[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anyone heard of Nighthawk Custom? (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 3/26/2009 8:27:43 PM EDT
| I was interested in buying a Springfield Armory TRP, but my local gun shop told me it would be 6 months until they could get one in. They tried to push a Nighthawk Custom GRP Recon on me. They also had an Nighthawk Enforcer I've never heard of them, are they in line with a TRP at all? |
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Nighthawk makes really nice 1911s. Fit and finish is fantastic. My friend owns one and it really well made. Not sure about the function, etc. But I would have to believe that pistol exceeds the Springfield.
Not sure if either one is really worth the money, but that is for you to decide. |
918v hates everything that isn't Springfield Custom Shop. 
When Nighthawks are good, they are very good. When they sometimes suck, there are reliable stories of customer service problems. The GRP is the Vickers Tactical pistol minus Larry's name since their short term relationship came to an end. Should you be committed to the Springfield brand, if you're a relatively low round count shooter that you don't need to go 50,000 rounds between parts swaps, can fix something if a MIM part breaks, don't need a one-hole at 25 yards guarantee, and want to save some money, a lot of us like Springfield's more modest Operators like the MC. |
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Nighthawk = Lot's of Hype and low quality.
I've now handled 4 NHs. All 4 had slide to frame fit-ups that make a Springfield GI seem tight. Thats pathetic for a 2K plus gun. Even "Gun Tests" (consumer reports of the gun world) gives them the big Thumbs down saying the quality is Very Poor for a custom gun. Buy yourself a Les Baer or Wilson and save yourself the disappointment. I've yet to find anything fitted as well as a Les Baer. |
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I must have gotten lucky because my Nighthawk puts everything else I've handled to shame. It is dead on accurate without being overly tight like the Les Baer's I've handled. Nighthawk's guarantee is something like 1" @ 25yds and the test target that shipped sure shows that. My own experience with it has shown it to be dead on accurate, even at that range.
The fitting is perfect. It's not as tight as a Springfield, but it doesn't need to be. Racking the slide is, quite literally, as if it were on ball bearings. Compared to my Springfield Custom shop fitted match barrel/bushing on my other 1911, my Nighthawk puts it to shame. The entire barrel is fitted smoothly and perfectly with the bushing. The Springfield fitted barrel has an extremely tight fit at the front and is fairly loose past that. You can tell just by looking at the wear points due to the bushing/barrel contact just how much better fitted it is. Having said that, I have heard of some guns coming out that aren't up to the standard I'd expect from them. Cosmetic issues, however, are where I hear the most problems and this is where their customer service will not be able to do much to help. If you really care about cosmetics, then pick one up at a dealer. My Nighthawk is based on the Enforcer, but I made various changes to it. I wasn't going to fork over that much money on something that expensive and it not be exactly what I wanted. However, issues of accuracy and reliability, Nighthawk's customer service will take care of it quickly. I had one issue with my pistol that I would not expect them to have caught (without spending more time checking random crap and thus increase the price) and that was an occasional follow to half-cock when dropping the slide on a mag with only 1 aluminum snap cap. There were no problems at the range in 300 rounds. Sent it to them with the mag and snap cap, came back perfect and at no cost to me. It hasn't had a single issue since. Not one FTF, FTE, nothing. I've stuck every brand of ammo I could find through it and still haven't had an issue. |
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918v hates everything that isn't Springfield Custom Shop.
When Nighthawks are good, they are very good. When they sometimes suck, there are reliable stories of customer service problems. The GRP is the Vickers Tactical pistol minus Larry's name since their short term relationship came to an end. Should you be committed to the Springfield brand, if you're a relatively low round count shooter that you don't need to go 50,000 rounds between parts swaps, can fix something if a MIM part breaks, don't need a one-hole at 25 yards guarantee, and want to save some money, a lot of us like Springfield's more modest Operators like the MC. The Enforcer is the Vickers Tactical without the Larry Vickers name on it. The GRP is Nighthawk's no flash pistol. The Enforcer is based on Caspian's frame with integral plunger tube and integral mag well. The GRP uses a Nighthawk forged frame and I don't believe it has a mag well. There are differences in what sort of checkering they do (top of slide, rear of slide, etc) and that sort of thing. Outside of that, they're essentially the same. However, Nighthawk is a custom shop that makes a line of standard pistols. If you order a GRP, you can have them put whatever you want on it. |
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918v hates everything that isn't Springfield Custom Shop.
