My latest gun build...and a few others

[keithherrington]

Over the past few years I've finally been able to build a series of 1911s that fully fit my needs and my wants. I've posted threads on a few in the past but this one is a bit special to me. I've always been fascinated by the 1911s built between 1919 and 1921, a period best described as one of experimentation, trial and error. The guns shot at the 1919 National Matches are especially interesting in that a lot of work was being done to make the guns more accurate and usable. This build started with a Turnbull WW1 Commerative model that I first sent to Novak's for a NM barrel and their bushing. More than satisfied with the gun's accuracy but less so with a variety of other aspects of its performance and looks, I sent the gun to Nighthawk for further work. My goal was to build an homage to the guns of 1919-1921 before the much famous 1926 National Match came about. I was not a stickler for every detail because some frankly were not very well thought out. For example, while many put in wider front sights and opened the notch of the rear sight to provide a better sight picture, the semi-circular front sight profile was very often maintained. I've used a much more practical dovetail front sight with a serrated semi-patridge profile. The rear sight however is by 10-8 and is very similar in looks to those used by competitors and professional gunmen from that era. One other compromise was the extended thumb safety. I have large hands and can not use the original button thumb safety. So Nighthawk installed one of theirs and then cut back the thumb pad by 1/3rd so it would not scream IPSC. All other changes are either not very noticeable or internal such as trimming the hammer very slightly to eliminate hammer bite, the extended ejector, the tool steel disconnector and sear and oversized disconnector and sear pin by C&S that Novak installed, the 18# ISMI recoil spring, the Harrison Design long trigger, and the Nighthawk recoil spring guide. These parts, combined with Nighthawks superb efforts to build a quality firearm all combine to create a highly refined, accurate and comfortable firearm. It just fits my hand like an old friend. The last feature - on all 10 of my Turnbull two-tone magazines I installed leather bumper pads as have been used for many many decades. When first used is unknown but according to my discussions with Armand Swenson who built me my first custom 1911 they were used extensively by professional gunmen in the 1920s. The grips are Ahrends Makassar Ebony without diamonds, as was the style in the 1919-1926 era, and look very much like the Black Walnut used in the originals. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

 

[loc n load]

Nicely done, in every detail. I am a fan of 1911’s as well, having competed with them in various disciplines since the 70’s. It is nice to see an “old school” purpose driven build, that pays tribute to another era.
Enjoy your new 1911, I am sure it will shoot as well as it looks.

 

[keithherrington]

Some of my other Nighthawk builds

In March 2018 I posted Having Nighthawk Doing Some Custom Work for Me which was the first gun I had Nighthawk help me with. It was not a full build, but they successfully corrected some issues the original gunsmith had problems with, such as a poorly fit Kart Match barrel and bushing.

In total I've had Nighthawk work on 5 of my guns: the retro gun in my original post, the MEUSOC gun at the link above, a Novak built Combat Government Model that they rebarreled for me with one of their match barrels, and two stainless new rollmark Series 70s. The two Series 70s were built for a very specific purpose: to create the "perfect" carry 1911. IMO I more than met my goal.

I sent Nighthawk Custom (NHC) two identical stainless Colt Series 70/Model O 1911 MkIVs, 72BXXXX, both with 5” barrels in 45ACP. Both already had Novak rear sights and dovetail front sights installed by competent gunsmiths (Novak and 10 Ring Precision). I had NHC install stainless match barrels and thick flange match bushings, 18# ISMI recoil springs, Novak wide-notch LoMount rear sight with Novak gold bead front, and 25 lpi checkering on the front strap and main spring housing. They beveled both magazine wells and did a subtle carry bevel package as well. Along with the two Colt Series 70s, I supplied NHC with the following parts: Ed Brown checkered mainspring housings; Cylinder and Slide (C&S) MARSOC hammer/disconnector/sear kits, C&S oversized hammer and sear pins; NHC thumb safeties; Ed Brown Machined Memory Groove Beavertail Grip Safeties and recoil spring guides; Harrison Design hammer struts and triggers; Wilson Combat Bullet Proof extractors; 10-8 Performance slide stops; EGW firing pin stops; and Challis Hex Drive Grip Screw Bushings. Based on my experience and research with top gunsmiths like Jim Garthwaite, these are the finest parts you can use when building a custom 1911. While these two guns are focused more on “Go” than “Show” I did ask NHC to do two subtle upgrades - flat top the checkering on the front strap and MSH, and black nitride the entire gun. Normal checkering is famous for destroying the lining of garments used for concealment. Flat topping the checkering eliminates this problem, while also providing an uncompromisingly good non-slip surface when gripping the gun. Using Black Nitride over stainless also provides a low-signature look combined with extreme durability. I know this design will not everyone's needs or desires for a 1911, but I made a point of not including items that just did not add to the guns performance or function, items such as: French borders on the slide, serrating the front, top and back of the slide, and a square and checkered trigger guard. While nice to look at, I just could not justify spending money on a duty gun for nothing more than dress up. IMHO spending money on these items just helps justify never carrying the gun for fear of it being damaged or worse, lost. I'd love to know your opinions of the build.

 

[Usmc5811]

Beautiful 1911’s you have there, thanks for sharing.

 

[keithherrington]

Here's my Novak that Nighthawk Custom rebarreled

This is my 1911 Colt Combat Government Series 70 (originally built in 1983 in very limited numbers) that Novak's customized in 2008, 70B425XX. It now has a 5” Nighthawk Custom match barrel/bushing/link in 45ACP. Originally, all Novak's did to improve accuracy was put a match bushing on the factory barrel. I was never a fan of that approach since accuracy was at best marginal and a properly installed match barrel is every bit as reliable as the factory barrel. However, the rest of the gun is first rate all the way, typical of a Novak Custom. It has Birdsong's Black-T finish, VZ grips, an 18# ISMI recoil spring, Novak's tool steel Commander hammer/sear/disconnector, Wilson beavertail grip safety, beveled magazine well, long trigger and serrations front and back. The serrations were factory on the Combat Government. While at Nighthawk Custom for the barrel work I also had them install a tritium front sight and one of their strong side thumb safeties, which of all safeties on the market today fit my hand the best. This is purely a working gun. Everything I need and nothing I don't. As soon as my order arrives from Ahrends I'm replacing the VZ grips with another set of their Classic Combats in checkered Makassar Ebony.