Our Top Picks
Overall Best 1911 Red Dot Mount
Trijicon AC32058 RMR Pistol Mount
This red dot mount is sturdy and reliable.
- Build Quality: 9.5/10
- Value: 9.5/10
- Installation: 9/10
Best 1911 Mount on a Budget
Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sight
This red dot mount gets the job done without breaking the bank.
- Build Quality: 7/10
- Value: 9.5/10
- Installation: 8/10
MSRP:
$55.99 Check price on PSABest 1911 Red Dot Slide Mount
Evolution Gun Works Sight Mount
This red dot mount is a top choice for serious shooters.
- Build Quality: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
- Installation: 7/10
MSRP:
$44.99 Check price on BrownellsThe Colt 1911 (or any of the number of other brands making them now) is a great starter pistol. It’s also a reliable self-defense weapon. If you want to experience more joy shooting with the 1911’s crisp trigger and have quicker target acquisition, then you need to mount a red dot sight on it. We’ve saved the reviews about the best 1911 red dot sights for another article. In this guide, we’ll focus solely on the best red dot mounts that will complete your 1911 pistol’s set-up.
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- Comparison of the Best 1911 Red Dot Mounts
- How We Choose + Our Must-Have Features
- 5 Best 1911 Red Dot Mounts
- Best Overall: Trijicon AC32058 RMR Pistol Mount
- Best on a Budget: Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sight
- Best 1911 Red Dot Slide Mount: Evolution Gun Works Sight Mount for 1911 Fixed Sights
- Best 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling: The Shooters Box Optic/Red Dot Mount for 1911
- Sightmark Mini Shot Mount
- Haven’t picked out a 1911 yet?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Comparison of the Best 1911 Red Dot Mounts
How We Choose + Our Must-Have Features
| Features | Trijicon AC32058 RMR | Burris Mount | Evolution Gun Works Sight Mount | Burris Fastfire 3 | Leupold DeltaPoint Pro | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 4.52 | 4.42 | 3.28 | 3.97 | 3.37 | 3.91 |
| Installation | 4.6 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3 | 3.7 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 3 | 4.2 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.78 |
| Firearm Compatibility | 5 | 4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 2 | 3.5 |
| Value | 3 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.54 |
Installation
You can install a red dot by mounting it on the rear sight dovetail of your pistol or on a Picatinny rail if you have one. You also have the option to attach it to your pistol’s slide through a factory plate or via machining, but this will limit your options. If you ask us, mounting your red dot on the rear sight dovetail has the easiest installation process and it gives you more flexibility.
Consider how easy it is to install the mount on your 1911. The best mounts can be installed quickly and securely without requiring a professional gunsmith. Look for mounts that come with clear instructions and all necessary installation tools.
Some red dot mounts are constructed with a flat base while some are elevated. Choosing the mount style is critical because it will greatly affect your shooting. But no matter the mount style, what matters most is that the red dot and the mount are screwed tightly to your pistol.
How do we rate it?
We give higher scores to mounts that very easy to install with basic tools and clear instructions, and 1 requiring professional installation.
Firearm Compatibility
Ensure that the mount you select is specifically designed to fit your 1911 model and the red dot optic you intend to use. The best mounts offer a snug, seamless fit without requiring permanent modifications to your firearm.
How do we rate it?
A high score indicates a perfect fit with no modifications needed and a low one indicates incompatibility or the need for significant modifications.
Build Quality
If you want durability, we suggest you get red dot mounts that are made from steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. It would also be a great plus if you could score a mount with a hard coat anodized finish for added durability.
The weight and profile of the mount can affect the handling and balance of your 1911. Opt for a mount that adds minimal bulk and weight, maintaining the firearm’s ergonomics and ease of use.
How we rate it?
We rate this factor based on resistance to wear, impact, and corrosion. We award higher scores to materials that offer excellent durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Value
Value means finding the balance between the mount’s cost and its features, including durability, compatibility, and performance enhancements. A mount that is reasonably priced but provides significant improvements in usability, reliability, and longevity represents good value. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also potential savings in the long run. This includes modifications, maintenance, or the need for replacements.
How do we rate it?
We give higher scores to mounts that offer an excellent balance between cost and features. We give lower scores to mounts that are either overpriced for the features it offer or underpriced but lack in quality and functionality.
Still need to find the best red dot sight? We’ve done the research for you already.
5 Best 1911 Red Dot Mounts
Best Overall: Trijicon AC32058 RMR Pistol Mount
| Factor | Trijicon AC32058 RMR | Category Average |
| Installation | 4.6 | |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | |
| Firearm Compatibility | 5 | |
| Value | 3 |
Score: 4.28/5
Quick Specs:
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 1.86 oz
- Height: 0.3 inches
Our first pick allows you to smoothly mount any Trijicon RMR reflex sight on your 1911.
Like any Trijicon product, this pistol mount is designed for superior durability and reliability. This RMR pistol mount is very easy to install so it’s a great choice for beginners.
This mount comes with a sealing plate, optic mounting screws, socket screws, and an Allen wrench.
Pros
- Good finish
- Holds firmly
- Robust construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than most models
What Customers Say
“The mount fits the 1911 Novak Low Mount Dovetail Cut of my .45 1911 Les Baer almost perfectly. Three screws are provided to secure the mount: two inside the dovetail, and one in the back.”
