[Skunkabilly]

A taclight can already be mounted on a traditional Beretta or 1911, but an adaptor is needed. Still, I can remove the mount and put it in the same holster if needed.

Enter the Wilson CQB with light rail, Springfield Operator, or the Beretta Vertec and G-SD. Now you have a new frame, that requires a new holster whether you want a taclight or not. If one decides a taclight attachment is not needed, they can fall back on the same holster.

So, why bother, if you can still mount a taclight on them without the rail? In all seriousness, assuming one will mount a taclight, is there any advantage to a dedicated frame?

[Ian11]

That's one of the reason's I jumped on the chance to get a LNIB SIG P220ST with the "old rails" which is dimensionally similar to the P220 instead of the new version with the new rails. I got enough holsters I don't use already. This P220ST will fit into the holster for my P226 without issue.

The rail is like a useless appendage to me because I don't like dedicated lights on handguns and it really breaks up the classic lines on certain handguns. Although with USP's, Glocks, and P99's the rails look like it belongs there and not an afterthought.

Just like forward serrations on 1911's its a fashion trend I can do without.

[Robert inOregon]

So, why bother, if you can still mount a taclight on them without the rail? In all seriousness, assuming one will mount a taclight, is there any advantage to a dedicated frame?

Because they look cool? :p

Only advantage is although there are a range adapters for "rail-less guns", no one has been able to successfully make one that look esthetically clean, hold firmly to the gun or won't bugger up a frame. Glock and HK came along with there new frames and were instant hits. Everyone jumped in to the tactical ninja bandwagon.

Its like those laser grips. Look cool, but they are useless! Was given a pair for a 229 Sport and other than pointing it at someone crouch when they piss me off, have not found anything else to use it on. :evil:

[Kahr carrier]

Probably not .But the Springfield Operator looks cool with that full length dust cover.:)

[Onslaught]

If it's a "molded in" rail like the HK or Glock that doesn't require a new holster, then there's no reason not to have them. But I agree that, when a pistol has them BOLTED on as an afterthought to an existing model... They should at LEAST be optional, or easily removeable with filler screws.

But as far as the adapter goes, it does take up some of the inside of the trigger guard, while the dedicated rails have no obstructions...

[10-Ring]

I have found no need for the rails (yet). My USPs have the rails and I guess would be nice if I decide to mount a light. Guns like the Beretta Vertec and G-SD & SIGs w/ rails just seem to look wrong.

[Skunkabilly]

Aesthetically speaking I think they look alright on the Beretta G-SD (except for the flat triggerguard) and Wilson CQB. The USP and Glock STILL require an adaptor for a Sure-Fire polymer light, so for my purposes, they're pointless.

[Robert inOregon]

The USP and Glock STILL require an adaptor for a Sure-Fire polymer light, so for my purposes, they're pointless.

Buzz it that Surefire has a modular light on the drawing board. Modular body allows exact fit to a particular pistol model. Coming soon!

[curt]

I use the rail on my Glock 35 for my M3 light. I like this setup A LOT. For civilian carry use i wouldn't go with a mounted light due to the extra bulk, weight and probability that something could snag or drag.

When i'm CCW i use a seperate light. If i was a cop i guess i might consider it, but i'm not.

If you're buying a particular type of gun for the first time, why not get a rail? You won't have any useless holsters and you'll have the option later one of purchasing a light for it. bolting on adapters is added expense and complexity that i can do without. As for esthetics, i could care less. If i'm talking about mounting a light on a gun then that gun is for defensive puposes, not for show. My blued Colt Python doesn't have a light rail for example :)

[cool45auto]

I got a Beretta 92fs Vertec because of the straight-backed grip. I have small hands so the trigger is a lot easier to reach with this gun. I do have an M3 tactical light that I put on it when I go to bed so the rails do come in handy. I think it looks cool.:D

[tetchaje1]

Skunk,
I think that they serve a purpose and if the purpose that you are looking for isn't to mount a light then you should look elsewhere.

As for me, I think that having a weapon-mounted light is a very good thing for HD.

Sure, this could very well violate one of the rules of gun handling (i.e. Don't point your gun at something you are not willing to shoot...), but the M3 and Surefires are plenty bright enough to illuminate an entire room from the low-ready position.

Besides, I consider it more of a sin not to leave a free hand available if you are clearing your house. You may need to open doors, check locks, turn on/off light switches, push buttons on a security system, etc... ad nauseum. I would rather have the extra hand and not need it than need the extra hand and not have it... ;)

For carry, I see no use for them.

[Double Naught Spy]

So, the problems for guns with light rails that are a part of the frame basically boils down to holster issues and the fact that there are after market mounts that can be attached to frames without light rails. Is this right?

Holster issues can be overcome and slowly there seems to be more and more makers that will make holsters to fit those frames where the rail is part of the frame.

