[How To] Add a Light/Laser to Your Non-Railed 1911

Want to add a light or laser to your non-railed 1911?

There’s a couple different options and we’ll cover them all.

By the end you’ll know if you should keep your 1911 as is…or go with drilling/tapping or one of several grip-based solutions.

Why a 1911 Rail?

1911s weren’t designed with a rail…

But times change and sometimes you want your gun to be more effective in the dark.

More and more models come out with rails…

But usually they are more expensive. And chances are you bought your 1911 looking for the original aesthetics.

Your original goal might have changed…but that doesn’t mean you need to get a new 1911 (although that’s always an option).

Drilling & Tapping

The more difficult and basically permanent solution is to drill and tap your 1911 to add a rail.

Unless you’re really sure…I’d try out one of the non-permanent options first.

It could turn out like this guy’s…

Recover Tactical Grip

One of the best solutions currently out there is the Recover Tactical CC3P…if you don’t mind swapping out your grip.

It’s a clamshell adapter system that adds a rail connected to your grips.

It does add a little width to your overall grip but it’s still very comfortable. My original grips were on the slimmer side so I felt it more.

The Picatinny rail is in-spec with all the lights we tested and held on during our recent few trips to the range.

Plus there’s several varieties of the Recover Tactical Grips that come with different color inserts.

My overall favorite (and most budget friendly) option to see if a rail for your light/laser is right for you.

Plus now they have a holster option that works with the CC3P Grip and any light.

Crimson Trace Lasergrip

Another non-permanent solution to add just a laser is the Crimson Trace Lasergrip.

This costlier option foregoes the rail and adds the laser to the right side above the grip.

It’s activated by a button that’s around the middle finger of your dominant hand. It will take some getting used to but easy after a few draws.

Another great thing is that you don’t need to get a different holster for your gun since the grips are only slightly thicker than normal ones.

Don’t have a 1911 holster yet? Check out our Best Holsters article.

Only drawback on the Crimson Trace is the price. And make sure you select the right sized grip (full-size or compact 1911).

Streamlight TLR-6

How about something that gives you both a light and laser combo?

We really like our TLR-6 for a variety of tiny guns that don’t have a rail.

And yes…they also have a TLR-6 1911 version.

The button activates both a light and laser. Although the light isn’t blinding bright like how pistol lights are going these days…the 100 lumens is still plenty to identify a threat.

Make sure you get the correct size again because more compact versions won’t fit on a full-sized 1911.

Here is the compact EMP’s version on a standard 1911. Note the gap.

Overall it’s a great solution but you might find yourself looking a little harder at finding a carry holster.

Conclusion

That does it for this quick and dirty article.

Again, my favorite option is the Recover Tactical grip since it’s affordable and they have their own holster now.

If you only need a laser and already have a holster…the Crimson Trace Lasergrip might be for you.

And an all-in-one solution without changing out your grip is the Streamlight TLR-6.

How did we do? Any other options you like out there? If you need another 1911…check out our Best 1911s For the Money or Best 1911s in 9mm for some of our favorites.