Question Q's on RMR slide milling

[guns&brew]

Thinking about adding a red dot to my 1911, which is strictly a range gun. For anyone that's had the milling done, what shop did you use and would you recommend them? Bonus points for a shop in so cal - I've never liked the idea of shipping my firearms out.

Which plate system do you like/recommend?

Have you ever used a dovetail mount, like the one from EGW? https://egwguns.com/trijicon-rmr-sro-holosun-407c-507c-mount-for-novak ...and was the high sight axis an issue?

 

[WojtekWeaponry]

Moreau Works in San Marcos does slide milling and he is damn good

 

[9mmContagion]

SoCal is a broad area. Can you be more specific on location?
FWIW, DO NOT use Dynamic Weapon Solutions (DWS) in Huntington! Pedro is a scam artist!

I like the Trijicon mounting plates. But also really like the DPO system. I had Dave at DSC Gunworks mill a couple slides for the DPO system, but you do need to ship him your slide. I was hesitant as you are, but after 2 bad experiences with DWS, I went with DSC.

Another option is to have direct mount RMRcc or Holosun 407k/507k. I have 2 like this and they’re nice for the small footprint

 

[guns&brew]

SoCal is a broad area. Can you be more specific on location?
FWIW, DO NOT use Dynamic Weapon Solutions (DWS) in Huntington! Pedro is a scam artist!

I like the Trijicon mounting plates. But also really like the DPO system. I had Dave at DSC Gunworks mill a couple slides for the DPO system, but you do need to ship him your slide. I was hesitant as you are, but after 2 bad experiences with DWS, I went with DSC.

Another option is to have direct mount RMRcc or Holosun 407k/507k. I have 2 like this and they’re nice for the small footprint

OC, but I have no problem driving to LA/SD/IE.

Never heard of the direct mount but I'm guessing it does not need the plate (and sits a bit lower).

Thanks for the info!

 

[AR15barrels]

Thinking about adding a red dot to my 1911, which is strictly a range gun. For anyone that's had the milling done, what shop did you use and would you recommend them? Bonus points for a shop in so cal - I've never liked the idea of shipping my firearms out.

Which plate system do you like/recommend?

Have you ever used a dovetail mount, like the one from EGW? https://egwguns.com/trijicon-rmr-sro-holosun-407c-507c-mount-for-novak ...and was the high sight axis an issue?

I have put a few of those rear-sight-dovetail plates on slides for people but I am not a fan of them.
I am also not a fan of milling a slide and then adding a plate before you can bolt an optic on.
The ideal setup is direct milling the slide for your chosen optic so it sits as low as possible.
In this respect, you can't beat a Glock MOS with a Holosun SCS.
The SCS sits so low in the slide that you can co-witness the factory iron sights.
Most RMR type milling requires taller suppressor sights because the RMR footprint optics are taller than an SCS.
1911's are not optimum for milling due to the radiused top of the slide.
More modern guns have a flattop slide which is easier to mill for an optic because it's flat and therefore wider on top where you need room for fitting optic mounting screws between the firing pin and extractor channels in the slide.

I would be more apt to rebuild a 1911 with a slide like this and then cut it for a direct mount Holosun SCS:

If one of the SCS models could not be made to fit the screws in between the firing pin channel and the extractor channel, I might also consider cutting for Holosun 509T or Aimpoint Acro as those do not need screws.
You could tri-top or radius the front end to make it look more 1911ish.

 

[guns&brew]

I have put a few of those rear-sight-dovetail plates on slides for people but I am not a fan of them.
I am also not a fan of milling a slide and then adding a plate before you can bolt an optic on.
The ideal setup is direct milling the slide for your chosen optic so it sits as low as possible.
In this respect, you can't beat a Glock MOS with a Holosun SCS.
The SCS sits so low in the slide that you can co-witness the factory iron sights.
Most RMR type milling requires taller suppressor sights because the RMR footprint optics are taller than an SCS.
1911's are not optimum for milling due to the radiused top of the slide.
More modern guns have a flattop slide which is easier to mill for an optic because it's flat and therefore wider on top where you need room for fitting optic mounting screws between the firing pin and extractor channels in the slide.

I would be more apt to rebuild a 1911 with a slide like this and then cut it for a direct mount Holosun SCS:

If one of the SCS models could not be made to fit the screws in between the firing pin channel and the extractor channel, I might also consider cutting for Holosun 509T or Aimpoint Acro as those do not need screws.
You could tri-top or radius the front end to make it look more 1911ish.

Good to know of these different options. I kinda like the plate system so that I'm not bound to a single optic brand/footprint. That said, is there a universal cutout size for all plate systems, or does each one have it's own dimensions?

 

[9mmContagion]

Good to know of these different options. I kinda like the plate system so that I'm not bound to a single optic brand/footprint. That said, is there a universal cutout size for all plate systems, or does each one have it's own dimensions?

