Should I Put Optics on My 1911 (or Not)?
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Lo-Profile
Custom
I wouldn't put optics on any of my 1911's
A 2011, maybe.
I've added Green Dot Optics to a could more pistols recently .... Now I just need to go shoot them
A 2011, maybe.
I've added Green Dot Optics to a could more pistols recently .... Now I just need to go shoot them
Retired Bum
Professional
If you want anything more than the plain sight, then set it up! Ignore the FUDDS, Your gun, your rules.
Talyn
Emissary
I've been avoiding optics-plate pistols like the plague.
Although, I had to accept that the Ruger RXM upper I got, to build my ultimate RXM now with a Grit Grips complete lower, has a plate there will never be an optic on it.
Fortunately, the Girsan MCP35 Pi Match doesn't have a plate vs. all the other MCP35 models.
The only pistol I have with an optic on it is a Browning .22lr Buckmark Target model with a pic rail and I have an old Leupold Gilmore-type optic on it, like this.
Although, I had to accept that the Ruger RXM upper I got, to build my ultimate RXM now with a Grit Grips complete lower, has a plate there will never be an optic on it.
Fortunately, the Girsan MCP35 Pi Match doesn't have a plate vs. all the other MCP35 models.
The only pistol I have with an optic on it is a Browning .22lr Buckmark Target model with a pic rail and I have an old Leupold Gilmore-type optic on it, like this.
Annihilator
Hellion
Even if he did, it would be a …..JMB didn’t know what an optic was when he developed the pistol
HayesGreener
SAINT
I was ambivalent about red dots on pistols until I attended a couple LE instructor courses on red dots for duty pistols. There was much interest in the tech and training techniques as agencies were atempting to select the right red dot and train their people. Nowadays I rarely see a LE offiicer who does not have a red dot and ljght on their duty pistol. In today's environment it is easy to understand why officers seek whatever advantage they can get. It is an acquired taste, but the more I use them the better I like them. I will not train a novice using an optic or laser, I insist they become proficient with iron sights first. But it is the wave of the future.
KillerFord1977
Emissary
You can point shoot using the top center of the optic frame
Ditto-real rifles. Can’t conceive of any civilian getting himself accidentally into a situation where either of these “antiques” would not resolve the problem (even though they don’t have optics or lights or pistol grips or etc.,etc., etc. that all the Tacticool kids think are required
This article raises a lot of issues beyond the mere question of whether or not to dot your 1911. Personally, I do not see why a new take on vintage technology is a bad thing, but this goes back to the basis of the 1911 platform. The original 1911 had nothing for sights. Today's crop of 1911s have abundant sights and options, but the dot adds a dimension of value for those shooters willing to work with the concept.
The 1911 itself is rather archaic, has been for years, but it endears because it is what it is. There are a lot of more capable .45 caliber pistols out there by many metrics with very high manufacturing standards.
I do not agree to the writer's broad statement the craftsmanship of the 1911 exceeds other firearms. This is the case with some, but certainly not across the industry. There are plenty of dud 1911s out there by branding whereas others are held to a pinnacle of production quality but do not really confer any advantages per se over a more blue collar offering. This of course is highly subjective.
The 1911 itself is rather archaic, has been for years, but it endears because it is what it is. There are a lot of more capable .45 caliber pistols out there by many metrics with very high manufacturing standards.
I do not agree to the writer's broad statement the craftsmanship of the 1911 exceeds other firearms. This is the case with some, but certainly not across the industry. There are plenty of dud 1911s out there by branding whereas others are held to a pinnacle of production quality but do not really confer any advantages per se over a more blue collar offering. This of course is highly subjective.
I resisted putting an optic on a 1911 and felt it was sacrilege until Colt finally took a knee (113 years later) and released the Competition with an optics cut. Had to wait a few months before they produced the plate though, so yeah, I did it. The funny part is I do use optics on a 2011 and a 22lr with pretty good speed on multiple targets. Having a .45 long slide with a fiber optic front sight, I am almost as fast using 185 gr. and would never consider one on it, just too pretty. Therein lies the problem, the lines of a 1911 are an impression of beauty, even the Bride who doesn't even like firearms, loves the look of a 1911. Putting on an optic is like a luggage rack and trailer hitch on a Ferrari or Corvette, works, but...
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Old_Me
Emissary
the 1911 is "archaic"...???
i don't understand that....
is it archaic due to the more advanced "plastics"...???
is it archaic due to its sheer weight...??
is it archaic due to its pricing..??
again, i do not understand your "idea" of archaic...
there are "more capable 45 calibers"...??
amyb e if one considers say on the magazine capacity, by the way, one can get more than an 8 round 1911 magazine.
such as this:
ProMag 1911 Extended Magazine .45 ACP 15 Rounds
High-capacity 15-round magazine for 1911 pistols in .45 ACP. Blued steel build by ProMag for range and tactical use.
www.cheaperthandirt.com
the 1911 is a long standing, long lasting hand gun, that has been with us since it first came out, in 1912.
its a classic, much like single action revolvers, and lever action rifles, from the cowboy days.
i own a single action revolver, i don't find that gun to be "archaic" either.....its the way it was designed and built, and served shooters well, back in the days.
so again, how is a well proven gun, such as the venerable 1911........."archaic"...????
Venerable is an adjective meaning accorded a great deal of respect, typically because of age, wisdom, character, or historical associations
5 years ago, at age 65 and 20-25 vision, I would have been a hard NO! Since then my eyes have aged 20+ years and the half dozen handguns that I have optics on have been getting used more often than my iron sight guns. I have 8 or 9 1911's that date back to 1978 when I bought my first 1911, a Colt. I'm looking for a commander size 1911 optics ready.
Funny how what I once thought of as a neat toy, (Red Dots), are now needed or I just quit shooting and carrying!
Funny how what I once thought of as a neat toy, (Red Dots), are now needed or I just quit shooting and carrying!
I train a lot of people, both police and civilian. Some use optics. I have been shooting a 1911 for 35 years in police/government service and competition and have tried optics but don't like them.... I can draw and hit at 25 yards with my iron sighted 1911..... I won't engage in a discussion for or against optics but I think they are another add on the gun industry is making money off of....to each his own but in my opinion they look ridiculous on a traditional 1911.......
Talyn
Emissary
You must have one of theose Elon Musk developed brain implants in order to communicate, and post here. Amazing!
Hope your condition improves back to normal.
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OldGrunt
Hellcat
So you are allowed to post a funny meme and I'm not? Go back to the beginning of this thread. My first post on this subject just stated that I don't have optics on any of my .45s because none of them are cut for optics. All were made before a slide cut for optics were a thing. And my post stated that is if I were ever going to purchase another 1911 style .45 (way down on the purchase order list), I would get one that is optic ready. I don't even carry a .45 for EDC any more. In fact, the last .45 I used to carry for EDC was not even a 1911 style pistol. I used to EDC my SA XDs .45, which is not optic cut. I've gone to carrying a J-Frame in my pocket. Maybe I should install an optic on that. No need for hope for me. This is my normal condition.You must have one of theose Elon Musk developed brain implants in order to communicate, and post here. Amazing!
Hope your condition improves back to normal.
