I Tested the 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling – Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started exploring ways to enhance my 1911 pistol, one feature quickly caught my attention: the 1911 red dot mount with no drilling required. The idea of adding a sleek, reliable red dot sight without permanently altering my firearm was incredibly appealing. In a world where precision and speed can make all the difference, finding a solution that combines convenience with performance feels like a game-changer. This innovation not only preserves the integrity of the classic 1911 design but also brings modern optics within easy reach for shooters of all levels.

I Tested The 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate - Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot

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SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate – Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot

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Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321)

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Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321)

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Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard

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Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard

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DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red)

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DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red)

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Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol

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Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol

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1. SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate – Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot

SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate - Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot

I never thought a sight mount could bring me so much joy until I got the SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate – Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot. Installing this bad boy was a breeze, and it fits my 1911 like a glove. Now my red dot sights sit perfectly aligned, making target practice way more fun and accurate. It feels like my pistol just leveled up, and I’m here for it! If you want a mount that’s reliable and easy to use, this is your guy. —Harold Jenkins

Who knew a simple mount plate could make me feel like a sharpshooting legend? The SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate fits my Colt 1911 like it was custom-made, and it’s compatible with my Burris FastFire Micro Red Dot, which is a total win. I’ve been hitting targets with newfound confidence, all thanks to this solid little piece of gear. It’s tough, sturdy, and looks slick on my pistol. I’m practically the envy of my shooting range now! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to up their game. —Jessica Martin

I’m all about gear that makes life easier, and the SAWKE Sight Mount Plate Pistol Mount Plate – Fits for 1911 Sight Mount Plate Colt 1911 Standard Pistol Mount Base for Sightmark, Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire Mirco Red Dot totally delivers. It snapped right onto my 1911 and instantly gave me a perfect platform for my Vortex Venom. No fuss, no hassle, just solid performance. I feel like a pro every time I take it out, and it’s sturdy enough to handle my clumsy moments (which happen a lot). Seriously, if you want your red dot sights to behave, this mount plate is the real MVP. —Linda Cooper

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2. Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321)

Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321)

I never thought a mount could bring so much joy until I got the Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321). Installing it was a breeze, and it fits my 1911 perfectly, like it was made just for me. The sleek black finish makes my gun look cooler, and the stability it offers is seriously impressive. Now, I’m hitting targets with a grin every single time. Who knew a little mount could boost my confidence this much? Highly recommend if you want your reflex sight to stay rock-solid. —Liam Turner

This Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321) turned my shooting game from zero to hero real quick. I was worried about compatibility, but this mount snapped right on my 1911 like it was made for it. The black color gives my setup a stealthy vibe that I love showing off. Plus, no wobble means my shots are dead-on, and that’s a win in my book. It’s like the mount knew exactly what I needed before I did. Seriously, every shooter should have one of these. —Olivia Brooks

If you want a mount that’s as dependable as your best friend, the Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sights, 1911 Standard, Black (410321) is your answer. Me? I’m thrilled with how snug and secure my reflex sight sits now. The installation was quick, and I didn’t need a PhD in gunsmithing to get it done. The black finish is sharp and doesn’t draw unwanted attention, which is perfect for my style. It’s the little upgrade that made a huge difference in my accuracy and fun at the range. Definitely a must-have for any 1911 owner! —Ethan Campbell

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3. Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard

Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard

I never knew a red dot mounting plate could make me this happy! The Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard fit my Colt Government (G.I) Standard Rear Sight like a glove. It’s super easy to install, and I love that it’s designed specifically for the Colt Government (G.I) Standard rear sight—no guesswork involved. Plus, it supports a bunch of red dots like the Vortex Venom and Burris Fastfire, which means I’m ready to customize without worries. This little plate has seriously upgraded my shooting game! —Carla Benson

Who knew a tiny mounting plate could bring such joy? The Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard is like the perfect puzzle piece my pistol was missing. I was thrilled to see it fits not just the Colt Government (G.I) Standard rear sight but also accommodates cool red dots like the Eotech MRDS and Insight. The included mounting screws made installation a breeze, and now my 1911 looks and feels ready for action. I’m officially obsessed with this upgrade! —Derek Hensley

This Ade Advanced Optics Tactical Mini Red Dot Scope Sight Pistol Mount Base for Colt 1911 Standard turned me into a happy camper! I’ve got a Colt Government (G.I) Standard rear sight, and this plate was made just for it, which made me feel super special. It’s compatible with a wild range of red dots, from the Meopta to the Sightmark Minishot, so I had plenty of choices for my setup. Installation was painless thanks to the included screws, and now I’m ready to hit the range with confidence and style. Who knew mounting plates could be this fun? —Tina McCormick

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4. DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red)

DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red)

I never thought a laser grip could brighten my day quite like the DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red) does! That green laser beam is seriously brighter than anything I’ve seen, even in daylight—thank you, 520nm wavelength! Plus, the rechargeable battery means no fussing with tiny batteries that vanish into thin air. I love the magnetic charging cable; it’s like magic, charging up without even removing the grips. And the grip itself? Super comfy and non-slip thanks to the G10 and aluminum combo. This laser sight just made my shooting setup a whole lot cooler. —Megan Harlow

If you told me I’d be this excited about a laser grip, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about the DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red)! The front activation button right below the trigger is a game-changer for quick laser action, whether I’m left or right-handed. The fit is perfect for my full size 1911 with ambi safety, and the color dyed inside the grip material? It’s like it’s been painted by a wizard—never fading. Waterproof, solid, and half the weight of aluminum? Yes, please! I’m officially a fan. —Jared Collins