Best on a Budget: Burris Mount for FastFire Reflex Red Dot Sight
| Factor | Burris | Category Average |
| Installation | 4.5 | |
| Build Quality | 3 | |
| Firearm Compatibility | 4 | |
| Value | 4.8 |
Score: 4.08/5
Quick Specs:
- Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Weight: 0.4 oz
- Height: 0.2 inches
The Burris Mount Reflex Red Dot Sight may cost less than other brands, but it’s not any less in performance.
The Burris Mount is compatible with any Burris Fastfire Red Dot Sight, but it also works perfectly with the Vortex Venom Red Dot.
If you prefer an elevated mount, then you’d want to go with this one from Burris. It’s also proven to hold firmly so you can shoot for a long period of time while maintaining your accuracy.
Pros
- Lightest among our picks
- Easy to mount
- Quick adjustments
- Most affordable among our picks
Cons
- Prone to accidental adjustments
What Customers Say
“It was a quick and easy installation that didn’t require any additional parts. Install took about 15 minutes and it looks 1000x better than the factory Ruger rail that came with the gun.“
Best 1911 Red Dot Slide Mount: Evolution Gun Works Sight Mount for 1911 Fixed Sights
| Factor | Evolution Gun Works | Category Average |
| Installation | 3.5 | |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | |
| Firearm Compatibility | 4.4 | |
| Value | 4.2 |
Score: 4.1/5
Quick specs:
- Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Weight: 0.4 oz
- Height: 0.335 in
The Evolution Gun Works Glock Sight Mount is compatible with the Docter, Burris Fastfire, or the Vortex Venom/Viper red dot sights.
This mount’s dovetail has a progressive taper for quick and easy installation. You don’t have to modify anything, just remove your rear sight and replace it with the mount. How easy is that?!
The necessary hardware for mounting is also included and it comes with a limited warranty.
However, take note that its mounting screws require a 5/64″ wrench and you’d need a 1/16″ wrench if you’ll be using the set screws.
Pros
- Holds firmly
- Solid construction
- Comes with a limited warranty
Cons
- It’s a little expensive
- Heaviest among our picks
- Needs a sight pusher for installation
What Customers Say
“Fits the kimber custom ll 1911 nice and tight but some budget reflex sights will be tricky to fit snug not a problem with the base though.”
Best 1911 Red Dot Mount No Drilling: The Shooters Box Optic/Red Dot Mount for 1911
| Factor | The Shooters Box Optic/Red Dot Mount for 1911 | Category Average |
| Installation | 4.5 | |
| Build Quality | 4 | |
| Firearm Compatibility | 2.5 | |
| Value | 4 |
Score: 3.75/5
Our next pick mounts low so it’s perfect if you don’t want your red dot elevated. The Shooters Box Optic is designed specifically for GI or military cut 1911 pistols.
This mount is also coated in Mil-Spec Hard Coat Anodized black finish for superior durability.
The Shooters Box Red Dot Mount also comes with two Allen screws for a reinforced hold. It’s suitable for open red dot sights such as the Ultradot LT and the Ultradot Pan-A-V, to name a few.
Pros
- Precise fit for GI cut 1911 pistols
- Holds firmly
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not compatible with other 1911 cuts
- Heaviest among our picks
What Customers Say
“Aluminum construction, and it does sit just behind the breach when mounted.”
Sightmark Mini Shot Mount
| Factor | Sightmark Mini Shot | Category Average |
| Installation | 4.5 | |
| Build Quality | 4 | |
| Firearm Compatibility | 2.5 | |
| Value | 4 |
Score:
Quick Specs:
- Material:
- Weight:
- Height:
If you got a mini shot for your 1911 pistol, then the Sightmark Mini Shot Mount will do the job.
It comes with a mounting base and dovetail for increased stability, allowing you to take more accurate shots in the harshest weather. It’s also very easy to install, and it’s proven to hold your optic firmly even after long hours at the range.
The Sightmark Mini Shot Mount is constructed from lightweight but highly durable aluminum.
Pros
- Shockproof and weather-proof
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
- Short screws
What Customers Say
“No problem at all. worked great and was so easy to install. I ordered a Sightmark mini red dot and it looks great. The size is perfect and I couldn’t be happier.”
Haven’t picked out a 1911 yet?
Just in case you haven’t settled on a gun yet, we have tons of 1911 style gun reviews. We’ll save you the ammo, rental costs, and range time with detailed reviews and roundups.
- 1911 Anniversary Models
- 22 LR 1911s for Cheaper Practice Time
- Budget 1911s
- Kimber Micro Carry Review
FAQs
Can you mount a red dot on a 1911?
Absolutely. Mounting a red dot sight on your Colt 1911 pistol will improve your shooting, with proper practice of course.
If you want to mount a red dot on your concealed carry, that works too! Here’s an article where we reviewed red dot optics that are ideal for concealed carry. If you don’t have a lot of experience in mounting red dot sights, we suggest that you seek help from a professional for installation.
Why put a red dot on a pistol?
Most serious shooters or those in the military or law enforcement mount red dot sights on their pistols because red dots improve their accuracy and help them acquire their targets faster.
Conclusion
Choosing a mount is as critical as choosing a red dot sight, as this pair is key to achieving accuracy and consistency when shooting at close to medium distances using your 1911. If you haven’t chosen a red dot sight yet, here’s an article where you can find the best ones.
Last update on 2025-01-15 / Images from Amazon Product API