1911 RDS cut: Wilson Combat True Zero or Nighthawk Custom IOS

[acaixguard]

I have a Wilson Combat Ultralight Carry Compact and have been giving some thought into having an RDS cut made on the slide. Obviously Wilson will be able to use their True Zero system if I send my slide in. However, I do like how the Nighthawk IOS system allows any easy transition back to irons only if desired, and it appears that their cut sits lower in the slide allowing me to use existing sights.

Assuming Nighthawk will do the work on my WC slide, are there any other considerations? I assume the slide will need to be refinished, so hopefully Nighthawk will be able to do something similar to the black Armor-Tuff. Also, if I go with the NH IOS, will I be voiding any warranty I have with WC?

Thanks in advance!

[CCT125US]

Can't speak to the Wilson offering, but the NH IOS is outstanding. Range buddy has one, it absolutely holds zero (100-10x) repeatable at 25 yds, is beautifully executed, and swaps between irons and optic in about 10 seconds. Now granted, that's on top of a $7k NH, in very competent hands.

[Bergeron]

I've got a single iOS slide, and I admire the design.

I think it's probably the most relevant if you plan to regularly swap out plates. I do wish that a greater variety of iOS plates were available (sealed emitter options - I'm looking at you), but assuming you find a willing smith, iron sight plates can be converted. I can confirm that Nighthawk was unable to sell entirely blank iOS plates as of about 6 months ago (not a knock on NH, the product and the service were both outstanding).

[David S.]

You should at least consider the Chambers Custom system (https://www.store.chamberscustom.com/products/chambers-custom-rdms-plate). Forum member AJZ (AJ Zito in Arizona) is a certified installer, along with a couple other dudes listed on the page. This system allows for standard height sights instead of suppressor height sights.

I haven't seen anything about the Wilson system. The last time we discussed the NH IOS, it came up that their system was significantly more expensive.


(I don't have any direct experience with any of them. )

[JCN]

I have a Wilson Combat Ultralight Carry Compact and have been giving some thought into having an RDS cut made on the slide. Obviously Wilson will be able to use their True Zero system if I send my slide in. However, I do like how the Nighthawk IOS system allows any easy transition back to irons only if desired, and it appears that their cut sits lower in the slide allowing me to use existing sights.

Assuming Nighthawk will do the work on my WC slide, are there any other considerations? I assume the slide will need to be refinished, so hopefully Nighthawk will be able to do something similar to the black Armor-Tuff. Also, if I go with the NH IOS, will I be voiding any warranty I have with WC?

Thanks in advance!

Nighthawk did the optics cut on my WC EDC X9.

[acaixguard]

Nighthawk did the optics cut on my WC EDC X9.

How was the refinishing? Were they able to replicate the Armor tuff?

[acaixguard]

Double post!

[acaixguard]

So I contacted both Nighthawk and WC. Nighthawk's IOS for the RMR or Holosun will only allow for the rear iron sight to be located in front of the optic, which is a no go for me. WC's option will end up costing about $1k and a 6 month wait.

Another option I discovered is Vulcan Machine Werks. Anyone familiar with them?

[BrazeauRacing]

Another option I discovered is Vulcan Machine Werks. Anyone familiar with them?
They have done two STI/Staccato slides for me with the Trijicon 1911/2011 RMR plate and a 3rd 2011 slide is currently in their hands for the Trijicon plate/cut plus their new StaccPorts. I highly recommend them.

[breakingtime91]

Nighthawk did the optics cut on my WC EDC X9.

how was this cut? How did you have them refinish it?

[theJanitor]

how was this cut? How did you have them refinish it?

What pistol are you thinking of cutting?

[breakingtime91]

What pistol are you thinking of cutting?

Maybe eventually my wilson combat 9mm professional I am making payments on. Slowly and steadily gonna get it back :cool:

[DaBigBR]

You should at least consider the Chambers Custom system (https://www.store.chamberscustom.com/products/chambers-custom-rdms-plate). Forum member AJZ (AJ Zito in Arizona) is a certified installer, along with a couple other dudes listed on the page. This system allows for standard height sights instead of suppressor height sights.

I haven't seen anything about the Wilson system. The last time we discussed the NH IOS, it came up that their system was significantly more expensive.


(I don't have any direct experience with any of them. )

I've got two Chambers RDSM guns (both Staccatos). I like the system, however my experience is that you will need a taller front sight than your gun came with. I ended up with .220" fronts on both of mine (P and C2) to get them in the neighborhood. The factory .170" (I think) fronts were far too short. That said, replacement fronts from Dawson are something like $25 in plain black, and you could order it and send it to the smith with your slide and probably have it installed at no charge if you weren't equipped to do it yourself.

Both of mine are RMR cut, so you may have better luck with the 507K/EPS version, however that would depend on their selected rear sight height, obviously.