CHPWS Plates: Bunk Junk or "Bad Press"?

Non-PSA Products Optics
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I’d like to know who here thinks that CHPWS’ plates are just fine & who thinks they’re kaka. I’ve had 2 fail on me. 1 cracked right around 500 rounds & the other was so far outta spec, it may as well have been for a different footprint (I DID check to make sure I got the correct plate). Then I hear from other ppl the same kinds of things. They’re outta spec, their screws shear VERY easily (yes, even when tightened to manufacturer’s specs), & their aluminum plates flat-out just DO NOT hold up. There’s even a Reddit post made by someone who’s police dept. ordered a bunch of 509T plates from them, & when the order came in, almost every 1 was cracked. I’ve read posts in other firearms forums where ppl have said that their particular police depts. forbid the use of CHPWS plates due to reliability issues.

After having the 2 I bought fall short, I became a Calculated Kinetics devotee. For a number of reasons. Their design is the most practical design on the market due to the ledge at the front of their “Dogtag” plates that reduces carbon buildup/fouling on the lens of an optic. They’re well-made, have good tolerances, & maintain zero. They’re a vet-owned company who’s owner, Tyler, is VERY responsive to emails & questions. I’ve emailed a few times with questions, & he’s been the person to answer EVERY TIME. Lastly, their bundling is SUPER convenient. If you buy an optic, you get the corresponding plate for 50% off, & if you need BUIS, the ones you need will auto-fill to your gun/optic combo in your cart if you choose that option. Their plates are also really reasonably priced ($55-$65). I have 3 CK plates & LOVE them.

The other company I discovered was Eleven 71 Design. I may have mentioned them once or twice, & if I have, forgive the repetition. But for those who haven’t heard of them, they’re a small, 1 man, 1 machine company based here in my home state of TN. The owner/operator is an ex-cop & current competition shooter. His plates are made of titanium & his tolerances are THE BEST out there. His craftsmanship is also TOP-NOTCH. His plates look like a normal factory part of the gun, not an afterthought. Yes, they’re expensive ($110-$125), but I can honestly say that the 1 I got was worth EVERY PENNY.

Between these 2 companies, I can pretty much get a plate for any gun/optic combo that I’d possibly wanna buy. I like both for different reasons, but they remain the only 2 companies whose plates I’ll buy/trust/recommend.

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I try to avoid using a plate at all costs.

2 Likes
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This is one of the few real downsides for us 1911 guys…

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Eleven 71 makes plates for Mac & Staccato 2011s

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While I don’t disagree, I’ve found that with many guns, its unavoidable. Even with a pre-cut slide, if you wanna run a different optic, you need an adapter plate. If I can avoid them, like I was able to do in buying my MR920P as my EDC, I will. But in some instances, it can be harder to do. Like now, I wanna upgrade from my EPS to a 509T, which doesn’t fit the Shadow Systems optic cut without an adapter plate.

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I understand. At this point what optics i can use is a big part of my purchase.

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I’m “cursed” in that I’m always wanting to try different stuff. ESPECIALLY optics. I WAS able to put the owner of Eleven 71 in touch with the moderator of the Shadow Systems sub on Reddit, who’s an SS employee, to see if they can work together to put out adapters for ppl who wanna run the 509T or ACRO, but DON’T wanna use the CHPWS plates for either optic. I’m REALLY hoping they’re able to get something worked out/done. BELIEVE me when I tell you, IF you’re ever in a position where you’d need a plate, DEFINITELY check out Eleven 71.