Suppressors Nighthawk Custom

Re: Nighthawk Custom

Love my GRP Recon. Nicest .45 I have ever shot and it is mine... all mine.
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Re: Nighthawk Custom

I owned one nighthawk. Overall, it was a nice gun, however, wilsons are *to me* a better deal.

My nighthawk has sloppy tool marks, the finish was not nearly as durable, and lacked the overall quality wilson offers. Furthermore, no one can argue with wilson's customer service.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

All the high end 1911 large production companies do some things better than others, and they all have their problems. I've owned brown, wilson, nighthawk they all do some things better than the others.

I'd say one weakness of the nighthawk is the finish, it just does not stand up that well, but frankly I buy my guns to use, not look pretty. Brown does not do as good of a job on triggers as wilson or nighthawk, and I've seen $4000 wilson supergrades that had tool marks on them. Wilson probably has the best after the sale service.

Much like rifles, for the $2500-4500 that companies like brown, nighthawk, wilson charge there are better true custom options from small builders in the same price range, that perform, fit, and run better. You will wait longer for them, and you probably need to know exactly what you want up front. Where one guy will take the time to talk to you about your build, and that same guy will build your gun from the ground up. With wilson, brown, nighthawk, it's more like fast food custom assembly line. You pick one of their popular menu items, maybe make a couple changes. You'll never talk to the 5 guys that build your gun, the guy you order it from probalby won't really understand the ins/outs of the options you may or may not want and why, etc.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Dominator here. About 8-10K down range. The only issue I had was during the first range visit it would not function with Wilson mags (that's a first for me), but ran flawless with the ACT and CMC Power mags. After about 1K I tried the Wilsons again; it has performed flawlessly since. I still love my Wilsons, but nothing wrong with variety.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

I had them make me a custom gun. If your worried about the finish just get it ion bonded the call it something else but its the same thing as nitriding as it brings the surface hardness to around 90 rc and its a great finish that wit scratch. I have 10k + rounds and never a problem but I change the springs out on a regular basis.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

The original nighthawk guys were employees of wilson combat. There was a falling out and they left and started nighthawk. The nighthawk is a good 1911 but the finish is not as robust as the wilsons and their prices are higher than wilson. I have had a few nighthawks and let them go. I still have a few wilsons and always will.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Actually I wouldn't agree on the price issue. That might have been true before wilson had a large price hike a couple years ago. Though honestly they are pretty close and at this level I wouldn't let a few hundred dollars determine a purchase either way.

A comparable nighthawk -vs- wilson ends up with the wilson being more expensive.

Take for example the NHC talon II bobtail, comes with checkered rear slide, serrated slide top, bobtail, for around $2700, full bar stock parts. To set up a professional with the same features would be close to $3200.

The nighthawk T3 has features (checkered rear slide, serrated rear sight, serrated slide top, flush muzzle crown, full bar stock parts, etc) for $2700 that would cost around $3300 on a wilson CQB compact.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Todd's comparisons are spot on. I did the same before ordering my Dominator. Even had I paid full retail, a like Wilson would have cost more.

The Dominator retail is $2850. A CQB Elite is $2950. The Dominator has a hard chromed frame, adjustable night sights and flush crowned muzzle. All would be extra on the CQB.

I give Wilson the edge on finish. IMO Armour Tuff is more durable than NH's standard finish.

Not a dig against Wilson; I love the two I have and see another in my future.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

I have looked at several of these at a local shop. Very nice pistols, I just have a hard time spending that kind of money on a production gun. I am excited to see all the 100 Year Centennials that all the manufactures will be building in the next several months.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

If I remember correctly a fair amount of the guys at NightHawk used to work at Wilson. There was some kind of disagreement or something years back and a bunch left to form NightHawk.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Yep the guys that started NHC came from wilson, and those two guns feel very similar overall and the quality level is very close. The guys at Cooper came from Kimber, and there's a host of single guy high end shops that worked for similar shops that split off, Volkmann for one off the top of my head. It's not hard to imagine why, if you think you are one of the better craftsman in the country in any industry how long are you going to want to work for someone else for less pay, no recognition, and no real choice in what you build?

