Dawson Precision Rail for 1911

[kahai808]

This might be an old discussion but i wanna get a rail for my Kimber Raptor, I love to shoot my Raptor and dont really wanna dish the money for a TLE/RL or a Warrior. Even though the Warrior would be awesome to have!

So if anyone has an experience or have one, PLEASE share with us your comments, likes/dislikes, pros/cons and pics. Thanks.

[scootergmc]

You may want to call them; I heard they were being discontinued. I don't recall where or when I heard it, but I know I heard it.

[Sam]

Your pistol won't work with any of your holsters made for non railed 1911s.

Edit: I guess a good point is that it is cheaper and lighter than buying a railed 1911 from the factory.

[sfguyhere]

I have one installed on my Springfield... I don't like it because it's configuration is different than that on my Kimber TLE II/RL. I was hoping to be able to switch the light from the Kimber to the Dawson but they're different and you have to use an attachment or change the connection on the light.

But, if it's the only rail gun you have no worries...

I had a local gunsmith in my area put it on and it was easy.

[pyromensch]

check out pachmayr. bought a rail for my colt, and switched it to my para p-14.
cost me $150 a few years ago, works well. used a little epoxy, to shore up, and eliminate any wiggle. and you could buy a holster to use with this

[kahai808]

I have one installed on my Springfield... I don't like it because it's configuration is different than that on my Kimber TLE II/RL. I was hoping to be able to switch the light from the Kimber to the Dawson but they're different and you have to use an attachment or change the connection on the light.

But, if it's the only rail gun you have no worries...

I had a local gunsmith in my area put it on and it was easy.

Can i get a number of your local gunsmith. Its the only rail gun ill have. Thanks

[DaveFJ80]

I know that railed 1911's are all the rage nowadays but I feel like it is really a burden to have a rail. You can't find any good Serpa holsters and end up with a kydex one usually that uses a tensioning screw for retention. And once you have a light attached, you'll have to have a special holster that fits a light ON the gun, or else, what's the point of getting a railed gun if you aren't able to carry with the light attached. Those usually are cumbersome and really big and also use a screw for retention. I say just forget about it.

I would mostly agree with this UNLESS your 1911 is going to be used in low-light situations, be used for HD, used for carry, etc (opinions will vary in regards to a weapon-mounted light vs a hand-held light, but I have trained with a weapon-mounted light myself, so that's what I like to use for my primary light).

But if you intend to just use your 1911 for range use, competition that doesn't require any low-light situations, or train in low-light situations with a hand-held light, then a rail for a light would be unnecessary.

[sfguyhere]

His name is Frank, "Tabor Shooters Supply" in San Bruno, (650) 589-0505. He's a little far from where you're at. I'm sure there's a ton of closer guys that can do it.

Also, Frank's work is pretty good. He's meaner than hell but a decent guy.

and . . .

Bin and Dave have some good points on the use. I had Andrew's Leather make me an IWB holster to accomodate my rail.

[kahai808]

Thanks for the info! I already conceal carry (not here, Texas) with another 1911, I'm basically using my 1911 as an operator/home defense. It will always have the light attached to it and i want it to be ready for any situation lit and low light situations. Home defense is another thing, where i live is dark as hell, so having the light may help if needed!

[kahai808]

anyone heard about the Novak 1911 Rail?

[sfguyhere]

The Novak rail is the one I should have gone with at first. Only because of the other guns that need to use the same light.

[kahai808]

The Novak rail is the one I should have gone with at first. Only because of the other guns that need to use the same light.

Why Novak over Dawson?