Recover Tactical has announced that they are developing six new drop-in frame rails for popular subcompact pistols. The new rails will be available for Glock 26, Glock 43, S&W M&P Shield as well as … the remaining three pistol models are not disclosed and will be announced later when these rails hit the shelves.

Computer mockup of the Glock 26 rail. On the top image of this article, you can see the appearance of Glock 43 and S&W M&P Shield pistol rails.

As with other Recover Tactical products, the installations of these rails won’t require any permanent changes done to the pistols. These accessories will also be quick and easy to install requiring only a couple of minutes and no specialized tools.

Right now the company has such rails for Beretta 92, 1911 and Glock 17/22 (Gen1 and Gen2) pistols. In case of the Beretta 92 and 1911 pistols, the Recover Tactical rails represent rather large symmetric pieces that clamp from either side of the pistols and get fixed to the guns via grip screws thus not only adding dust cover rails but also replacing the grips. In the case of Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glock 17/22 rails, the attachment system is a bit different because Glock pistols don’t have separate grips. In this case, the rails are also two-piece designs and attach to each other via a set of screws but the attachment to the pistol is accomplished by wrapping around the front wall of the trigger guard and hooking over the edge of the frame as shown in the image below. Judging by the images released by Recover Tactical, I assume the rails designed for these subcompact pistols will have a similar attachment method as in the case of Glock Gen1/2 pistols.

Glock 17/22 Gen1 and 2 rail installation instructions. Note that the rail hooks over the edge of the frame.

These new rails will allow attaching lights and lasers onto these subcompact pistols. I assume the use of extremely compact lights such as those manufactured by Viridian Weapon Technologies or Crimson Trace will be the most efficient in terms of compactness of the rig. However, mounting a light that protrudes over the muzzle will also have a benefit making it possible to use the light as a stand off device.

Images from www.recovertactical.com