domina uses a specific 4-hole pattern (M4x.70 on 10mm center-to-center spacing), standard for Tanfoglio. This pattern is drilled on both sides of the gun, making it ambidextrous.
We opted for the Toni Systems multi-mount, a one-sided solution because it offered greater flexibility in testing various red dot sights. The Double Tap Sports 2-sided mount is another popular option, boasting a sleeker aesthetic and multi-mount capabilities, though with slightly fewer red dot options.
Upgrades and Tweaks: Making It Our Own
To enhance performance and reliability, we made a few key upgrades:
- Firing Pin and Spring: We installed a Henning extended firing pin and a Patriot Defense firing pin spring. This combination improved ignition consistency.
- Grips and Magwell: Patriot Defense’s aggressive flat grips and magwell were our choice. I’ve personally had excellent experience with Patriot Defense grips on my Shadow 2, and their aggressive texture provides a secure hold. However, it might be a bit much for casual shooters without calloused hands.
- Magazines: Mec-Gar large frame extended magazines (part # 05CAR00052) paired with Patriot Defense base pads, springs, and followers proved the most reliable setup for 170mm length. We achieved outstanding reliability and performance with some light tuning. For 140mm magazines, both Henning and Patriot Defense base pads yielded good results.
Ammo and Performance: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Domina truly shines with 9 Major ammunition, particularly with heavy plated round nose bullets. We did struggle a little with hollow point loads, but Hornady HAPs performed the best for us. It’s worth noting that these guns are hand-built, so individual results may vary.
Surprisingly, the Domina also performed exceptionally well with minor ammo and the factory compensator. This made it a blast to shoot in steel matches where major wasn’t required.
Taking It to the Next Level: Customization
To optimize the gun for 9 Major, we sent it to Stone Bridge Gunworks for a compensator change and barrel throating. This further refined its performance and reliability.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Contender
The Tanfoglio Domina Open is a testament to the idea that you don’t need to break the bank to get into open-division shooting. With a bit of DIY spirit and some carefully chosen upgrades, it can be transformed into a formidable competitor. The gun’s versatility with minor ammo is a huge plus. We purchased every part mentioned here, and it reflects our honest experience.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers a solid foundation and allows for extensive customization, the Tanfoglio Domina Open is worth considering
As an instructor, former MD, and competitor, I have noticed that one thing remains the same from beginner to advanced shooters. What is most comfortable in YOUR hands will be the most comfortable and consistent for YOU to shoot. In turn, on a topic of growth, you'll find a more direct correlation of progress with a gun that is naturally comfortable to you over something that isn't. Don't expect a price tag to produce progress you haven't worked for! But also remember reliability is equal as well; it must work as well as be comfortable, whether it is a $500 Glock or $5,000 2011. Guys and Gals have won championships with everything from Glocks, Sigs, Walthers, Caniks, and 2011s. So, remember, the type of gun used doesn't make the shooter, but the connection between gun and shooter can. One saying I always loved was, "Go ahead and get that 2011; someone out there is still going to beat you with a plastic gun". This means that someone who's comfortable with that plastic gun will not succumb to your new imaginary skills just because you finally own that 2011 you're not yet comfortable with.
Why would someone dry fire every day, even for only a few minutes? I will cover some reasons for doing this and the skills I prioritize. All of this comes from the perspective of a competitive shooter who wants to develop the skills and confidence to perform at the top end of my ability, on demand, in competition. First, the specific skills I practice and how I train them matter far less than the regularity with which I handle the pistol. Training every day builds a deep familiarity and connection to the gun, allowing me to look at a small spot and present the dots/sights to that spot without thinking specifically about how to do this. That is the main benefit of handling my competition pistol every day, regardless of whether it’s for 5 minutes or 50.
The skills I maintain focus on developing are simple: draws, reloads, and target transitions. There are obviously variations to all of these skills; for example, the draw is not always “wrists below the belt,” but it could be a table start or hands starting on a wall; this principle of variety applies to any skill in working on. Overall, Allowing myself the opportunity to train every day without the pressure to have an entire 45-minute session makes it far more likely that I actually handle the pistol every day. Often, these shorter sessions become longer or even an additional dry fire session later in the day. Maintaining daily gun handling skills over Extended periods, such as years, has only had a positive impact on my shooting, and I’m sure it would be for anyone who wants to get better at shooting.I currently use the full-size 5” Walther PDP steel frame with a 14-pound flat wire spring and the Rune Tactical guide rod. I use CR speed for my belt and magazine pouches. I use a GX products Vice on a BOSS hanger for my holster.
