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  • Post last modified:December 7, 2023

This quick read will show you how to install 1911 red dot sight on pistol. The guide will also go over a couple good red dots on the market.

Can You Put A Red Dot On 1911 Handgun?


1911 red dot mount

Installing a red dot on a optic ready 1911 handgun is simple. However, for guns that aren't, here are 2 options:

  • Milled the slide
  • Use rear sight dovetail optic mount

1911 Slide Milling For Red Dot

red dot on 1911

Referenced 1911 Builders

Milling the slide can be costly and time-consuming, and it represents a permanent modification that is only suitable for accommodating a specific optic.

Once the 1911 red dot slide is milled for a specific red dot sight, they will be permanently joined.

Ensure that you have made a firm decision regarding milling the slide before committing to this project.

For the 1911, it is advisable to position the optic low on the slide, as this facilitates optimal target acquisition that aligns perfectly with the grip angle of the 1911.

Places to mill your 1911 slide

Use Dovetail Sights - Replaces Rear Sight

can you put a red dot on a 1911

The dovetail sight mount is a non-permeant modification to a 1911 slide, and it’s more affordable way to install a 1911 red dot mount on t he slide.

Simply, remove the rear iron sight and install the dovetail optic mount adapter there.

There are many 1911 red dot mount options out there, and most of them are for the Trijicon RMR, and the best one I found is the Trijicon AC32058 1911 Novak low mount.

  • Another option is to use the Dovetail mount for the Leupold DeltaPoint since it’s the 2nd most popular red dots
  • Another one is the Vortex Razor mount

Popular 1911 Optic Mount Options

1911 optic mount
1911 red dot mount

As more modernized 1911 handguns come to the market. Mounting a red dot on 1911 has never been so easy. If you are in the market for a brand new gun, here are some deals to check out:

Top Red Dot Sights For 1911

red dot for 1911