Full Dust Cover - what's the point?

S

Skans

New member
There seems to be a trend toward putting full dust covers (extended frame) on higher end target guns and then charging a hefty price. My question is why? What's the point, other than some added weight? Looks? Is there any other purpose other than looks and maybe a little added weight?

Who likes the full dust cover, and why?
 
You gotta keep offering something new to attract new buyers for the same old thing. Bob-tails, rails, long slides, extended dust covers, checkering, snake scales, golf ball dimples, etc., etc., etc. :D
 
Weight forward reduces muzzle flip - is what the mfg's will tell you - and full length dust cover puts a little more weight forward / same thing on the cone or bull barrels putting weight forward vs the traditional barrel with a bushing in a 1911 ( Wilson Combat told me their traditional barrels with bushings are lighter than their bull barrels - which was a surprise to me - I thought, until recently, bull barrels in 5" guns were purely cosmetic / not a weight forward issue).

I had a Les Baer Monolith model - with a full length dust cover - a 5" 1911 / I've since given it to my son - but it's a good looking gun. Its the only full length dust cover 1911 I've ever had ..and I doubt I'll buy another one / and I'm traditional on all of my 5" 1911's having traditional bushings...vs bull or cone barrels....but Wilson Combat told me recently they are getting a lot of orders with bull barrels ( extra weight forward / is a small advantage to reduce muzzle flip ) ....but its the trend right now.

Full length dust cover means the gun will not fit a standard 1911 holster....but I had Kramer leather make up a special order for me to fit that Baer Monolith model. My son has the holster now too..( I gave him the gun because I was not that impressed with the gun - mostly fit and finish / nothing to do with the full length dust cover)...and I've since invested in a pair of Wilson Combat 1911's which are my primary range and carry guns - both 5" - one in 9mm and one in .45 acp.../ but my son likes the Baer Monolith a lot...it shoots very well..and he thinks its cool - as do his buddies in their 30's ..../ but I'll stick with traditional match barrels and a properly fit bushing in my 1911's and no full length dust covers...( if I buy another Wilson ).
 
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I never understood why they put rail on the whole thing, its not like your finger can reach the light when its mounted all the way up front
 
Rail and dust cover are complete separate issues. I believe it's appearance, as weight is negligible. I have not seen any comparison between the same model with and without full dust cover, so I have not seen any clear indication that more is charged for the longer dust cover. IOW, I'm not sure it's the dust cover alone that is the source of the higher price.

I like them, generally. I don't like rails, generally. What gets me cranked is a gun that seems to be a target/range toy with a rail. But, folks these days seems to like 'rails' all over everything, so folks make what they think folks will buy. I've simply always preferred a handgun that has a somewhat more blockier or more square lines, other than trigger guards where square doesn't appeal to me at all.

This is what I suggested the new G40 should look like:



Almost a full dust cover. Now, if that dust cover didn't flap up and down like soft rubber that's what I'd prefer. Strictly an aesthetic preference. Given you can only slather lipstick just so thick on the pig, it doesn't really matter. :)
 
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Dust Cover

I owned the Les Baer Monolith Heavy in hard chrome. It was the equal, or better. Than any full custom or semi custom pistol I've owned (and I've owned a LOT of pistols). The dust cover, in the case of the Baer, is not the whole story.

In addition to the full length dust cover on the Mono Heavy. Baer moved weight to the "center line" of the pistol. I believe it's unique enough to be Patented by Baer. It is, in my unqualified opinion, a better mouse trap.

Mine was incredibly accurate (perhaps I just got a good one). And incredibly easy to shoot accurately. It was a tad faster in rapid fire mode to shoot accurately. The only negative I ever discovered was it's a little heavier. However, no more so than the six H&k's I've owned or the FN Tactical. If you can carry a big heavy pistol it's a very good 1911.
 
Ever train in sand? Full Dust Cover is nice.
For those that have been to the backside of Eglin AFB, ya know what I'm talkin about ;)

Most folks never have to worry about sand/mud/etc...
their only gun use comes at the range, or in a home, or on a street...
so a full dust cover is not usually necessary...

But for those who live in rural settings, or hunt with their pistols, or like to get dirty...
its a nice option :)

Although, I prefer a rail. Mount a light/laser combo for night hog hunting with a G20sf w/9" barrel...
As I get older, I've learned to Love the Lasers...especially Green ones.
Great training aid, awesome fast target acquisition...Daytime Use :)
 
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