When Nighthawks are good, they are very good. When they sometimes suck, there are reliable stories of customer service problems. The GRP is the Vickers Tactical pistol minus Larry's name since their short term relationship came to an end. Should you be committed to the Springfield brand, if you're a relatively low round count shooter that you don't need to go 50,000 rounds between parts swaps, can fix something if a MIM part breaks, don't need a one-hole at 25 yards guarantee, and want to save some money, a lot of us like Springfield's more modest Operators like the MC. I agree with everything you say except for the Vickers Tactical part. That pistol is now The Enforcer. The difference being the frame of The Enforcer has a couple of the parts, I believe the ejector and the pluger tube, integrated rather than staked in. The Enforcer also has that sweet looking beveled crown flush with the bushing and an integrated magwell. I'd rather have a staked ejector, but that's just my opinion. They're probably asking around $2000 for a used GRP, vs the $1000 or so you could get a new MC Operator for. As much as I'd like to own a Nighthawk or a Wilson, the MC Operator is what I'm after now. It's a great all around pistol that can out shoot my ability. But if money is no object, by all means check over the GRP and buy with confidence. ETA: doh, Elbeeo beat me to it. |
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I have one of the new Enforcers. NH let me build it with a bull barrel, no FCS and in Diamon Black with G10 grips. NH had it in my hands in less than 11 weeks. The 1911 came perfect and is a tack driver, hands down the best 1911 I've ever handled/shot.
My next 1911 will either be a Springfield or Ron Phillips full custom but thats a ways off, I'm enjoying my NH too much right now. No malfuctions at all. |
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Eyeball the gun for any possible cosmetic defects and if you find none snatch that puppy up.  This. I'd have to personally handle a nighthawk before I bought it. And the CS is so-so, just ask WilsonCQB1911, they hung him out to dry. IMO, I don't think you get $2-3k worth of gun with a nighthawk, I believe there's better had elsewhere. |
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Is this your pistol? What did they say when you contacted them? I'm curious because my Nighthawk Talon is amazing. I also contacted them several times before I spent my hard earned money and was impressed with what they said, but I haven't needed to send my pistol in.
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Yes they have. Just check over your pistol very carefully. http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/tharmsen/Forums/guns/Failures/NHC_marked_up.jpg. |
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Yes they have. Just check over your pistol very carefully. http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/tharmsen/Forums/guns/Failures/NHC_marked_up.jpg. Wow! |
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Yes they have. Just check over your pistol very carefully. http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/tharmsen/Forums/guns/Failures/NHC_marked_up.jpg. Wow, I would have sent that back. |
| I've owed a Nighthawk GRP Recon for over a year. Fit and finish is nicer than any Springfield I've handled. No issues in regard to guns performance. Every company including Springfield, can put out an occasional lemon. Humans make mistakes. Nighthawk makes a gun as nice as any other semi-custom gun. Some of the guys on here like to bash companies without reasonable justification. Any of the high-end, semi-custom guns are very good guns. Get what floats your boat! |
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Yes they have. Just check over your pistol very carefully. http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/tharmsen/Forums/guns/Failures/NHC_marked_up.jpg. Stuff like that is why Gun Tests gave them a "Do Not Buy". I've played with 4 of them since December, all 4 for them had horrible slide to frame fit-ups. Cheap non-custom pistols are fit far better in my opinion. It's sad really. |
| I have been very happy with my NHC GRP. I got an early gun (<1000 s/n) and it doesn't have any QC issues, shoots well and is one of my favorite 1911s in the safe. With that being said, I would be hesitant buying another NHC given the relative frequency of complaints. In addition my my GRP, I also have a WC CQB and have heard very few (if any) critical feedback about WC QC and customer service. |
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I would like to see more pictures of the gun posted by FAC. While I am not a gunsmith or even very knowledgable about them, I do have a passion for nice things and own more guns than anyone should be allowed. I pulled out a pile of 1911s last night and none of them, even a Rock Island Phillipino gun was even close to that. I own a full size NH Talon that is as tight as my Ed Brown but not as pretty. It shoots as well and does not dissapoint. My best shooter seems to be a Series 70 that has been worked over by numerous "gunsmiths" over the years and is loose by your guys standards. Just shoots well. My Kimbers are all OK but some are better than others. To me, Nighthawk makes an excellent product.
