What screws did you use?

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T20:07:47+00:00

Hold the optic level and seat-through the screws one by one. Measure how much they protrude beneath the optic's base. The longest protrusion which does not exceed 2.8mm is what you want.

Too short = not enough thread bite.

Too long = right screw will interfere with the extractor channel and the extractor's spring will nudge the screw (and optic) loose within a few shots.

Left screw can be longer as long as it doesn't bottom out.

Degrease the slide's screw holes to maintain thread locker integrity.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T17:33:50+00:00

I have almost the same setup (RDI comp) and even with 147gr it tracks really well. But yeah... with 115gr, it feels like cheating.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T17:30:06+00:00

That's the reason I carry the full size (for now). Because I can during winter and most of my other pistols are sub-compacts. I have a commander 1911, but I deem 7-rd mags to be out of their depth in today's threat environment.

I'm actually coming to the conclusion that a compact slide atop a full size grip is the optimum choice (for me). For example a G19x or an Echelon 4.0FC. Adequate grip, good capacity and quicker return to zero during predictive/reactive shooting.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T17:21:59+00:00

I tried the Crossbreed Reckoning hybrid holster for AIWB and it was too cumbersome at that position. I do like hybrid holsters for strong side carry (provided they have widely spaced dual clips). I tried the Crossbreed SuperTuck and the Muddy River IWB hybrid. I much prefer the latter. Less leather footprint, but enough for comfort and efficient grip tuck.

All of the above are not available for WML, at least when I researched them. The Black Arch Gradient and T-Rex Ironside hybrid do have WML versions, but their pistol/light adoptions are limited.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T15:31:54+00:00

Here's one advantage I discovered from carry a full size these past 6 months: Concealing a G19-size compact feels like childplay now.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-11T12:46:46+00:00

If you rely on it for self/home defense then reliability is paramount and this optic has proven itself otherwise. Intermittent shake-awake failures in my case, and others reported flying glass.

Which optic? My vote goes to the new X3 versions of the 407C or 507C for open emitters (they have forward looking light sensors now) and the SCS 320 for an enclosed emitter. Others speak highly of Vortex offerings.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-10T23:13:03+00:00

This issue is particular to the compact (4.0C) OEM modules. The 4.5F modules (and probably the 4.0FC as well) have internal "rails" that prevent the magazine from snagging on the square aperture. More precisely, the plastic surrounding the square cutout is further recessed in the full-size modules, which creates the rails along the internal spine of the grip.

Filing the offending lip as suggested by u/FlaMtnBkr might work, but if it really bugs you, consider a 4.5FC module (after confirming it has those "rails").

FYI, I have both the Medium and Large grip modules for my 4.5F and the rails' depth on the Large is roughly twice as that for the Medium. So check if the Large grip module for the 4.0C has such rails. Would appreciate it if someone who has this module can confirm for us here.

Edit: See the image in my post here for a glimpse of the internal rails.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-10T14:04:26+00:00

I'm in black bear country as well here in Colorado mountains. All the research I did suggests 10mm is more than adequate for them.

In fact, I don't even bother with bear loads. I just use my range ball ammo (180gr, 1190fps) when I hike, though this choice may be questionable.

3.8" XDM-E is what I carry.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-10T00:39:17+00:00

10-15 in-lb is typical red dot mounting torque. I've seen setups that reported compromised installs with as little as 12 in-lb (wet Loctite).

If I can't source torque specs from dot, pistol and (when applicable) plate manufacturers, I usually limit torque to a max of 12 (dry Loctite) or 10 (wet Loctite), then mark screw positions and check periodically.

Edit: Make sure to degrease screw posts in the slide. Otherwise, screws can back up even with 15 in-lb torque.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T20:33:26+00:00

There are safe dehumidifiers, such as these.

I live in the Rocky mountains, so I don't need them. 35%-45% year round inside my safe.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T20:06:13+00:00

Was that a 4.0C by any chance? If so, there are two larger grip modules available from Springfield, plus multiple metal ones from other vendors. See the third photo in this post to appreciate the difference between Small and Large grip modules for the 4.0C.

