Brownell's light mounting rail?

[Jnolen69]

Im new to the site, just picked up a used SA loaded. I couldnt afford a 1911 with an integral rail but for $50 the add on rail in Brownells looks interesting. Anyone used one or seen one installed? It looks a lot different than the Caspian. I know there are other threads about rails, I was hoping to get some specifics on the Brownells one if anyone knows about it. thanks-

[wichaka]

I have not done a Brownells.........in fact couldnt find them in the catalog.........what page are they on?

I will be installing a Caspian Rail on a Springfield Loaded soon, and will be posting a thread on it...............stay tuned.

[Jnolen69]

I found it in their "new products" catalog #58-2 page 7. It is item # 078-000-078 for $49.95

[wichaka]

Thanks, I found it.........would like to look one over to see what they are talking about "......requires permanent alteration of the frame." I wonder if that's just from the drilling of the screw holes or what.

As the rail from Caspian just needs the screw holes drilled........

[Hawkmoon]

They also want you to weld or Acraglas it in place. Just as Caspian wants you to silver solder theirs in place if it is to be considered a permanent installation. This one does not appear as solid as the Caspian design, because the Caspian extends back to surround the front of the trigger guard, which would provide some lateral bracing against the twisting and tugging of putting a light on or taking it off the rail.

[Jnolen69]

I also came across a couple other rails on this site http://www.dlsports.com/1911_LMR.html has anyone heard anything about these? the piccatiney rail looks like the caspian piece you described...

[Hawkmoon]

I also came across a couple other rails on this site http://www.dlsports.com/1911_LMR.html has anyone heard anything about these? the piccatiney rail looks like the caspian piece you described...
It probably IS the Caspian. Look closely at the photo next to it, of the "integral frame rail." That frame looks a lot like a Caspian, and if you look above the front corner of the grip panel, it looks to me like it says "Wolcott, VT". Guess who's in Wolcott, VT?

Here's the Caspian add-on rail:
http://www.caspianarms.com/Images/rail_stainless.jpg

[recoil]

I'll letcha know when I get mine back from the gunsmith. I'm having the Brownells version installed.

Gunsmith said it definitely needs the epoxy since there isn't enough thickness in the frame for screws to tap deeply enough for a secure fit on their own. Brownells also recommends welding it on. He seemed to think that between the screws and epoxy, it would be extremely secure and perhaps downright difficult to remove.

Lastly though, with the light I want to use, it mounts about 2mm forward of the frame.
Doesn't bother me right now, but when I go to have it refinished somewhere down the road I'll have it welded, cut flush and beveled.

I'll post a pic in a few days when I get it back.

[Jnolen69]

That would be awesome. What do you have?

[recoil]

I'm putting a Streamlight TRL1 in SA mil spec. The light hits the trigger guard if the rail is flush with the end of the frame, hence why it's moved forward a bit.

[Jnolen69]

Hey Recoil, Any update yet?

[recoil]

Sorry for the delay. Apparently the gunsmith went on vacation...I only got it back today! A month and a half seems pretty excessive.

See the Brownell's light rail below and how it had to overhang slightly for this particular light. Personally I am very pleased however, it is rock solid.

Hope this helps!

http://www.bucich.net/resized/P1030662.jpg http://www.bucich.net/resized/P1030664.jpg http://www.bucich.net/resized/P1030665.jpg http://www.bucich.net/resized/P1030666.jpg

[Peacefulwarrior]

I was wondering does the gun/rail now fit in a holster made for a railed gun from the factory?

[wichaka]

Check out my thread on installing the Caspian rail in the "Product Tests from Members" area.

I dont think the M3 would fit on that rail the way its mounted, as the most forward slot isnt far enough forward for it. It would hit the trigger guard......

[John]

That rail above should be a nightmare for the gunsmith to install. There is no way that he can be sure that it is centered on the frame.

[recoil]

I was wondering does the gun/rail now fit in a holster made for a railed gun from the factory?

Personally I wasn't concerned about a holster - I'm not in law enforcement and can't imagine needing one so that wasn't an issue for me. The streamlight website does state that it fits all light bearing holsters however.

I purchased the light prior to mounting the rail so I knew where to place the rail on the frame. I'd suggest anyone else do the same. With a drill-press and level, it seems to me that it would be a very simple job. FWIW

I couldn't quickly come up with the dimmensions of the TLR-1 vs. the M3 although they seem similar. I chose the TLR-1 because it is waterproof and has a much longer battery life...although it is heavier.

[wichaka]

That rail above should be a nightmare for the gunsmith to install. There is no way that he can be sure that it is centered on the frame.

If the rail is the same width of the dust cover, then it would be easy to align. If not, it's an eye ball job along with using a mic to get it the best one can.