I have a 1911 that I want to add a Dawson light rail to. When I order the rail does it come with the mounting hardware? Should I just send my gun into DP to have it done?
Send it to Dawson.
^ Definitely that. Let Dawson handle it for you.
What made you choose the Dawson?
Why not?
The DP Light rail still fits in many IWB holsters (mine goes happily in a broken in MS VM2), mounts surefire lights (X200/300, Military), and can be added to a slick dust cover often cheaper than the price difference up to a railed frame. Tough to beat.
That said, I’d either send it to Dawson, or have MARS Armament install it and package it with an X300 adaptor. Unless you’re emulating KevB…
I asked because I looked at both the Dawson and Novak rail. I wondered what made you choose the Dawson rail say over a Novak rail. I ordered the Novak rail yesterday after debating between them both. I got the Novak because I liked the idea that my Surefire will mount up to it without an adapter. Just curious is all. I could have gone either way so I’m not saying one it better than the other.
Novak makes a Picatinny type rail that will fit any aftermarket weapon lights that uses the 1913 spec.
It’s bulkier than Dawson.
Dawson is a proprietary part that requires an adapter specific for Surefire lights.
Get the Dawson and have Dawson install it.
Whoever installs it should tack weld the inside ends of the screws.
I’ve got a 1911 scheduled for the Novak rail. the only upside for the Dawson is the fact that it will fit in SOME standard holsters. the Novak generally fits in holsters fit for integral rails. since it does fit lower, you can order holsters fit for the MX3 and run an x300. if your Dawson adapted light goes down, chances are you won’t have a spare equipped to replace it. and if you run an x300 for your long gun, the Novak also makes more sense. you can swap light back and forth, and only keep one light as a spare for two guns.
IMHO if you want a picatinny type rail then buy a railed gun. It will be look better than the Novak and have better resale. If you want to keep the sleek lines of the 1911 and be able to use MANY standard holsters then go Dawson… it actually looks good on a 1911. The Novak looks like ass and why not just get a railed version then…
Go Dawson,
I just had a Dawson installed on a SA Loaded Target. I chose the Dawson because I’m LE and wanted my 1911 to be able to fit a variety of holsters (duty w/light, off duty/ccw without light). Like others have said, more holsters will fit with the Dawson installed.
I’m near San Antonio TX and contacted Ten Ring Precision (Alex Hamilton is an AWESOME GUY to deal with) for installation. Alex pretty much made himself available anytime for me to drop it off at his residence, but given my schedule and some other factors that arose, I had a hard time getting down there. Send it to Dawson, I hear they have a 2 week or less turn around.
Browse Hilton Yam’s site (articles and forums) for a lot of information about 1911’s, in particular rail options.
FWIW
The Dawson is awesome by the way, love it.
In my particular instance, the light was going to be, more or less, permanently affixed. for this, looks matter less, and the Novak is more versatile.
With my 1911’s, they all tend to get pretty expensive by the time I configure them to my liking. again, in my instance, I had a reliable gun that I can add a rail on for little money. I didn’t have the funds or time to buy and configure a new pistol.
A railed gun will always be the better option, but out of the two rail systems, the Novak offers more functionality.
edit: also remember that the ONLY light you can put on a dawson is the surefire x200/300/400
I haven’t looked into the Novak rail all that much, but I’ve played with and handled 1911’s with Dawson rails so I went with that I knew.
I had Dawson do the install on my 1911. Very well done, less than 3 week turn around.
You do know that you’ll need an adaptor (that you can get from Dawson) for a X300 to interface with the rail, right?
I am looking at the Dawson rail as well. I am aware of the need for the adapter but didn’t see it listed on their site.
About how much does the adapter run price wise and do you have a site link for it?
Thanks.
Yes, I am aware of this. If you don’t mind me asking, how much was it to get the rail installed?
Sorry, don’t recall the cost.