Slide lightening cuts

I will preface my question with this, I'm new to site and to bullseye shooting.

In many other shooting disciples the slide of the pistol is lighted by cutting away material, usually in the form of slots. Ya know all those sexy 2011/1911 open pistols. Is there a reason why I never see it on bullseye pistols? I am currently shooting a SA Loaded with a Clarks rail and matchdot II. The thing is pretty heavy.

Are slide lightening cuts against the rules?

If not, why are they not used?

Mine has them under the rail...can’t see em

That's exactly what I was thinking of doing under the Clark's rail.

So Cal X Ring wrote:That's exactly what I was thinking of doing under the Clark's rail.

I’ve seen several do it and talk about it.

It's a personal thing but once you get conditioned and depending on your age you might get used to the weight sooner than you think. If you can handle a heavy pistol I think it's a benefit but if not it could cost you points in the form of fatigue.

You might also look at the Aimpoint Micro and clones like the Primary Arms MD-ADS to shave off an ounce or two and will bring the balance back. 

Balance is another thing to consider. My 1911's with 9000SC dot are about the same weight as my Walther GSP with a micro dot but the GSP is much more forward heavy due to design and extended barrel which to me is harder to control. Top rails and optics will do a lot to affect the overall weight and balance of your pistol.

Personally I would shoot the pistol as-is for a few range sessions minimum before milling anything. Get used the one handed precision shooting before making permanent mods to your pistol.

Good advice!
I can see where weight could be an advantage.
Yes, the optic plus rings does add weight. The aimpoint might be a better option for weight reduction.

I think most might do it to help offset the weight of the dot.  I know if I get a too heavy dot my gun starts acting up.  That’s just me

All good observations......
When I looked through the sticky post that's called "show me your bullseye gun" i didn't see any 1911s that had lightened slides. That's when I figured most must not prefer it.

So Cal X Ring wrote:All good observations......
When I looked through the sticky post that's called "show me your bullseye gun" i didn't see any 1911s that had lightened slides.  That's when I figured most must not prefer it.

Just because you don’t see em don’t mean they ain’t there!  Under the rail.

So Cal X Ring wrote:All good observations......
When I looked through the sticky post that's called "show me your bullseye gun" i didn't see any 1911s that had lightened slides.  That's when I figured most must not prefer it.

Noi a 1911 style pistol, but SIG's P320 X5 and X5 Legion models have lightening cuts in the slide to ensure reliability with the longer slide.  (X5 barrels are 5" long, instead of the standard 4.7".)  See https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p320-xfive-legion.html for images of the X5 Legion.