Why all the accessory rails on handguns?

[Johnk]

I really dislike accessory rails on handguns. It seems most new and current production guns have them and I think they are ugly.
I really wish gun manufacturers would build more handguns without them.

 

[Talkinghalls]

I have yet to see a Single Action revolver with one.

 

[Johnk]

I have yet to see a Single Action revolver with one.

Fair enough; I should have said pistols.

 

[cosermann]

Everyone wants to hang a light and/or laser these days . . . not that there’s anything wrong with that.

 

[Magyars]

For a concealed carry, it seems unrealistic to add all the extras. Weight is a serious consideration

 

[Talkinghalls]

Well biscuits. I stand corrected.

 

[comm2679]

I really dislike accessory rails on handguns. It seems most new and current production guns have them and I think they are ugly.
I really wish gun manufacturers would build more handguns without them.

The majority of buyers want the ability to mount a light, which is a great capability for a defensive handgun. It would cost manufacturers a lot of money to tool up to build non-railed versions of the same guns. I know you weren’t asking for a “why” but that’s why. The good news for you is that you can buy older non-railed versions of most modern handguns.

 

[bwframe]

I don't carry with a light in the daytime. Every evening I slide on the X300 though. My lounging clothes holster is a light bearing one.

I've grown used to having the Glock rail. I miss it on the G43.

Beauty in in the eye of the beholder. I look down on pistols without rails these days, the same as non-optic ready handguns. Why would you not have options?

 

[Johnk]

What prompted my thread is this: several weeks ago I decided that maybe I would like to have a compact 40S&W pistol by a well known and respected manufacture to enjoy at the range. I want a 4in barrel with a relative capacity of 8 to 12 rounds. 40S&W is a caliber that I do not have in my safe although I did have a S&W 40 (SVDE?)years ago and found it a pleasure to shoot and I thought I might like to have that pleasure again. Of course I need another firearm like I need another hole in the head but hey, I'm retired and enjoy shooting at Atterbury often.
Suggestions for a pistol without an accessory rail would be appreciated. And please no Glocks. I'm not a Glock hater I merely don't find them attractive.

 

[target64]

Well how are you going to mount a tactical cup holder ?

 

[Lpherr]

You can now have a complimenting firearm to the bejeweled truck.

 

[Johnk]

Well how are you going to mount a tactical cup holder ?

LMAO

 

[Johnk]

You can now have a complimenting firearm to the bejeweled truck.




View attachment 304923

don't own a truck and my balls are just fine in my pants thank you very much

 

[Route 45]

Here's what I'd get for a .40 without a rail.

Actually can't think of much else available in .40 without a rail, other than Sigs. Maybe an old Ruger P94 IF you can find one.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1011480575

 

[63PGP]

These pistols used would be what I'd look for:

Sig 226 40SW

HK USP 40 - has a proprietary rail that you would hardly notice

Or pick up a 10mm revolver and shoot 40 and 10mm

 

[cavallo]

Well how are you going to mount a tactical cup holder ?

You could hang the tactical cup holder from the tactical speaker bracket.

 

[cavallo]

What prompted my thread is this: several weeks ago I decided that maybe I would like to have a compact 40S&W pistol by a well known and respected manufacture to enjoy at the range. I want a 4in barrel with a relative capacity of 8 to 12 rounds. 40S&W is a caliber that I do not have in my safe although I did have a S&W 40 (SVDE?)years ago and found it a pleasure to shoot and I thought I might like to have that pleasure again. Of course I need another firearm like I need another hole in the head but hey, I'm retired and enjoy shooting at Atterbury often.
Suggestions for a pistol without an accessory rail would be appreciated. And please no Glocks. I'm not a Glock hater I merely don't find them attractive.

I was going to say that there are 1911s chambered in 40S&W but upon searching I only see "out of stock." They do exist out there but maybe only on the used market now.

 

[Ghostface]

P229 is a joy to shoot .40/.357 out of, a real joy. If you can tolerate the rail you can find LE trade ins under $500.

 

[Bluedragon]

Here's what I'd get for a .40 without a rail.

Actually can't think of much else available in .40 without a rail, other than Sigs. Maybe an old Ruger P94 IF you can find one.

I second a P229 as a nice 40 cal with no rail. They can be pretty easy to find. Another few to consider in 40 without a rail is a Smith & Wesson 4006 or Beretta 8040 Cougar.

 

[BigNyaKelly]

I just bought a CZ-75B with no rail and I'm a big fan even without the rail. They also sell a .40 SW version.