Nighthawk Custom 1911's Comments Please

[Narragansett]

I am still considering a higher grade 1911 5" for use at the range, and pride of ownership.

How do the Nighthawk models weigh in against the Baers, Wilsons, Browns ?

There is a LGS one town over, that has several of them, and for a while I believe. There may be a deal to be had?

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Don't own one , but have shot a couple . To me it's hard thinking of buying one after shooting either of my 845's or my first run 945 . Although if you can get one at a decent price you can live with , jump on it . I don't think you'll be disappointed . Maybe ask around your range and see if someone will let you shoot theirs . Gun people are almost always ready to let another shoot their piece just to see the smile on their face .

 

[bc1023]

They’re great

In fact, I have 6th that I need to pick up.

 

[jeffrefrig]

bc1033, do you like .45s?

 

[45Smashemflat]

FWIW, about 15 years ago I decided I wanted a custom 1911. Nighthawk had only recently started up shop just a ways down the road from Wilson. I had a general idea of what I wanted built and reached out to Wilson, Nighthawk, Les Bear, and Ed Brown via email asking about their ordering process and giving them an idea of what I wanted. Nighthawk was to only company to reply and also followed up with a phone call. I placed my order with them, and then ended up with an additional 2-3 calls from them asking questions and validating details. They ended up missing their promise date by about 2 weeks. I was impressed with their follow up and overall customer service. I’ve been very happy with my pistol.

 

[dusty3030]

I’ve got 2 and no complaints, love them both. One is 100% their build a .38 Super commander. The other is a stainless Colt 45 commander I purchased new and had them do the full Monty to.
The 38 Super is smoked nitride - it’s supposed to look a little worn I wanted it that way. It’s a fully stainless gun.

 

[M29since14]

Everyone you mention is more into “packages” now. Buy it THEIR way.

I have no experience with Nighthawks but have seen several. If you like the styling of their pistols, I’m sure you’d be happy. Wilson has gone that direction, too. The new Wilson Super Grades are nothing to look at compared to the old ones. (MHO) They probably still shoot just as well. Baers are just Baers. What can you say about them? Likewise Ed Browns.

My taste in 1911s tends to be very traditional. If I wanted a nice .45, I’d have someone build it exactly like I wanted it. Snooping around for a good 1911 man shouldn’t be that hard. It won’t be cheaper, necessarily, but you’ll get what you want - not someone else’s idea of what they think you should want. If you are dead set on buying one of those brands you mention, my preference would be Wilson. (Again, JMHO.) Good luck!

 

[45Smashemflat]

Can’t speak to current practice, but my experience with Nighthawk was their packages were a starting point/price point. I started with one then added/subtracted what changes I desired based on discussion and eventual written details. Sure, you can ask for “model X,” but at least back then they were willing to build a “model X” with an added magwell, ambi safety, etc etc.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Oh, I’m not sure if Harrison Design is still taking orders, but he is a great custom smith here in Ga.

Harrison Design & Consulting, LLC. Getting Started

 

[Kansasgunner]

I bought my Nighthawk almost two years ago. Their custom work on a new Colt Government model. I have never regretted the decision to spring for this gun. The only thing I have changed was adding a custom made set of giraffe bone grips.

 

[Old_Cop]

Nighthawk is a wonderful gun. I have two a Hinnie six inch and a standard model. Both are .45 models. The triggers are perfect and the fit and finish of the guns are right on. I have an Executive Elite, a DW Valor and a Les Baer too.

 

[jaydoc]

Baers are good guns but more utilitarian. Nighthawk is a little more refined and will let you customize more than the others you mentioned. I would add Guncrafter Industries to your list as well. If I were to be buying another 1911, I’d go with Nighthawk or GI.

 

[hdfinder47]

I currently own 3 Wilsons, 2 Guncrafters and 4 Nighthawks, all in 45ACP. I honestly can't tell any difference in quality among those brands - they all function perfectly. Do they shoot thousands of dollars better than a RIA or Tisas? Probably not in my hands but they are a pleasure to own.
If you can get one at a decent price (or you can afford it at regular price) grab it and enjoy.
Ed

 

[03hemi]

I am still considering a higher grade 1911 5" for use at the range, and pride of ownership.

How do the Nighthawk models weigh in against the Baers, Wilsons, Browns ?

There is a LGS one town over, that has several of them, and for a while I believe. There may be a deal to be had?

Baers, Wilsons and Browns are all top tier carrying guns along with Alchemy Custom, a Nighthawk is too with bragging rights.

 

[jakerudy]

I have 2 Nighthawks both purchased used and they are all I want in a 1911. Also have a couple of Dan Wessons which are very solid guns but are not on the same level as a Nighthawk. I like the DWs but would let them go long before one of the Nighthawks.

 

[bc1023]

Baers, Wilsons and Browns are all top tier carrying guns along with Alchemy Custom, a Nighthawk is too with bragging rights.

Great taste. All great high end manufacturers

 

[bc1023]

bc1033, do you like .45s?

I do, but there’s only one 45 among those Nighthawks.

 

[w.r.gun]

I worked in a large gun shop and we sold over 100 Les Baers .we never had a single issue with a single one,ever!