Nighthawk Custom
The 1911 is such an iconic firearm that it can be hard to understand how the former standard-issue military pistol could cost someone a few months’ rent. But the devil is in the details, and Nighthawk Custom is extremely focused on mastering all the details.
Back in 2004, several gunsmiths broke off from Wilson Combat to forge a new firearms company. With a passion for the 1911 platform, the group of gunsmiths would focus on mastering the ultimate American handgun.
Related: Wilson Combat vs Nighthawk Custom – Different Approaches for Same Great Results
With a factory in Arkansas, Nighthawk has spent 20 years developing a line of handguns with an impressive track record. The Nighthawk gunsmiths toil over every minor detail of the John Moses Browning platform to make sure the handgun exhibits tight tolerances and premium performance.
However, that is not the only characteristic that sets the company apart from its competitors.
Nighthawk also has a flair for the dramatic, as many of the firearms incorporate rare and custom grips, beautifully detailed engravings, and precious metals incorporated into the makeup of the handgun. The question remains, are all these upgrades worth it? Let’s break down a few premium models to better understand their value.
The Shadow Hawk
The Nighthawk Custom Shadow Hawk is a versatile 1911 platform focused on crisp and precise performance. This blacked-out 1911 features stainless accents that give it the shadow aesthetic.
This competition-focused 1911 is chambered in 9mm, reducing recoil and decreasing time between shots. The grips feature an aggressive textured stipple, making it easy to maintain a positive control in any environment.
With an optic-cut slide, targets can be quickly acquired through fast shooting sequences. The blacked-out iron sights are co-witnessed with the mounted Trijicon RMR red dot. The slide also features front serrations for easy press checks or forward charging.
Setting aside the accessories and accents, the most impressive part of this handgun remains the craftsmanship. With such attention to detail, there is absolutely no play or wobble in any of the parts. The flat-faced trigger is light, and the reset is very short. The barrel sits tightly in the slide, with no slop or play. All these details add up to an accurate platform that feels like a dream to shoot.
Related: Nighthawk Goes Long with Shadow Hawk Long Slide
Pretty Performance with the Custom VIP
On a more classic side, the Custom VIP is a .45 ACP-chambered 1911 that showcases an artisan touch. The VIP is as much a piece of art as it is a functional handgun. Designed to be an heirloom piece, it can be handed down for generations with a great sense of pride in its construction.
Acid-etched by master engravers, the beautiful scroll work accents the antiqued nickel finish. The blacked-out rear sight is paired with a 14-karat gold front sight bead, making it easy to line up when shooting.
As if all of that were not enough, the grips are the real attention-grabber. Made from fossilized mastodon bone, the grips are older than even the basic concept of a firearm. Colored by the elements in the rock and soil around the bone, the blue reflects ancient earth history.
However, don’t forget that this is still a Nighthawk Custom handgun. Beauty and craftsmanship aside, this is a precision tool built to perform. Chambered in the classic 1911 cartridge, this firearm boasts the same tight tolerances and accuracy potential as any other handcrafted model coming from the Arkansas plant.
The Turnbull VIP 2
In an even more classic setting, the Turnbull VIP 2 is another finely crafted piece of art. Named after 1911 antique firearm expert Doug Turnbull, this model features a case-hardened frame and charcoal blued slide.
The Turnbull VIP 2 features the same blacked-out rear sights with a 14-karat gold front sight. The handgun is also chambered in .45 ACP and retains the classic 1911 look. The grips are similar to the mammoth grips used in the first VIP, just with a more natural bone color.
As with all the Nighthawks, the company’s pride lies more in the performance than the fancy work put into accenting the design. All things considered, the Nighthawk custom handgun looks and performs at the highest level.
Closing Thoughts
Much like a college football player rocking a 4.0 GPA, these handguns can’t be judged solely off appearance, but rather in performance. Each gunsmith has spent years mastering the platform and craft, dedicating a lot of time and effort to ensure every Nighthawk is built to the highest standard.
Now, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and it may not be the type of model that you want to carry or keep by your bedside. But with a better understanding of the work and artistry behind each one of these handguns, you can better appreciate the craftsmanship of a 1911 with a steep price tag.
