• Post author:
  • Post last modified:May 4, 2023

Can you mount a weapon light on a Non railed 1911?

Of course you can.

In this buyer's guide, let's look at the best nonrail 1911 weapon light.

If your 1911 has a rail, then it's much easier to mount a light. Please check out Best Tactical Weapon Light For Railed 1911 on our site.

The best way to mount a weapon light on an non railed 1911 is to buy a picatinny adapter or buy a trigger guard mounted weapon light.

Please check out the list below:

Best Non Rail 1911 Weapon Light & Adapter

Got a 1911, but no rail? Here is what to get:

Note: If you use the rail adapter, then you can use any popular pistol weapon lights on the market

PREVIEWPRODUCTvidFEATURESCHECK ON AMAZON
Lowest Profile 
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007IL20TI&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=1911lgt 20&language=en USir?t=1911lgt 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B007IL20TI

CRIMSON TRACE LIGHTGUARD LTG 701

  • Lumen: 100 Lumens 
  • Features: Grip light activation upon draw, CR2 Battery, Mounts around triggerguard, No mods required
https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Trace-LightGuard-Kimber-Pistols/dp/B007IL20TI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=Crimson+Trace+Lightguard+1911&qid=1583375258&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=1911lgt-20&linkId=b6d41bff1e65dcb0ba4f07b07584a772&language=en_US
WORLD'S BEST WPN LIGHT
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B076ZL24KN&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=1911lgt 20&language=en USir?t=1911lgt 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B076ZL24KN

SUREFIRE XH35

  • Lumen: 300 - 1000 Lumens + STROBE
  • Features:Aerospace grade aluminum body, Mounts on any M1913 rail, Made for pistol use, Smooth wide maxvision beam for tactical CQB
https://www.amazon.com/XH35-Weaponlight-MasterFire-Interface-MaxVision/dp/B076ZL24KN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=Surefire+XH35&qid=1583375190&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=1911lgt-20&linkId=d66bad6ce61c14a9dbffa5c4eb17a6c3&language=en_US
WORLD'S BEST WPN LIGHT
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B010R1F0SI&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=1911lgt 20&language=en USir?t=1911lgt 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B010R1F0SI

STREAMLIGHT TLR6

  • Lumen: 100 Lumens + Laser
  • Features: Up to 90 meters, IPX4 rated, Ambidextrous switching,  Mounts around 1911 triggerguard, Wide beam for CQB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010R1F0SI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=1911lgt-20&linkId=a150d21e24c883e69233a116f1212c43&language=en_US

Check out our Ultimate Pistol Weapon Lights here


Recover Tactical CC3P Grip Adapter

recover tactical cc3p grip

Recover Tactical has an integrated grip and rail system for the 1911.

No rail on your 1911? Just use this one & now you can mount popular weapon light on it.

The whole thing looks bulky and extends forward. It also wraps around the trigger guard featuring a mounting rail.

It's a unique solution to the 1911 platform handguns, and the installation is as simple as it gets.

The user can still field strip the gun as needed.

Compatibility

No double stack
No compact 1911
Works with commander size 1911


Streamlight TLR6

1911 streamlight tlr6
Image Referenced Streamlight

The TLR 6 is probably the best light for a non railed 1911.

The weapon light mounts securely on the frame of 1911 around the trigger guard. Whether you have a compact or full-size 1911, the light doesn't stick out past the muzzle. It means carbon build-up won't fog up the lens as much.

The light projects about 100 lumens with just two CR 1/3N battery. They last about 1 hr when using light & laser combo, 11 hrs when only using the laser.

So how much lumen is enough for a weapon light, we have a guide that can answer that question.

The lumen intensity isn’t the best compared to others, but within 20 yards it gets the job done.

To activate the light, simply just press the push-button on both sides, which is helpful for left & right handed shooters.

What we also love is that the users dont have to remove the unit off the gun to switch battery, so re zeoring the laser isnt required.


Crimson Trace Lightguard Polymer

1911 with crimson trace ltg 701

The Crimson Trace LTG 701 is our second pick for the non railed 1911. It mounts securely around the trigger guard just like the TLR 6 without any modification.

The light produces up to 130 Lumens, which is 40% more lumens than the TLR6. The 5mW Class 3A red laser makes improvised shooting more accurate and fast.

What's different about the CT Lightguard VS. Streamlight TLR 6 is its instinctive light activation where the shooter can activate the light simply by gripping the gun.

The whole unit feels very streamlined on the 1911 snag free profile. Major pistol holster makers have products that can accommodate this light.


Surefire XH35

surefire xh35 on 1911 pistol
Image Referenced Surefire

The XH35 is a more bad ass version of the Surefire X300 series pistol weapon light.

1911 is one of those guns you just not want to pair it with crappy accessories, give it the best.

If your non railed 1911 can accept a light like this, we highly recommend you do so over the Streamlight TLR6.

One of the most unique features is the added control interface on the bottom of the light for: 

  • Disorienting strobe mode 
  • Toggles between 300 and 1000 lumens
  • The brightest pistol weapon light you can find.
  • 1,000 lumens can light up a whole scene easily, and it's good for searching & blind threats.

If lower lumens is needed, then just switch to 300 lumens with a push of a button.
The light beam has a wide coverage, which is good for identifying a human size target in the dark & objects they re holding in their hands.


Another feature we like is the thumb T slot screw mounting system, where the user doesnt have to force the light to slide onto some of these tight tolerance rail. Simply just mount it & tighten the screws.


NOTE: If you already have a holster for the X300, the XH35 will not fit due to the difference on the front lens.


Will The Adapter Fit My 1911 Holster?

When you add an rail adapter, it significantly change the profile of the gun, so far many holster companies offer dont offer anything that will accommodate that.

Highly recommend buying an tactical 1911 that already comes with a mounting rail, so you dont have to mess with any of these aftermarket parts.

It will be a cleaner setup & works with most holsters for concealed carry.