To my point...I would like to see more pictures of the FAC gun. I don't blame Safeway for my wifes home cooking gone bad and I sure Don't hold the cow to blame. That gun looks wrong. I would like to know "the rest of the story". |
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Nighthawk generally turns out a very nice semi custom 1911, however they've had some growing pains and put out some turkey's as well. Yes they have. Just check over your pistol very carefully. http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/tharmsen/Forums/guns/Failures/NHC_marked_up.jpg. Is that yours? What is the story behind it? I'm a little bit skeptical. It looks used. Anyway, I have an early (low 100 serial #) Talon. I only had one issue that required MINOR service. NH took care of it quickly and did a great job. Otherwise, it has been flawless. 
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The TRP is a fine pistol with some hand fitting not done on their normal production models. The TRP costs about half of what most semi-custom pistols do so it is not a fair comparison. Semi-customs receive extensive hand fitting which is why they cost so much more. The only Springfield model on par with the Niighthawks is the Springfield Pro (the same pistols used by the FBI). I have never handled a Pro since they are often hard to come by but from what everyone says here and on M1911.org they are perhaps the best semi-custom pistol available.
I own a T3 and Talon both finished in Diamond black. They are both fine pistols and are very accurate even in my unskilled hands. The fit and finish are impeccable. Every time I have dealt with Nigthawk I have been pleased with their responsiveness. . |
Assembly finished 1/30/09
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The pistol isn't mine, the image is from the 1911forums. The guy that got it is ironically a gun writer. He originally gave it an OK review and posted pics. The forum went nuts with this, and other pics, asking WTF. He was actually given the run-around by Nighthawk for a while until they found out about the thread on the 1911forums and the fact he was a writer.
I don't think they all look like this, but this is one example of their mistakes. This shocked me as I can't NOT believe a custom shop would let this out the door. I hope someone lost their job. |
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The pistol isn't mine, the image is from the 1911forums. The guy that got it is ironically a gun writer. He originally gave it an OK review and posted pics. The forum went nuts with this, and other pics, asking WTF. He was actually given the run-around by Nighthawk for a while until they found out about the thread on the 1911forums and the fact he was a writer. I don't think they all look like this, but this is one example of their mistakes. This shocked me as I can't NOT believe a custom shop would let this out the door. I hope someone lost their job. Some food for thought on nighthawk. Nexifer's gun from another 1911 forum: 
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=58784&page=1&pp=10&highlight=dominator+frame That frame went through a human being's hands, and ended up being delivered like that? They either saw it and didn't care, or they didn't catch it. 
This BS is flat out unacceptable in the high end 1911 market. |
| Got a NH Talon and love it. In fact, I chose it over a couple other Wilson's that were in the case because it felt better in my hand. I can not be happier with it. You will find that no matter what there will be detractors to every style and manufacturer of pistol. I owned a TRP and have nothing but good to say about it too. About the only 1911 full size I had a problem with was a Les Baer. |
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The pistol isn't mine, the image is from the 1911forums. The guy that got it is ironically a gun writer. He originally gave it an OK review and posted pics. The forum went nuts with this, and other pics, asking WTF. He was actually given the run-around by Nighthawk for a while until they found out about the thread on the 1911forums and the fact he was a writer. I don't think they all look like this, but this is one example of their mistakes. This shocked me as I can't NOT believe a custom shop would let this out the door. I hope someone lost their job. Some food for thought on nighthawk. Nexifer's gun from another 1911 forum: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/Singlestack_Wonder/Nighthawkframe.jpg http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=58784&page=1&pp=10&highlight=dominator+frame That frame went through a human being's hands, and ended up being delivered like that? They either saw it and didn't care, or they didn't catch it.
