Railed frame on a 1911???

[10-Ring]

I think that if you need one, have a pistol w/ a rail on it could be a nice addition. I understand it on the USP, P-series SIGs, Glocks but the 1911? Is that a bit sacreligious? or just part of the evolutions of the design?

 

[kenpocop]

Form follows function. Before it had the revered status that it has, the 1911 was a workhorse. As the weapon system continues to evolve and the practical benefits of the accessory rail become more obvious, it only stands to reason that the 1911 would gain a rail.

In the end it becomes a matter of purpose. If you are looking for a work of art for showing off, then the rail is not the height of beauty. On the other hand, if you are @$$ deep in scumbags, any advantage is a good thing.

 

[ugaarguy]

I think that if you need one, have a pistol w/ a rail on it could be a nice addition. I understand it on the USP, P-series SIGs, Glocks but the 1911? Is that a bit sacreligious? or just part of the evolutions of the design?

Last I read the Kimbers that the USMC MEU(SOC) guys are using have a rail. John Browning, and the folks at Colt and the Army Ordnance Dept. spent years refining the M1911. They stopped at nothing to make it the finest fighting pistol it could be for the US Serviceman. If the Devil Dogs say a rail improves the old warhorse's fighting attributes I'm sure Mr. Browning approves.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I prefer no rail on ANY handgun I own personally. Given a choice I'd opt for a rail-less variant but don't always have that chocie. I don't want crap hangin' of my pistol. I really gotta laugh at the ultra-compacts with rails and even moe so when ppl hang something off them. Hmmm...buy a really small gun (usually for concealed carry) and then add to it to add weight and mass/size...great idea. Kinda like buying a ultralight rifle for walking the plains with and adding a bunch of weighty accessories to it. Defeats the purpose.

Funny thing is I do believe it was the HK USP that really introduced and mainstreamed this concept and it was that same gun I bought as my first auto pistol.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Mr. Browning didn't have small LED lights to illuminate friend or foe so the person in control of the best pistol ever designed would be able to stay on target. Mr. Browning didn't have glowing night sights, -fixed or adjustable. Dove tail front sight? Mr. Browning didn't have grips with internal lazer to set on target. Mr. Browning never squeezed the slide in a vise, or manufactured a complete pistol with such close tollerances intended to provide the shooter with a pistol capable of printing a group the size of a half dollar at 50 yards. Did Mr. Browning ever widen and flare the magazine well in one of the first steps to buiding an all out race gun, IN 38SUPER?

The base 1911 design, in 45acp is the best base design. A good many other semi-auto manufactures only attempt to copy it's utilitarian success.

Adding a rail only demonstrates how the 1911 has yet again been able to adapt and evolve to stay on top.

-Steve

EDIT:
Yes, a rail on a compact unit is .... Well.... A friggin waste! I can see a rail and accessory on a full sized duty pistol. But not on a compact.

 

[kenpocop]

I think the important thing to remember is that it is all about options! My wife bought a SAXD sub9 because it fit her hand well. She asked if there was a light that would fit it. Of course there is. It is cool if you can maintain perfection in combat, but I believe that being able to have light and gun operated with one hand and also to have a free hand is a positve, especially if you are fighting off an attacker or if you are attempting to wrangle small children and stay on target.

 

[fed_wif_a_sig]

Railed about rails

I have to admit for a duty weapon I love railed guns. I bought the first Springfield Operator when it came out with a rail and used it daily. There is just something to be said about having a free hand to open doors and stuff when on the street and the same goes for the primary house gun (I still preach a handgun over longgun for home defense).

That said, for typical carry that most folks use, there isnt much need for rails. A good Surefire in a SOS ammo carrier or cliped to the pocket does the trick. Heck even my little LED light will brighten up a room enough to see to engage a target.

For me, my house gun now have rails, my concealed carry weapons dont.

Back to my box.

 

[browningguy]

I'm with Fed and the others here. An HD pistol with a light attached makes a whole lot of sense. Not so much for a carry gun.

And nothing wrong with continuing to update the 1911 platform.