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AR15.COM
12/24/2009 8:18:16 AM EDT
I was looking through the latest Brownells and they are selling a rail that attaches to the bottom of the dust cover on the lower receiver to give you a light rail on a gun that doesn't have one.  It's attached by drilling and tapping the receiver and also putting some acraglas to hold it permanently.  Has anyone used this or thought about getting one?  I was considering installing it on a beater 1911 I have.
12/24/2009 8:40:47 AM EDT
[#1]

You talking about this?

If so, consider this a tag, I'm interested to know as well.
12/24/2009 8:48:21 AM EDT
[#2]
You might want to check out the Dawson rail system.....I have seen pics of them and they look pretty nice. I think they need to be installed by a gunsmith or at least somebody handy with drilling and tapping dust covers.....



Dawson Rails
12/24/2009 8:56:57 AM EDT
[#3]
DCN,

Yes something like that.  There was one listed by Brownells and another listed by Novak.  They show it in a catalog and list the same part number for a 1911 and later in the catalog for Beretta 92/96.

MIC,

The Dawson rail system is similar to the one listed in Brownells, but they did not have a listing for a 1911.  I haven't compared the curvature between my Beretta and 1911 but I'll drill and tap my giveaway 1911 before drilling on my aluminum Beretta.  I was looking to see if anyone has experience with them.
12/24/2009 9:27:51 AM EDT
[#4]
I have one on a Para-Ord P14-45, it's attached with 3 screws into the dustcover, It doesn't look like the novak, since the name isn't on it, but it's got the multiple slots like the novak.

It was done before I bought the pistol, so I don't know who did the gunsmithing work on it, but it's tight, solid, and works well.

I say go for it.

12/24/2009 11:07:18 AM EDT
[#5]
I have one on my TRP stainless.  Had it installed by a local gunsmith and when it was at SA one time Dave Williams commented on how nice it looked and functioned.  Ill see if I can dig up a photo.  My primary handgun for work, no problems.
12/24/2009 11:13:36 AM EDT
[#6]
Will my 1911 still fit in my regular holster, with the light unattached of course, after a Dawson rail is mounted?
12/24/2009 11:41:48 AM EDT
[#7]
CA TX Cop, My brother I'm a total straight guy but I would tremble in my boots as to calling out the Sovereign Almighty God of the universe on any issue he has made judgement on in the past,present or future as to regards of Sodom and Gomorrah or San Francisco , when we ourselves are dying in our sins. But this can change thanks to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ our Savior . Merry Christmas . Sorry , not meaning to be judgmental , but I couldn't help myself.
12/24/2009 11:52:10 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:

You talking about this?

If so, consider this a tag, I'm interested to know as well.


Although I am not a big rail person on a 1911 this would be interesting to see how it turns out.  Please post pics of your build if you do this.
12/24/2009 1:34:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Ill take some photos of my Dawson rail sometime this weekend and post it......no your gun wont fit in your holster unless it is a universal holster for any gun.   Which it probably isnt
12/24/2009 6:58:54 PM EDT
[#10]
Thanks Rangehunter, It's a Nighthawk Vickers with a Nighthawk fitted holster.
12/24/2009 7:11:20 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
You might want to check out the Dawson rail system.....I have seen pics of them and they look pretty nice. I think they need to be installed by a gunsmith or at least somebody handy with drilling and tapping dust covers.....



Dawson Rails


I'm curious: why are there different models for Springfield 1911's, and Colt/Kimber/Para 1911's?
12/24/2009 7:20:34 PM EDT
[#12]







I've never seen a Novak or any other rail but I really like the Dawson rail. Only downside is that you have to use a Surefire. I'm not sure if it's an issue with just mine but the light isn't that snug to the rail.

12/25/2009 5:24:34 AM EDT
[#13]
That rail looks nice.  I may convince myself to try the Brownells rail one of these days.
12/25/2009 3:58:58 PM EDT
[#14]
If its not snug, you have to change the piece on the light itself that attaches to the bottom of the rail.  You also have to tighten the allen screw at the front of the of the adapter dawson sends you.
12/25/2009 4:44:58 PM EDT
[#15]
The Dawson can be 'tightened' in several ways.
As rangehunter said above, the correct Surefire locking block must be used.
Also, the set screw with the rubber tip should be adjusted to require light pressure to
seat the light.
Also when installing the adapter, one can squeeze the arms inwards while tightening the mounting screws.
Properly done, the Dawson is awesome!




12/25/2009 7:35:50 PM EDT
[#16]
Tightened it! But I must have an old adapter on mine. Does the new adapter screw on like mine? Pics:







12/26/2009 6:05:21 AM EDT
[#17]
young,
You have what appears to be another maker's variant of a Dawson rail.
The Dawson adapter is one piece, shaped like a horseshoe, with a set screw at the end.
12/26/2009 3:56:45 PM EDT
[#18]
^^^this

Either you got an older one, which I doubt, or another design.
12/26/2009 3:57:52 PM EDT
[#19]
By the way, it doesnt have to be tight, unless thats what you want.  Mine has a very very slight give to it from front to back and I have had no issues.