Anyone have experience with these?

[Bladerunner]

Today, I discovered an 'Under Barrel Rail' attachment for 1911's that attaches to the trigger guard of a 1911-A1 and adds a picatinny rail to a pistol that does not have one. Has anyone here ever used one of these accessories? The reviewers that I read all said that they were solid and had no movement but I can't tell by the ads what the minimum barrel size is. I would love to put one on my Colt New Agent but it looks like the accessory would be too long and every ad that I have seen offers no specs whatsoever. Can anyone help me out with this?

[synergy]

got a link?

What's the problem with using a tried and true Dawson's rail?

And what do you need to put on a 3" pocket 1911 w/ no sights?

[Bladerunner]

Originally Posted by synergy

got a link?

What's the problem with using a tried and true Dawson's rail?

And what do you need to put on a 3" pocket 1911 w/ no sights?

1. I'm not familiar with the 'Dawson Rail' but would appreciate any explanation than you might offer.

2. The Colt New Agent does indeed have a sight. It's called a trench sight or a gutter sight and once the shooter becomes familiar with it, it works quite well. The New agent is NOT a pocket gun and is every bit as capable as my Springfield Arms 1911, chambered in .45 with a 5" barrel. Similarly, I would like to install a Picatinny rail on the New Agent for the same reasons that I might install one on that beautiful Stainless Steel unit that I mentioned earlier, you know, like a laser sight that won't cost $375 and hide my custom grips or actually, I've been looking at a combo flashlight/laser unit that appears to be reasonable. Just seems that if the item fits, it would make a lot of things a lot easier for me with this weapon and I'd like to know if anyone has one or has seen this option who might be able to tell me if it would fit my New Agent without rattling or hanging out past the 3" barrel. I am sorry that I was not more clear in the original post. Totally MY BAD!

[policemedic]

It seems like you're talking about Surefire's MR07 adapter. It's a fine piece of gear, just like everything they make. It attaches to your pistol by substituting their slide stop and pin for yours, then using those parts to secure the rail. I believe this particular adapter MAY fit your New Agent with perhaps a bit of overhang. However, consider that a Surefire X200/X300 is about 3.5 inches long, and would extend a bit past your barrel anyway.

A Dawson rail is attached to the dust cover of your pistol. It's basically permanent, and is extremely well-made. I know a number of people who use it, and they're quite happy with it. They're made by Dawson Precision.

I know you like your custom grips (I've got a set from Ed at Wicked Grips that are, well, wicked). Nevertheless, you'd do better with a set of Crimson Trace laser grips than one of the light/laser combos. You can't beat Crimson Trace.

[synergy]

Originally Posted by Bladerunner

1. I'm not familiar with the 'Dawson Rail' but would appreciate any explanation than you might offer.

2. The Colt New Agent does indeed have a sight. It's called a trench sight or a gutter sight and once the shooter becomes familiar with it, it works quite well. The New agent is NOT a pocket gun and is every bit as capable as my Springfield Arms 1911, chambered in .45 with a 5" barrel. Similarly, I would like to install a Picatinny rail on the New Agent for the same reasons that I might install one on that beautiful Stainless Steel unit that I mentioned earlier, you know, like a laser sight that won't cost $375 and hide my custom grips or actually, I've been looking at a combo flashlight/laser unit that appears to be reasonable. Just seems that if the item fits, it would make a lot of things a lot easier for me with this weapon and I'd like to know if anyone has one or has seen this option who might be able to tell me if it would fit my New Agent without rattling or hanging out past the 3" barrel. I am sorry that I was not more clear in the original post. Totally MY BAD!

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/Categ...n+Light+Mounts

I'm familiar with the new agent....I just didn't think it appropriate to place the trench groove in the same catagory as notch and post sights.

I guess I wonder what reason you'd want to have a light/laser combo (or either 1 seperatly) on a 3" alloy frame pistol which is difficult to aim from the get go...

Eh, whatever. Those rails should work.

[Bladerunner]

Actually Synergy, I'm right with you on your statement about the trench sight absolutely not being on the same level as a standard sight. I agree 100%. I have personally found that after a lot of practice, aiming the New Agent isn't THAT bad.....as long as you're in a well lit firing range. My problem is that I'm not a young guy anymore and being able come on target quickly with this weapon just doesn't seem to be happening because of old eyes. That's why I'd like to put a laser on it. I may wind up just biting the bullet and spending the $375 for a set of Crimson Trace grips but I'm trying to investigate other options that would work as well without all of the cost. Don't want you to think that I don't appreciate your input.

[synergy]

Originally Posted by Bladerunner

Actually Synergy, I'm right with you on your statement about the trench sight absolutely not being on the same level as a standard sight. I agree 100%. I have personally found that after a lot of practice, aiming the New Agent isn't THAT bad.....as long as you're in a well lit firing range. My problem is that I'm not a young guy anymore and being able come on target quickly with this weapon just doesn't seem to be happening because of old eyes. That's why I'd like to put a laser on it. I may wind up just biting the bullet and spending the $375 for a set of Crimson Trace grips but I'm trying to investigate other options that would work as well without all of the cost. Don't want you to think that I don't appreciate your input.

Bladerunner, no applogy necessary!

I just think that if you wan't to be practicing much more than point shooting...then perhaps something along the lines of the Kimber Ultra Carry with dovetailed sights might be up your alley.

You could push in a set of XS Big Dots should standard sights not work well for your eyes.

I think between what a rail adapter is going to cost, plus the instalation hassle, + the cost of your laser device....you'll be close to the cost of the CT grips. The thing about the CT's is that they function w/o a seperate activation action...you can have them ride in a holster, and when you draw they're on. With a rail mount, you're gonna have a tough time finding a holster, and they will require a seperate activation action to ge the laser into play.....having that happen in a SD situation is more than a little unlikely....the CT's will come on w/o any effort. They will also migrate to any other 1911 of the same size.

I hope you have a chance to read this link...it may help in your decission.
http://vickerstactical.com/Tips/visibleLasers.htm