Colt 1911 with light rail?

[paid2shoot]

I talked to Ken Elmore at Specialized Armament Wherehouse about 1911's with a rail. He said colt does not want to invest in a new forging machine to build the frames with the rail. Anyone hear anything else. I would love to get a colt with a rail.

[wichaka]

I would not expect to see one any time soon........so for now, you'll have to get one added on.

[Hawkmoon]

It's a lot more expensive to retool for forging a receiver with a bigger blob on the front than it is to make a mold for an investment cast frame. I don't know if anyone makes a forged frame with an integral light rail; I was under the impression that most of the companies who offer rails were buying the recon rail receiver from Caspian.

I think it's one of those unfortunate trade-offs in life. If you want a Colt and a forged frame, you can't have a rail. If you have to have a rail, you don't get a Colt forged frame.

[Hunter]

In my opinion there is no place on a Government Model for a light rail. I would hope Colt does not begin producing them.

[OD*]

I was under the impression that most of the companies who offer rails were buying the recon rail receiver from Caspian.
That is my understanding as well.

[augustus_01]

In my opinion there is no place on a Government Model for a light rail. I would hope Colt does not begin producing them.

I agree - I would prefer my Colt with no light rail.

[Joni Lynn]

These light rails detract from the classic lines of the 1911, so I wouldn't want one. However for those that do there are options available from other companies. To each their own.

[larry starling]

If you must have a light rail on a Colt. Just buy a NRM or XSE and get a Dawson rail and have it installed. Fwiw that is exactly what is being done to the USMC pistol. None of the ones I have seen have had the rail built into the frame they were added later. ;)

[OD*]

The Marine DET-1 Kimbers have the integral rail, Larry.

[larry starling]

The Marine DET-1 Kimbers have the integral rail, Larry.
Interesting. There is a Civilian type who is a member of the local modeling club. Who actually works with the Marine Corp armorers and he showed me pictures of ones that were reworked WW2 1911's fitted with new slides and such. I understood they were buying Kimbers but I was under the impression from him that they would still have the Dawson rail attached by them???

[larry starling]

Interesting. There is a Civilian type who is a member of the local modeling club. Who actually works with the Marine Corp armorers and he showed me pictures of ones that were reworked WW2 1911's fitted with new slides and such. I understood they were buying Kimbers but I was under the impression from him that they would still have the Dawson rail attached by them???
MEU (SOC) Pistol




Primary function: Modified .45 caliber pistol
Builder: Specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) Shop, MCB Quantico, Virginia
Length: 8.625 inches (21.91 centimeters)
Length of barrel: 5.03 inches (12.78 centimeters)
Weight:
Magazine empty: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Magazine loaded: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Bore diameter: .45 caliber
Maximum effective range: 164 feet (50 meters) for specially-trained user
Muzzle velocity: 830 feet/252 meters/second
Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
Unit Replacement Cost: $600

Features: This weapon is a modified M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol sometimes referred to as "near match" or "combat accuratized." The MEU(SOC) Pistol is the designated "backup weapon" of Marines armed with the 9mm MP5-N Close Quarters Battle weapon. The M1911A1 was chosen for this role (and its modifications generated) because of its inherent reliability and lethality, and because the MEU(SOC) modifications make the M1911A1 design more "user friendly."
The unique characteristics of the MEU(SOC) pistol are: commercial/competition grade ambidextrous safety, precision barrel, precise trigger, and rubber coated grips, rounded hammer spur, high profile combat sights, and an extra-wide grip safety for increased comfort and controllability (which aids in a quick follow-up second shot). The issue magazines are replaced with stainless steel competition-grade magazines with rounded plastic follower and extended floor plate.

Inventory: 500

Background: The weapon modifications were designed in 1986 to meet the requirements of the MEU(SOC). Each pistol is hand-built by specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) shop, Quantico, Virginia.

[OD*]

I understood they were buying Kimbers but I was under the impression from him that they would still have the Dawson rail attached by them???
Close, DET-1 bought 100 Kimbers with integral rails, MEU(SOC) bought 150 Springfields without rails. ;)

DET-1 Kimber

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/jstandridge/Det1-1Medium.jpg

Springfield

General Information


Document Type: Special Notice
Solicitation Number: M67854-05-M-1038
Posted Date: Feb 15, 2005
Original Response Date: Mar 16, 2005
Current Response Date: Mar 16, 2005
Original Archive Date: Mar 31, 2005
Current Archive Date: Mar 31, 2005
Classification Code: 10 -- Weapons
Naics Code: 332994 -- Small Arms Manufacturing

Contracting Office Address
Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Systems Command, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA, 22134-5010
Description
This is notice of intended sole-source procurement on behalf of the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC). The procurement is for Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), SOC .45 caliber pistol posted in accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(1).

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) intends to contract on a sole-source basis with Springfield Armory, 420 West Main Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 for MEU (SOC) .45 caliber pistol and associated packaging, marking and shipment. The following represents the governments intended parts list with quantities covered by this solicitation:

(1) PC9111MC: Professional 1911-A1 .45ACR pistols
Number: 150


The anticipated dollar amount is $284,850.00

Period of Performance: Date of Contract to 31 March 2005.
FOB: Destination
Delivery Point(s):

1. 75 pistols delivered to:
DODAAC: MMSA01
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA
Traffic Management Officer
MCLB Bldg 1221 Dr 20
MF FSD MMSA01 Weapons Whse 1340 Dr 9
Albany, GA 31704-5000

Attn: Mr. Willie Harris, (229) 639-5533

2. 75 pistols delivered to:
DODAAC: MMSA02
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, CA
DLA and G MF MMSA02
Bldg 625 WE Yermo Annex
FSD MCLB
Barstow, CA 92311-5048

Attn: Ms Jane Sloat or Mr. Tony Marquez
Phone: 760-577-7345


Responsible sources capable of satisfying this requirement are encouraged to submit a statement of capability and costs, which, if timely received, will be considered. Information must be provided to the contact cited above not later than 3:00 PM (EST) 16 March 2005.

[dakota1911]

So buy a Colt and hold the light in your other hand. Shiver...... Sorry, but just had a vision of a WWI repro fitted with a "rail".