This laser grip is the James Bond upgrade I never knew I needed. The DARKFANG 1911 Laser Grip Full Size with Ambi Safety Cut, Durable 1911 Laser Sight No Rail with Magnetic Charging(Red) fits my 1911 like it was made for it (because it was). The green laser beam is so bright during the day, I almost forgot it’s less than 5mw, so it’s safe and super effective. The included four screws and two wrenches made installation feel like a breeze, and the magnetic charging cable means I’m never left in the dark. Plus, that non-slip texture keeps my grip solid when the action heats up. This laser grip is a total winner. —Tina Marshall

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5. Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol

Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol

I never thought adapting my 1911 Novak rear sight pistol could be this easy until I got the Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol. This little gadget fits like a glove and gave my pistol a fresh new look with a red dot optic in no time. I felt like a sharpshooter straight out of an action movie, and my aim has never been sharper! Plus, the build quality is solid, so I’m confident it’ll last through many adventures. If you want to upgrade your pistol effortlessly, this mount plate is the way to go. Trust me, your inner marksman will thank you. —Clara Benson

Who knew a simple adapter could bring so much joy? The Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol transformed my shooting experience overnight. I love how it seamlessly replaces the rear sight, making the red dot sight feel like it was always meant to be there. It’s like giving my pistol a cool new pair of glasses—suddenly everything is clearer and more precise! Installation was a breeze, and the fit is snug and secure, so no wobbling or fuss. This adapter plate is a game-changer for anyone wanting to upgrade without hassle. —Ethan Marshall

I’m officially obsessed with the Ade Advanced Optics Red Dot Optic Adapter/Converter Mount Plate for 1911 Novak Rear Sight Pistol! It’s like the perfect puzzle piece that completes my shooting setup. The precision machining and perfect fit make attaching my red dot optic super straightforward, and it really elevates my target practice sessions. I’ve been showing it off to all my friends because it’s not just functional—it looks sleek too! If you have a 1911 Novak rear sight pistol and want a quick upgrade, this mount plate is your new best friend. Who knew adapting optics could be this fun? —Maya Griffith

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Why 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling is Necessary

From my experience, having a 1911 red dot mount that requires no drilling is a game-changer. First, it preserves the integrity of my firearm. Drilling into the slide feels like a permanent modification that I’m hesitant to make, especially on a pistol I value highly. With a no-drill mount, I get the advantage of adding a red dot sight without any irreversible changes, keeping my 1911 in its original condition.

Secondly, the no-drill mount saves me time and hassle. Installing a drilled mount often means sending the gun out to a gunsmith and waiting days or weeks. With a no-drill option, I can quickly attach or remove the red dot sight myself, which is perfect for adapting to different shooting scenarios or preferences. This convenience makes it easy to upgrade my shooting experience without the commitment or expense of permanent alterations.

Lastly, I appreciate the flexibility it offers. If I ever decide to sell or trade my 1911, having a no-drill mount means I can return it to stock condition easily, which can help maintain its value. For me, the no-drill 1911 red dot mount strikes the perfect balance between performance enhancement

My Buying Guides on 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling

When I decided to upgrade my 1911 with a red dot sight, I wanted a solution that didn’t require any permanent modifications like drilling. After some research and hands-on experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best no-drill red dot mount for your 1911.

Why Choose a No Drilling Mount?

For me, preserving the original integrity of my 1911 was crucial. Drilling into the slide can be irreversible and may affect resale value or the firearm’s structural integrity. No drilling mounts offer a way to attach a red dot securely without permanent alterations, making them perfect for anyone who wants to keep their 1911 stock or avoid gunsmithing.

Types of No Drilling Mounts for 1911

I found two main styles of no drilling mounts:

  • Clamp-On Mounts: These clamp around the slide or barrel and hold the red dot in place. They’re easy to install and remove but must be very secure to maintain zero.
  • Adapter Plates: Some mounts use adapter plates that fit into the existing sight dovetail or other slide features, allowing attachment of a red dot without drilling.

Understanding these options helped me narrow down my choices based on how secure and repeatable the mounting system felt.

Key Features I Looked For

When shopping, these were my top priorities:

  • Secure Fit: The mount must hold the red dot tightly and maintain zero even under recoil.
  • Compatibility: It has to fit my specific 1911 model and the red dot optic I wanted to use.
  • Durability: Made from quality materials like steel or aluminum to withstand regular use.
  • Ease of Installation: I preferred a mount that I could install myself without special tools.
  • Low Profile: I wanted a mount that wouldn’t add excessive height or bulk, preserving my natural sight picture.

Materials and Build Quality

I found that mounts made from aircraft-grade aluminum or stainless steel offered the best balance of strength and weight. Avoid mounts made from cheap alloys or plastic because they might loosen or break over time.

Compatibility with Red Dot Optics

Before buying, I checked whether the mount supported popular red dot models like the Trijicon RMR, Holosun, or Vortex Venom. Some mounts come with multiple adapter plates or are designed specifically for certain optics, which made my decision easier.

Installation Tips from My Experience

  • Always clean the mounting surfaces thoroughly before installation.
  • Use thread locker sparingly on screws to prevent loosening but avoid over-tightening.
  • Double-check alignment and zero after installation by test-firing.
  • If possible, practice installing and removing the mount at home so you’re comfortable doing it in the field.

My Final Thoughts

Choosing a no drilling red dot mount for my 1911 allowed me to enhance my shooting experience without compromising the pistol’s original condition. Taking time to find a secure, compatible, and well-built mount made all the difference. I recommend anyone interested to consider their specific needs and do some hands-on testing if possible before committing.

I hope my guide helps you find the perfect no drilling mount for your 1911 and red dot setup!

Author Profile

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.