1911 add-on rail?

[rbernie]

Anyone played with any of the add-on rail systems for a 1911 pattern pistol?

I'm toying with the idea of trying a pistol-mounted light and would prefer to NOT have to drop $800+ into another 1911 just to get the light rail. If any of the aftermarket add-on rails are any good, I might could try that instead....

 

[Aguila Blanca]

There's a write-up of a police armorer installing one on a 1911 on the forum at www.forum.m1911.org -- I don't have the link to it handy, but the article was written by Wichaka.

I wasn't that impressed with it. He used a Caspian rail, and if you just look at the item it looks very good. But the way the installation turned out, I wouldn't want one on my pistol. But it may have something to do with modifying the instructions to make the rail work with a particular light.

 

[Onmilo]

Brownells is offering a rail that can be installed on the 1911 or the Beretta M9/92FS.
You have to drill and tap three holes and you can also weld or epoxy the rail in place for added security.
If you weld it you can also machine the rail flush and blended with the dustcover.
If it is done right it will look like the rail was forged on when the frame was made.
That much machining and the refinishing of the frame will cost around a couple hundred bucks and you will probably be best served by just using the screws and epoxy.
Remember to clean the mating surfaces down to bare steel and the epoxy will hold just as securely as a weld job.
The rail is a standard 'Picatinney' type and will accomodate a wide variety of lights and doo dads.
I haven't installed one yet but I have dealt with Brownells and their products for years, they sell very little junk so I feel confident endorsing their offering untested.HTH
http://www.brownells.com