Nighthawk's main detractor right now is their base level Perma-Kote coating is worthless, krylon would probably stand up better. For those that really use their handguns it's not a big deal, but at the same time they should be working on something more durable for their standard coating because it's giving them a bad rep. It's a negative for many potential customers when they read/hear that a $2700 handgun comes with coating that isn't in any way durable. They should just do away with the perma-kote, make DB their stock coating and add another $100 to their prices.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Yeah but that is an issue with any high end gun purchase, esp. if that venue is not your shooting focus. I mean it's no easier to find a GAP, TRG, EDM, AI, Perazzi, etc. to test out before spending the money on one.

However, if one is serious I'm sure there are guys with high end 1911's around, just have to find them. I'm sure a post on some of the 1911 forums would reveal guys near Cody with high end toys you could play with.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

C.K.,

Why no front cocking serrations? I think they look cool. As you can tell I have a little bit of experience shooting the 191, but haven't a clue what grip saftey I would want, I was thinking of a strait 8 patern sights, what do you think?

Thanks, Jason
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Actually it depends on what you do with your handgun, front serrations can be good or bad. I wish more companies would offer them as an option on 4-4.25" slides. I don't think they should be standard though, leave them optional.

On the downside they can snag in holsters etc. it's one more series of sharp edges that oppose the draw direction, and if you let your weak hand thumb ride the slide (which is a bad habit anyway) they can chew up the thumb in a hurry.

On the upside, for those that have had to use their 1911 in all conditions including shitty ones they are helpful for press-checks, the same is true if it's really hot and your hands are sweaty. Since most people don't do press checks in the first place, it's not a big deal for most. I'm sure most companies that do put them on their guns do it for the tacti-cool factor.

Yes there are other ways to do press checks, but the other common way tends to put the operators finger over the barrel when they don't pay attention, or when their attention has to be focused elsewhere. I've seen a couple near misses in that respect....I like my fingers. In addition using the front of the slide doesn't work on many guns for press checks, so now you have to learn/remember two ways to press check, simple is better when things go wrong.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

There is no legitimate reason for doing a "press check" anyway. I'd rather see them machine a hole in the barrel so you could see the brass in the chamber than to put serrations on the front of the slide.

I'll never get my way, but if I could, no gun would have front serrations. they promote poor gun handling skills if used, they serve no purpose, and there are downsides, as you stated.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

No legitimate reason? Oh my, how about to start with to ensure that when you dropped the slide it picked a round of the magazine. In the rare case the mag did not seat 100%, or the follower has jammed and the first round is sitting to low to be stripped. Again a very rare failure that doesn't matter on the range and is just embarrassing in a competition but in the real word it can have ugly consequences. It's the same reason they teach press checking rifles in the tactical arena.

The visible slot/hole to see brass is okay if you have enough light to see it, again not always an option for all users. Press checking a handgun does not promote poor gun handle, does not require light when done properly. It's entirely possible to perform a press check using the slide without breaking any rules of safety. Just because people are too stupid to do it the right way isn't the fault of the feature.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

After you drop the slide, you should be pulling the magazine out to top it off anyway. If the round isn't in the chamber, where did it go?

You people watch too many movies.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

That depends on the weapon and mags and if you run the gun max mag capacity +1. In many cases there's good reasons not for topping off the mag.

There are many guns that the mag might hold X rounds but it's not designed to be shoved into the gun with max capacity and a closed slide. If you really have to hammer the full mag to get it to latch that round is shoved up so hard into the slide that it can impede slide function for the first round. I've seen owners have to shove the mag in so hard that both the first and second round in the mag are deformed in the process.

Some 1911 8rd mags are notorious for this, mostly the 8 round flush fit mags, that or they shorten the follower skirt so much reliability is reduced. The better 8rd mags are usually a touch longer than flush fit. For example the 8 round wilson 47's are really tight to shove into most 1911's with the slide down and 8 rounds in them. The new wilson ETM or say tripp mags are better in this respect due to an extra 1/8" or so of mag length.

