1911-Slide or Frame mounts for optics?

Does it really matter or is this a much divided topic for the
1911? Can both sides give their views (pros & cons) on the subject; I’m looking for a competitive
1911 like many new shooters are, should I say away from one or the other
because I’m a new shooter?


Jim Mc

Look at what the masters and high masters are shooting.

Slide mount here. Many more opinions sure to follow.

Slide mount for me. It's much easier to clear a malfunction.

I have a 1911 45 slide mount and a 1911 9mm frame mount. The slide mount has zero problems. the frame mount occasionally jams a fired casing between the slide and the mount. Usually only happens during a match, so Ilike the slide mount.

Canthit

I have owned both. Both on equally well built Caspian pistols. No problems with either, but I prefer the slide mount. Less felt recoil. The slide seems to be moving more slowly and it feels more controllable. I suppose you could tune a frame mount to move more slowly also, but the slide mount just felt better. And ditto.....look what the masters/HM's are using. I know one master who is doing well with his frame mount, but it seems the majority use a slide mount.

There are great shooters using both. Every shooter should really try both and see which works and feels the best to him/her.

A slide mount is much easier for Smiths to build. It also makes a Marvel conversion swap very easy.

I have several seasons shooting both. To me, the frame mount feels more like an iron sighted gun. Plus, you can truly use any powder charge you want with a recoil spring change. I greatly prefer the feel of a frame mounted dot.

A good built gun will have no issues with either setup.