This BS is flat out unacceptable in the high end 1911 market. From the same thread... As posted by Nefixer... I will say that NH is very concerned about this. I will also say that I initially typed in the word "completely" before the word satisfied, then after some thought removed it. The bottom line is that the gun will remain as is. I view it as a well crafted tool that functions perfectly. After going through a somewhat similar episode with a Wilson that was never resolved and left me with a poorly functioning weapon after three tries at the Wilson factory, I decided that I can be satisfied with what I have now (a perfectly functioning 1911) and with what NH has offered me in compensation. I think to have been "completely" satisfied, the frame would have had to be replaced and the pistol completely refitted. I don't think that was being offered as an option. That would have made me "perfectly" satisfied. Larry has been forthright in one of his posts regarding "perfection": "I can say that we do not build perfection, no one does and no one can possibly build the perfect cosmetic weapon that functions perfect, we strive for excellence and we do build the most reliable, dependable and accurate custom built 1911 on the market within the capabilities of man, man makes errors and things do happen outside of our control so I will not promise perfection, it cannot be done." So I can honestly and fairly state that I am satisfied, but not to the level of being "perfectly" or "completely" satisfied. Maybe I should add that I am a retired surgeon and perfection is indeed a difficult if not impossible goal! But perhaps I do tend to raise the bar to a higher level for that reason. That being said, these marks are for all intents and purposes, unseen unless the gun is stripped. They have no effect on function, structural integrity or long term reliability. I can live with it. I think NH has shown genuine concern and they are making an effort to change their machining process to prevent this type of blemish. To be fair, I didn't even see these marks for over one year and even then, until it was detail stripped where my eyes were drawn to the inside area of the frame. I have seen machine marks on the internals of other expensive products, cars, furniture etc. I suppose they shouldn't be there, but life goes on and I am still thrilled with my Dominator... Everyone will turn out some turds from time to time. I remember a few years ago there was a huge flap regarding Wilson over on Pissysmith.com that resulted in bans and overall sandy vaginas. Everyone likes to bash companies, it's the ARFCOM way. That being said, I love my NH. It's a very early one though, and I must admit I'm concerned about some of the reports that have been showing up of late. |
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The pistol isn't mine, the image is from the 1911forums. The guy that got it is ironically a gun writer. He originally gave it an OK review and posted pics. The forum went nuts with this, and other pics, asking WTF. He was actually given the run-around by Nighthawk for a while until they found out about the thread on the 1911forums and the fact he was a writer. I don't think they all look like this, but this is one example of their mistakes. This shocked me as I can't NOT believe a custom shop would let this out the door. I hope someone lost their job. Some food for thought on nighthawk. Nexifer's gun from another 1911 forum: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/Singlestack_Wonder/Nighthawkframe.jpg http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=58784&page=1&pp=10&highlight=dominator+frame That frame went through a human being's hands, and ended up being delivered like that? They either saw it and didn't care, or they didn't catch it.
This BS is flat out unacceptable in the high end 1911 market. I purchased an Ed Brown Kobra carry with bad milling marks on the inside like that. They fixed it for me, but I could not fathom how it passed QC! |
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My two Nighthawks, Vickers Tactical & Talon II Bobtail, are WONDERFUL! I have owned Colts, S.A.s, a Wilson Combat built S.A. and a Wilson Combat CQB and have sold everything but the Nighthawks. I will always keep my Nighthawks as I am 52 years old and i feel like the quality is so good that they will last the rest of my life no matter how much I shoot them. I feel like all the semi custom manufacturers make excellent weapons and sometimes all of them will turn out a flawed weapon . I don`t understand why AR15.com seems to always bash Nighthawk, one fellow who probably doesn`t own a Nighthawk says he`s handled four and all four have loose slide to frame fit, that I doubt because I have handled about 25 or 30 Nighthawks and never felt a brand new one with loose slide to frame fit.
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I really have no dog in this hunt but I hate internet guys who spread half truths with no basis. When I asked for more pictures and corresponding story and support for what was being stated as fact and implied that harm was somehow done to someone, they returned with the always popular "It is not my gun but was posted on another forum" response. In other words, you have never seen it or know how many people may have butchered it before that picture was taken. I don't know that to be the case. In fact, I have no idea if it even is a NH. On that other forum, the owner states that he is happy with the resolution from NH even though he doesn't say what that was. I don't know about you guys, but I can't imagine buying that gun new in that condition. I don't think it happened. If it did, then the buyer was a tard.