Glocks are notorious for this as well, I've seen many glocks that if you load them max +1 the slide is twice as hard to cycle for the first round because of the excessive pressure from the mag loaded max.

I've actually never seen anyone do a press check in a movie, maybe you should watch more of them.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

I've shoved more 8 round mags into 1911s at speed than probably anybody you know in USPSA competition. You're right, it's pretty tight in there.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Guys,
I am enlightened! Thank you for all responses. I will be taking a 1911 class this winter when Westcoast Armory has there new 33,000 SQ FT training facility up and running. It will be about 15 minutes away from Seattle. I am sure the instructors there will be able to teach a proper press check. I did order my front cocking serations on my new Nighthawk Custom. I will post a pic or two when it arives. Thanks, Jason
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

Guys,

I ordered up my Nighthawk and I asked about deleting the front cocking serations, and the answer "was, sure for 50.00!"
So I can add that is cheaper to go with, than without!.
Again, thank you for everyone's input. Jason
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

I am a wilson fan, but had the chance to shoot a Volkmann. Wow, this is in the same price range and is a full custom. Check them out! I don't have one, Yet!
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

I own 7 NHCs (just counted - 1xPred I; 1xPred II; 2xDominator; 2 Heine PDP; 1xT3 - all w/ various options). I also own several Wilson's (need to count them). Overall, the NHC is an excellent 1911. If there is a problem with a NHC you send it back to NHC "on their dime" (with Wilson you pay to ship it one way - BUT they give you 2-3 FREE mags, so it =s out in the end - if you need 1911 mags). NHC CS is excellent.

From 3-15 yards you will not see much difference between the weapons in accuracy. However, most of Wilson's (except CQB and Supergrade) are guaranteed for 1-1/2" at 25 yards - most of the NHCs 1". At distances of 50 yards this difference is apparent. The ascetics over all appear to be better on NHC than Wilson and NHC offers a few more options than Wilson (for instance bobtail on Commander size weapons, etc.).

I am preparing to get a Volkman - Luke use to be with Ed Brown. I shot one three weeks ago - 250 rds .... The cosmetics are similar to NHC (except they have less options). The Volkman shot as good as Wilson or NHC at short distance, but at longer distances the NHC and Wilson both mastered it - but that was only one weapon ....

As far as NHC finishes they have more than one. Their standard finish I do not own. However, their Diamond Black and Chrome I do. Diamond Black is a beautiful black colored finish and will out do Wilson's AT finish (one of my Wilson's presently needs to be returned for refinishing ...). Of course, chrome is very durable for all makers. Volkman offers Robar NP3 which promises to be very good as well.

NHC, Wilson, Volkman - you will not be disappointed with any of them IMO. However, I carry a NHC the majority of the time.

Here are a few of mine:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/DocJN/Group1.jpg?t=1258454427
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, most of Wilson's (except CQB and Supergrade) are guaranteed for 1-1/2" at 25 yards - most of the NHCs 1".</div></div>

IIRC all full-size Wilsons are guaranteed one inch at 25 and the sub sizes 1-1/2 inches. Also, I believe at least one sub-sized is guaranteed one inch.

Good looking collection, Doc.
 
Re: Nighthawk Custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, most of Wilson's (except CQB and Supergrade) are guaranteed for 1-1/2" at 25 yards - most of the NHCs 1".</div></div>

IIRC all full-size Wilsons are guaranteed one inch at 25 and the sub sizes 1-1/2 inches. Also, I believe at least one sub-sized is guaranteed one inch.

Good looking collection, Doc. </div></div>You are correct. I only own two full-size Wilsons in the Supergrade and CQB family (the others are their Commander type ... which are at my other resisdence ...) and for some reason was thinking that was the only 5" weapons they made (but they make others). I guess I don't own enough 1911s
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The other 4", etc. weapons as you stated (except the Supergrade Compact) are rated at 1-1/2". NHC Commander type weapons are rated for 1" at 25 yards. This aisde, I still shoot better with the NHC - but not by much...(but still noticeable).