Delta Light Rail

susan28 · 09-13-2005, 07:20 AM

i am considering a rail for my Delta Elite, but have concerns about how it might affect the structural integrity of the frame.

i checked with Dawson regarding the viability of their rail with the thin Colt dust cover and they said no problem, but i'd like a few impartial opinions before moving ahead with it.

i'm in mid-project with the Delta and am trying to decide on a Dawson or other aftermarket rail, or just going with a Caspian Recon Rail frame just for peace of mind.

also, does anyone know how the Dawson is cosmetically compared to the integral rail Caspian? does it protrude down further or could a good smith make it look like it was part of the frame?

M. Hall · 09-13-2005, 08:49 AM

Hello! I looked long and hard at Dawson rail for my Delta, but they only way I'd have been
happy was if it was removable for carry in a standard holster. They are reportedly strong as
a Missouri mule.....I believe that with all the talent floating around the Gunsmithing World, a
good 'smith could make it look as if it were part of the frame.

susan28 · 09-13-2005, 10:38 AM

good to hear about the Dawsons, but i'm more concerned about the frame itself getting stress cracks at the fastening points the way they do with the early models without the cut in the slide rails..

you know how 10mm is, exploits every weakness (bless its heart) :wink:

M. Hall · 09-13-2005, 10:51 AM

I could be wrong, God knows I have been before, but I think the dust tube is pretty much a
non-stress area. The only thing I'd be aware of, and it's not nearly the problem a plastic gun
has, is limp-wristing the gun with more muzzle-weight (usually not a problem for us steel-gun
shooters, especially those of us that shoot 10 and know how to hold onto the gun :wink: ).
I used a Glock 20 for a while with the Sure-Fire light, and experienced a slow-slide once while
shooting lefty, one-handed. Once I figured out what I'd done, it never happened again.

Dave Berryhill · 09-13-2005, 02:20 PM

A lot of 'smiths silver solder the rail to the dust cover in addition to the screws. This is a very strong (and permanent) method of installation and also requires refinishing of the frame.

M. Hall · 09-14-2005, 05:55 PM

See? I knew someone with a whole lot more brains would chip in! Thanks
Dave!

09-13-2005, 07:20 AM	#1
susan28 Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: south florida Posts: 39	Delta Light Rail i am considering a rail for my Delta Elite, but have concerns about how it might affect the structural integrity of the frame. i checked with Dawson regarding the viability of their rail with the thin Colt dust cover and they said no problem, but i'd like a few impartial opinions before moving ahead with it. i'm in mid-project with the Delta and am trying to decide on a Dawson or other aftermarket rail, or just going with a Caspian Recon Rail frame just for peace of mind. also, does anyone know how the Dawson is cosmetically compared to the integral rail Caspian? does it protrude down further or could a good smith make it look like it was part of the frame?

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09-13-2005, 08:49 AM	#2
M. Hall Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,141	Hello! I looked long and hard at Dawson rail for my Delta, but they only way I'd have been happy was if it was removable for carry in a standard holster. They are reportedly strong as a Missouri mule.....I believe that with all the talent floating around the Gunsmithing World, a good 'smith could make it look as if it were part of the frame.

09-13-2005, 10:38 AM	#3
susan28 Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: south florida Posts: 39	good to hear about the Dawsons, but i'm more concerned about the frame itself getting stress cracks at the fastening points the way they do with the early models without the cut in the slide rails.. you know how 10mm is, exploits every weakness (bless its heart) :wink:

09-13-2005, 10:51 AM	#4
M. Hall Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,141	I could be wrong, God knows I have been before, but I think the dust tube is pretty much a non-stress area. The only thing I'd be aware of, and it's not nearly the problem a plastic gun has, is limp-wristing the gun with more muzzle-weight (usually not a problem for us steel-gun shooters, especially those of us that shoot 10 and know how to hold onto the gun :wink: ). I used a Glock 20 for a while with the Sure-Fire light, and experienced a slow-slide once while shooting lefty, one-handed. Once I figured out what I'd done, it never happened again.

09-13-2005, 02:20 PM	#5
Dave Berryhill Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,559	A lot of 'smiths silver solder the rail to the dust cover in addition to the screws. This is a very strong (and permanent) method of installation and also requires refinishing of the frame.

09-14-2005, 05:55 PM	#6
M. Hall Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,141	See? I knew someone with a whole lot more brains would chip in! Thanks Dave!