Each has its own. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d go with the DPO system

 

[AR15barrels]

Good to know of these different options. I kinda like the plate system so that I'm not bound to a single optic brand/footprint.

It's true that the plate makes it changeable, but also taller.
So you compromise performance of every choice for the option of having choices.

I think it's better to have the better performance of the lower optic and using lower sights you get with a dedicated cut.

It's similar to the "build one rifle that does everything ok, but not great" vs "build a rifle that does a specific task the best" for each type of task you require of a rifle.
I prefer the 2nd methodology as I don't want to compromise performance for convenience.

 

[bonesurf]

Direct mount for lowest positioning. Plate for ability to change optics. I had gun cuts in CO do this. Dual hammer in Inglewood I think can do similar. He has 2 of my HKs right now

 

[Malibu]

My SA 9mm Target was direct milled for a Holosun by Dave Fink over at Gunsite. His work is flawless, and he offers a very competitive price when he supplies the sight with the milling. I usually bring him something to work on while I’m taking a class, and pick it up at the end of the week. Last week they installed another Holosun on a G48, and it works perfectly. The rise of RDS’s has brought my shooting back due to aging eyes.

 

[guns&brew]

Direct mount for lowest positioning. Plate for ability to change optics. I had gun cuts in CO do this. Dual hammer in Inglewood I think can do similar. He has 2 of my HKs right now

^^Was your rear factory sight mount removed with the milling, or is this a custom slide?

My SA 9mm Target was direct milled for a Holosun by Dave Fink over at Gunsite. His work is flawless, and he offers a very competitive price when he supplies the sight with the milling. I usually bring him something to work on while I’m taking a class, and pick it up at the end of the week. Last week they installed another Holosun on a G48, and it works perfectly. The rise of RDS’s has brought my shooting back due to aging eyes.
View attachment 57397

^^Could you tell me more about your rear iron sight? If/how it was modified to work with the optic, or if you have pics with different angles. Do they cowitness?

 

[bonesurf]

^^Was your rear factory sight mount removed with the milling, or is this a custom slide?

no rear site went bye bye with the milling. I have guns done both ways. co witness sites and removed for the optic. JMO. no real reason for the iron sights after you mill/add optic.

 

[Malibu]

^^Could you tell me more about your rear iron sight? If/how it was modified to work with the optic, or if you have pics with different angles. Do they cowitness?

The original rear sight (a copy of the old Bo-Mar design) was precisely cut down, pinned and soldered at the rear of the slide cut in its original position. It retains the option of windage adjustment, while the elevation adjustment for bullet impact is done by changing the height of the front sight. When properly aligned, the front and rear sights appear in the lower 1/3 of the optic window, as they should, and not blocking the view through the optic. When the electronic circle & dot (the option I use) are shut off, the iron sights are easy to see and use.
I’ll try to get more pics later, schedule permitting.

 

[Malibu]

JMO. no real reason for the iron sights after you mill/add optic.

I’ve always been a strong believer in backup sighting systems in the event primary optics (scopes and electronic sights) fail or become otherwise unusable. I’ve seen this actually occur more than once.

 

[AR15barrels]

I’ve always been a strong believer in backup sighting systems in the event primary optics (scopes and electronic sights) fail or become otherwise unusable. I’ve seen this actually occur more than once.

Ditto.

 

[bonesurf]

Shrug. I think sure if it’s like your do or die, ok. Sounds reasonable. All my CCW are set up that way. But modern optics? Pretty damn resilient. Pretty damn good battery life. Some even have solar back up or whatever. For something that is 99.9% range use? Yeah. I dont think it matters. Again. JMO.
Also not sure “co witness” per se matters.
Edit yeah lower “1/3” seems to make more sense to me vs co witness if you have an iron sight retained on the handgun.
Again. YMMV.

 

[peahi2]

My SA 9mm Target was direct milled for a Holosun by Dave Fink over at Gunsite. His work is flawless, and he offers a very competitive price when he supplies the sight with the milling. I usually bring him something to work on while I’m taking a class, and pick it up at the end of the week. Last week they installed another Holosun on a G48, and it works perfectly. The rise of RDS’s has brought my shooting back due to aging eyes.
View attachment 57397

Looks good!!’ I have an old loaded target with same pachmayr grips too!! Good choice! I have a nighthawk 1911 with dot installed on factory cut. Nighthawk does nice work… for a price!$$$$$

 

[Malibu]

Looks good!!’ I have an old loaded target with same pachmayr grips too!! Good choice! I have a nighthawk 1911 with dot installed on factory cut. Nighthawk does nice work… for a price!$$$$$

Yep, I’ve been into Nighthawks for some time. They always run.
I often use the Pachmayer rubber grips on numerous guns while taking extended classes; helps ease the shock from many rounds per day/night, most of which is done using .45ACP in various 1911’s.