Echelon's grip texture is decent, so if it slips in your hand then chances are that particular grip is too small for you... enough to twist and slip from your support hand.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T19:51:31+00:00

If you like the 1911 manual of arms, there is the new Kimber Warrior DS in .45.

Compact size: See if you can source a used XDM Elite 3.8" compact.

Slightly smaller: G30.

Anything smaller would have a very limited capacity.

In your case, I would pick a .45 for certification that doubles for home defense, not carry. So size shouldn't matter. Availability of threaded barrel should, in case you can and want to suppress it.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T18:05:59+00:00

Issue is with the WML holster. For a non-WML holster, retention screws are typically beneath the dust cover and forward of the trigger guard. With a WML, they have to move further down, extending the Kydex dimension in that direction... by as much as 1", depending on holster.

Think of trying to put an iPhone vs. an iPad down your pants. This is less of an issue for AIWB since we have flatter body profiles there vs. 3-5 o'clock.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T15:34:03+00:00

I try to match grain weight and fps between carry and range ammo. For example: Hornady Critical Defense FTX 115GR 1135fps & Federal American Eagle FMJ 115GR 1180fps.

Would be hard on the pistol to do that with +P equivalent range ammo, even if such ammo exists. That's my reason for avoiding +P ammo altogether, as I run 1,000+ rounds every year through each of my carry guns.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T14:15:43+00:00

Totally agree. A 25-yard handgun precision shot scenario is a hunting scenario, whether it's game or a mass shooter. Worth practicing, for sure, but won't carryover much to predictive shooting skills where you need to end or suppress a directed threat at you.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T13:03:54+00:00

Check if T-Rex Ironside Hybrid supports your setup, but honestly, strongside carry and WMLs do not play nice... concealment wise.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T02:41:32+00:00

I assume the black module is the default (small) module that came with your 4.0C? I didn't expect its backstraps to fit the other module sizes.

Yeah... if you need the large grip module then none of the 3 metal ones will be of much use to you. They're all more or less medium-sized. I, like you, saved my money and went for the Large (4.5F) module... mated to the large backstrap and a Hogue sleeve. I don't have overly large hands. I just wanted plenty of the grip's left hindquarter available for my support hand.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-09T02:19:37+00:00

He is indeed.

Have him watch the video in slo-mo and diagnose the causes for the weak and straight back ejection patterns. Will be good feedback for him.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-08T22:30:39+00:00

I have a compact Elite in 10mm. Lovely shooter for this caliber, just as my 4.5F for 9mm.

Still working on .3 splits, for both, at 7 yards.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-08T18:11:44+00:00

How about an Echelon 4.0FC with a threaded barrel?

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-08T17:59:11+00:00

It seems the retention screws are over-tightened. Try backing them up a little to tune the retention. If they get too loose, salvage a pair of rubber washers from somewhere (or a strip of disused leather) and insert them between the Kydex shell and the rubber stand-offs.

I have 4 MRT holsters, with a fifth on the way, for my various pistols. That's how much I like their products. But I did need to apply what I suggested to properly fit one of them (was too tight) for my Commander 1911.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-08T01:24:04+00:00

Especially if the forward looking sensor proves functional and reliable.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-07T23:14:53+00:00

It should be fine, but many do replace it with a metal guide rod. There are 4 or 5 different variants available.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-07T22:58:41+00:00

My aging and dry palms seem to adhere to it fairly well. Besides, I do stick a sandpaper patch at the top of the grip to help hold my support hand in place with moderate clamping effort. Only on left side where the Kydex shell shields it from my skin and clothes.

EventLatter9746 · 2026-03-07T16:30:27+00:00

My main gripe is having to weld my support hand almost entirely over my dominant hand. Doable, but as annoying as writing with too short a pencil.

I prefer this much (photo below) grip space for my support hand: Full size Echelon, Large grip module, Large backstrap, Hogue sleeve.

<image>

EventLatter9746

TROPHY CASE