So why go with a dedicated frame so long as adapters can be purchased for guns without rail? Simple. Most after market mounts require modification of the frame in the form of mount holes drilled into the frame. Tools are then needed to mount the mount to the frame. Once drilled, the adapters can me mounted. HOWEVER, removing the after market mounts means you will need tools to unscrew the mount screws that secure the mount to the frame.

Aditionally, if the mount holes drilled into the frame aren't properly aligned with the frame, then the light won't be center in the sight picture. This is a minor problem as most weapon lights are bright enough to illuminate areas around the intended target. So being perfectly aligned may not matter. If the after market mount is for a laser or light with a laser, the alignment will be very important. If not aligned, then the laser beam will not be aligned with the sights.

By contrast, frames made with light rails will be very much in line with the orientation of the gun and so light and laser should be on target.

[arinvolvo]

Skunk, are we having buyers remorse? Like I said in another post...get rid of that beretta with the tactical cock and lock/rail combo, and get a brigadeer, or another regular 92. IMHO

[Skunkabilly]

Skunk, are we having buyers remorse?
Yeah only because I want a GSD or a 1911! I posted that a few months ago though.

[MMcCall]

Yeah only because I want a GSD or a 1911! I posted that a few months ago though.

Why settle?

http://www.phoenixguild.com/images/operator.jpg
http://www.phoenixguild.com/images/TLE.jpg

[Skunkabilly]

The skunk's going to have to have the second one on the bottom sent back for a gray frame or a hard chromed slide.

[10-Ring]

Skunk, at some point, you're gonna have some very nice guns in your collection. I can't wait to see the 1911 you finally settle on!

[MMcCall]

The skunk's going to have to have the second one on the bottom sent back for a gray frame or a hard chromed slide.

Right on.. they should be Cali-approved by late 2007 ;)

I prefer Springfields to Kimbers for a couple aesthetic reasons, and I'm not too hip to the TLE's external extractor, but I have to admit it's a nice piece.

[355sigfan]

weapon mounted lights are the cats meow. You begin to appreciate them after just a few building searches with real bad guys.
PAT

[Tamara]

A light rail on a CCW gun is about as useful as a kickstand on a tank.

A weapon mounted light on a dedicated house gun? Sure.

On my CCW piece? Look, if Joe Felon disappears into a darkened building, that's my cue to go seek life elsewhere, not to follow his butt inside.


Look, Ma, no rails!

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=355293

[355sigfan]

You should have a flashlight with you no matter what you carry. Just get a pouch for the M3 light and slide it on as needed. Its very usefull on a ccw pistol.
PAT

[WonderNine]

I see no use for accessory rails and I think they make the gun look ugly. I don't want to mount a flashlight on the gun. I think all that does is make you a better target. And if I wanted a LAAAAAAZER I'd have a lazer grip. I don't know what else you could attach to the accessory rail maybe some Glade Plug-ins or something.

[Tamara]

You should have a flashlight with you no matter what you carry.

I do.

I just see no reason to:

A) Make my CCW pistol more bulky.
B) Slow down my engagement times should I need to use my gun in real life. "Time out, Mr. Goblin! I didn't know I was going to 'need' my CCW gun! Gimme time to slide the ol' M3 on!".

For cop guns, nighstand/houseguns, car guns? Sure, they make a certain amount of sense. For a CCW gun, a reactive weapon that, by necessity, must be portable and is, nine times out of ten needed right now? Heck, no.

Personally, I think the first company that designs a duty retention holster that lets Johnny Law keep his light on his gun all the time, rather than go through the goofy procedure of actually attaching it after he draws, is going to make a ton of money.

[WonderNine]

You should have a flashlight with you no matter what you carry.

Got my Surefire E2E right here in my front left pocket. .357 COP in my right pocket. ;)

[Andrew Wyatt]

It's nice to have the optionof mounting a light on your weapon.


I'll probably put rails on my government model, once i can afford a light.

[gobabygo]

I think it looks cool.

I bought my SA TRP Operator because it was the only 1911 I could buy here in Kali with an extended frame, and I just like the look.

For target use, the extra weight up front is nice. For home defense I have an M6 for it. The M6 goes on and they both live in the safe.

http://www.kywon.com/Guns/TRPOp/TRPM6Rs.jpg

[Kobun]

With a rail you can add all kinds of usefull :p stuff. :D

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=260826

STI also makes some really nice guns with rails. :)

http://www.stiguns.com/guns/TacticalLite/images/Tactial415_2a.jpg

[CZF]

The CZ P01 was designed to be a European police gun, and follows the
tactical trend.

As my HD gun it usually wears the M3 light. The Hume TAC holster is
bulky for CCW use, but is still a great way to carry the gun/light combo.

I hope to see CZ add rails to it's full-sized guns.