thanks for the info, every bit helps. mine has an 12.5mm or 1/2" barrel just like the daystate barrels of today so as theres no bsa markings on it id be inclined to think mines got the lapped barrel.
i spoke with tony last week and he said that he asked why venom never fitted a cheek piece and was told "tough shit" by ivan

ive yet to try mine on the range but today looks promising.
£600 is a lot of money today, never mind in 1988. i guess this is a rarer gun than i thought too.