Mounting a red dot sight

[Jokerman]

After doing a lot of research & realizing my 50 something eyes are not what they used to be, I have decided to mount a Burris FastFire III to my 1911. Sounds like it will alieve the frustration I have trying to focus on both target & sights thru my bifocals. Since this will be a target & plinking gun, not used for carry, I think the red dot will greatly enhance my enjoyment of shooting the most fantastic pistol I have ever owned, a true American classic!
I have ordered the sight thru Cabela's as they are currently offering $50 bonus bucks on top of a $10 off, 1 day deal. The sight comes with a picattiny mount which will need to be replaced with a Novack mount.
Two questions:
1) Will I need to go to a gunsmith the replace the rear sight with the Novack mount?
2) I am also wondering if the installation of the sight will interfere with my ability to grab the slide & pull back to chamber a round. As you know, the 1911 has a heavy spring.
I know that there might be other mounting options as well. I think the rear sight mount would be the cleanest but am open to other ideas. Please chime in with any ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Puke]

Not sure how your mount will be attached to the gun, so I really can't speak to that question.

For charging the gun, the rear slide serrations should still be accessible...and the front, if the gun has them.

At any rate, I am confident that you will love the sight.

 

[Pat-inCO]

You are kidding, right?

The only Red Dot sights I've seen on 1911s were all mounted to the frame on side mounts.
Put it on the slide and you have just disabled the gun, because you would have as much
extra weight added to the slide as it weighs. Then you would also have to deal with the
"G" forces the sight would have to endure.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=9&f=15&t=227685
Has some examples of ones that work.

 

[Jokerman]

No, I might be known as the "Jokerman", but I am not kidding. Look at the specs & you will see how lightweight it is:

Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight Matte

Reticle:
3 MOA Dot
8 MOA Dot






Product Information
The next generation of FastFire Red-Dot is here with the introduction of the FastFire III. The popular FastFire II is even better with upgraded features that include a top mounted battery ((1) CR1632) for easier battery replacement, upgraded windage and elevation adjustments and a power button that provides three manual brightness settings and an automatic brightness setting with low battery indicator. The precision FastFire III allows for manual brightness adjustment and includes a protective cover and battery. Just like the rugged FastFire II, the FastFire III features a Steel body construction for extreme durability and is 100% waterproof. The ultimate CQB sight is perfect for mounting on your pistol, shotgun or rifle. Covered by the Burris 1-year factory warranty.

Technical Information
Style: Reflex
Magnification: 1x
Sight Window: 21mm x 15mm
Adjustment Range @ 100 yards: 190"
Reticle color: Red
Housing material: Steel
Recoil resistance: 1000 G's
Battery Type: (1) CR1632 3V
Length: 1.8"
Weight: 0.9 oz.
Warranty: 1-year factory warrany

Combine the compact size, lightweight & recoil resistance, seems to me the way to go. The last thing I want to do is drill & tap for a special mount.
Take a look at this video: http://youtu.be/gKA6DIwS5Zg/url] T...xOu_EbashGB174Q4LNfkk-tQ&ust=1405041813852207

 

[Jokerman]

I'll try this again.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=burris+fastfire+3+1911+mount&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=inYYFtRQzH-LTM&tbnid=EyMhDxpTZxNObM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ar15.com%2Farchive%2Ftopic.html%3Fb%3D5%26f%3D4%26t%3D113828&ei=6uu9U4GBG871oASxt4G4CQ&bvm=bv.70138588,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFtq2xOu_EbashGB174Q4LNfkk-tQ&ust=http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh379/wattsnot/Gun/DSC_0578.jpg

Can't figure out how to insert a link or picture.
Help!

 

[Jim Puke]

You are kidding, right?

The only Red Dot sights I've seen on 1911s were all mounted to the frame on side mounts.
Put it on the slide and you have just disabled the gun, because you would have as much
extra weight added to the slide as it weighs. Then you would also have to deal with the
"G" forces the sight would have to endure.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=9&f=15&t=227685
Has some examples of ones that work.

Most modern day red dot/reflex sights ARE mounted to the slide...not the frame of 1911 and other semi auto pistols.

 

[Pat-inCO]

No, I might be known as the "Jokerman", but I am not kidding. Look at the specs & you will see how lightweight it is: . . .

I've seen MANY fail to feed properly with just the added resistance of a small amount of
grease, rather than oil for lubrication on the slide/rails.

Do what you want, but I'll bet you are opening a LARGE can of worms if you try to mount
it on the slide.