scope rail for conversion unit?

I have a chance to buy a Marvel unit 1 with sights.  Can I use one of the other manufacturer's rib for their conversion to add a dot?

Same question for the AA conversion with sights?

ROCK RIVER ARMS SELLS BOTH A 5" AND 6" SCOPE RIB MADE OF STEEL . IT WAS MADE JUST FOR THE MARVEL. WHEN USED ON A MARVEL IT'S A DAM NEAR A PERFECT MATCH FOR THE WEIGHT OF A REGULAR 1911. WITHOUT THE MUZZLE HEAVINESS OF A WEIGHT ON THE END OF THE BARREL. IT'S NOT ON THEIR WEB SITE. YOU NEED TO CALL AND ASK FOR MARK Z. HE HAS THEM IN THE PISTOL ROOM. JP

That might work. The Nelson/Marvel/AA ribs will not interchangeable.

Do you want to know if you just order the alternate dot rib or combo rib from marvel and install it as a drop-in by removing the iron sights rib?

Yes.  Two screws and it changes right over no prob.  I have done the same to mine.

I removed my Marvel unit 1 scope rail and replaced it with a combo scope/iron sight rail.
Still have the scope rail and three allen screws with wrench if you are interested.
It is aluminum with the locating pin.

Clarence

I just found this out recently, but you can buy a combo rib direct from marvel and get it without sights. You can then move yours from the rib you have now to the combo rib.  There was a significant savings over buying it complete.  Call marvel and talk to Sheila.

Since the rock river is steel I would get that

I've decided to pass on the unit.   This info will be helpful later.   Thanks for all the good info.

The RRA steel bullseye ribs are for a 1911 slide, not a conversion barrel.

I stand corrected about the RRA rib for the Marvel.  I love getting new information.  RRA does have a steel rib for the Marvel conversions.

Just one item I've noticed pertaining to this discussion.  

For me, I had an issue with the Tott's (Kodiak Machine) base for the Aimpoint Micro and the standard Marvel / Rock River rail.  The clamping portion of the upgraded base extended just enough below the bottom of the slide rail to barely interfere with the Marvel slide on a couple of my units. That limited the mounting position a little (if you like your scopes further back, you might want to check.  I probably could have done a little filing, but simply moved the mounting point to over the chamber / barrel point. 

Again, this was just for a couple of units that I have on hand.  Different production runs may have different results for you. 

The Nelson optic rail for my unit is just a little thicker and I did not have that issue with the Nelson.  

Cecil

With an extra hole in a Marvel rail, it will mount on a Nelson/Nighthawk.  The front holes match.  New one at the rear.  Pull the pin if needed,  And round the left rear corner of the rib a tiny bit by the breech to fit the slide.

Going from memory the top of the Marvel barrel is nearly flush with top of slide (flat highest portion). The Nelson barrel sits higher than the slide by either 0.03" or 0.05". So a Marvel on a Nelson has large gap between slide and rail. I wouldn't interchange them.
Jon

Jon Eulette wrote:Going from memory the top of the Marvel barrel is nearly flush with top of slide (flat highest portion). The Nelson barrel sits higher than the slide by either 0.03" or 0.05". So a Marvel on a Nelson has large gap between slide and rail. I wouldn't interchange them.
Jon

Gap between Nelson slide top and Marvel rib bottom is .04