Lets try to state facts here. Like "I prefer series one Kimbers to series two because of the safety. Some people say the quality was better also and I kind of like the prestige of owning a gun that some think is better". I understand that and choose to agree with that statement. "I wouldn't buy a new series 70 colt because I heard a friend saw a front site fall off on youtube during an actual gunfight in San Salvador that cost 13 DEA agents their families back home" doesn't help me very much. |
| 918v......I know it is not out of the Springfield custom shop and you have posted this complaint before. Whats wrong with the checkering? There is the checkering. has a border around it (normal), and the lighting is a lil dark to show off all the checkering points. Plus the photo detail is lacking (a little blurry detail, company name and serial # not visible). I think some folks are pulling at strings. |
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http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c85/Taffnevy/nighthawk.jpg Here's another example. I hope you don't need an explanation. To be fair, I have seen the same thing on SVI guns. So is that your pistol? Or another internet pic? After assembly I thought they were stripped then had the finish applied, then re-assembled.. How could the ass end look like that? Looks like someone attacked it with a blunt object and chipped everything off  . Smells Fishy to Me
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I've had at one time or another 4 or 5 different Nighthawks
Talon II bobtail GRP bobtail 10-8 (with I still had that one) Talon full size with magwell GRP Recon none of them every had any fitment problems, machine marks, finish issues, no problems at all. I had the GRP sent back to have ambis installed. There was a mix up and it took 6 weeks to get the gun back. it was also double the price I was quoted. Before the shop had a chance to check on it, I posted one post about the mix up on a 1911 board. Nothing terrible, just expressing some frustration. The next day someone from Nighthawk was on the phone with the stop telling them to make it right no matter what. They comp'ed the entire bill, shipping and all. check out the Nighthawk, if you like it and can afford it, buy it. It will serve you very well. |
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http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c85/Taffnevy/nighthawk.jpg Here's another example. I hope you don't need an explanation. To be fair, I have seen the same thing on SVI guns. So is that your pistol? Or another internet pic? After assembly I thought they were stripped then had the finish applied, then re-assembled.. How could the ass end look like that? Looks like someone attacked it with a blunt object and chipped everything off . Smells Fishy to MeIt is not mine. I'm not talking about the finish. I'm talking about the right frame rail. See the huge gap? WTF? Here's the source: Source |
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http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c85/Taffnevy/nighthawk.jpg Here's another example. I hope you don't need an explanation. To be fair, I have seen the same thing on SVI guns. So is that your pistol? Or another internet pic? After assembly I thought they were stripped then had the finish applied, then re-assembled.. How could the ass end look like that? Looks like someone attacked it with a blunt object and chipped everything off . Smells Fishy to MeIt is not mine. I'm not talking about the finish. I'm talking about the right frame rail. See the huge gap? WTF? Here's the source: Source Oh yes I see it, I'm just saying the whole thing looks iffy... Looks pieced together ...
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http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c85/Taffnevy/nighthawk.jpg Here's another example. I hope you don't need an explanation. To be fair, I have seen the same thing on SVI guns. So is that your pistol? Or another internet pic? After assembly I thought they were stripped then had the finish applied, then re-assembled.. How could the ass end look like that? Looks like someone attacked it with a blunt object and chipped everything off . Smells Fishy to MeIt is not mine. I'm not talking about the finish. I'm talking about the right frame rail. See the huge gap? WTF? Here's the source: Source Oh yes I see it, I'm just saying the whole thing looks iffy... Looks pieced together ... I believe it based what I have seen at the store. I'm not saying that every NH is like this one, but that you should not buy them online. You should handle before you buy. |
| If you have any questions or concerns, just go right to the source and they willl help you. You can talk directly to other Nighthawk owners on a 1911 dedicated forum with a specific Nighthawk dedicated section, they also have company reps there to help with any questions or problems............. http://forum.m1911.org/ |
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http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c85/Taffnevy/nighthawk.jpg Here's another example. I hope you don't need an explanation. To be fair, I have seen the same thing on SVI guns. Yeah, I've seen that many times and it's as fucked up as a football bat. HOWEVER, whenever a Nighthawk thread turns into a Nighthawk-bashing thread, and these pics inevitably get posted, people always conveniently forget to mention that Nighthawk replaced the guys pistol. |