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By Brett Klein

Ever since John Moses Browning graced us with the 1911 pistol design over a century ago, countless manufacturers have been smitten, trying their darndest to perfect a design that is much like the Queen of England was – it just won’t change. Now, cue the entrance of Nighthawk Custom. They’ve made a name for themselves with an almost stubborn commitment to their “One Gun, One Gunsmith” philosophy. This approach ensures that each firearm they produce is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece — every meticulous stroke and adjustment crafted by a single maestro from start to finish.

Say hello to the President, a big cheese in Nighthawk’s “Boardroom Series.” rubbing shoulders with other top brass like the Chairman, Vice President, Treasurer and BDS9. So, without further ado, let’s get our hands dirty and dissect this beast.

Features and Design

The Nighthawk President features a forged government size frame, paired with a 5” match grade barrel. Chambered in either .45 ACP or 9mm and coming in around 38.2 ounces on the scales, the President is 5.75” in height and 1.25” in width. The 9mm variant comes with a 10-round capacity and the .45 ACP packs 8 rounds.

The President touts custom Nighthawk sights including a fully adjustable solid black rear sight with a Heinie ledge and a 14k solid gold front bead. The pistol has an optional IOS (Interchangeable Optic System) standard which allows you to add a RMR red dot sight if you choose. 

Shown here is the optional IOS and Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable Sight

Visually, the President is like the George Clooney of pistols; stylish, solid, and undeniably captivating. At first glance, your eyes are drawn to the unique Railscale G10 grips, and then to the gold titanium nitrided barrel that peeks through the ejection port and heavy angle lightening cuts on the slide. This is a piece that doesn’t scream quality, it serenades you with it.

The black DLC finish gives the pistol a sleek, professional look, exuding a sense of power and purpose. The construction of the frame and slide is solid, with a quality feel that’s immediately noticeable when you handle the pistol. The 25 lines-per-inch checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing ensures a firm grip, even in wet conditions, and adds to the overall allure of an already alluring firearm.

Other notable features include hand beveled edges, a tuned and polished extractor, a one-piece mainspring housing/magwell, and an ultra hi-cut front strap.

The pistol is also completely dehorned for comfortable carry and a very smooth draw.

Range Impressions

Let’s be clear, the President isn’t just a pretty face. Its performance is every bit as exceptional as its looks. This handgun is a dream to shoot. Imagine a professional salsa dancer who can also solve quantum physics problems – equally impressive in both form and function.

The solid stainless-steel construction lends the gun a very reassuring heft (38.2 oz.), and makes the recoil is abnormally manageable, especially when shooting 9mm as tested here. There’s very little muzzle rise. The materials and fitting are designed to ensure the President’s dependability, demonstrating an action that’s both taut and fluid. It cycled flawlessly right out of the box.

After cruising through my first magazine, I found myself grinning wider than a kid on Christmas. Nighthawk’s custom tri-cavity trigger, set to around 3.5 pounds, delivers a smooth, crisp pull and ultra-clean break, turning every shot into a gratifying experience. 

I expected the pistol to be precise. You don’t invest this much in a handgun otherwise. But once again was floored by the performance and the groups I achieved at the 15-yard range. My average five-shot groups consistently printed 1” or less with factory (non-match 115 GR-FMJ) ammunition using only iron sights.

Nighthawk guarantees one-inch groups at 25 yards for every pistol they make. That’s not just a promise, it’s a guarantee. My President lived up that right out of the box.

Final Thoughts

Yes, the President’s point will cause your wallet break out in cold sweat. Even for someone shopping for a custom grade 1911, the President’s base price of $4,599 is an eye-popper compared to other flagship models offered by prestigious brands such as Wilson Combat, Dan Wesson, Les Baer, and Staccato. Add a couple of custom options and you can easily jump into the mid $5,000 range. 

But that said, you won’t regret the expenditure. It’s important to remember, with Nighthawk Custom, you’re not just getting a firearm, you’re investing in an heirloom. A piece of ballistic art. These handguns are more than just tools. They’re treasure chests of fine craftsmanship that will be handed down to future generations.

So when it comes to the Nighthawk President, the decision isn’t so much whether to invest, but rather, whether you’re willing to endure the regret of passing on the chance to own one of these exquisitely crafted beauties.

Specifications: Nighthawk Custom President 9mm Pistol

Caliber: 9mm or 45 ACP (9mm Tested)
Action: Single Action Only (SAO)
Capacity: 9mm: 10-Rounds / 45 ACP: 8-Rounds
Barrel: 5” Match Grade (Crowned Flush with Bushing)
Sights: Rear: Heinie Black Ledge / Front: Gold Bead / IOS Optional
Height: 5.75”
Pistol Width: 1.25”
Overall Length: 8.58”
Weight (Empty): 38.2 OZ
MSRP: $4,599 (tested Price: $5099)

Ratings (out of five stars):

Aesthetics * * * * *
The pistol is a beautiful piece of art and in my opinion one of the best-looking pistols on the market. The railscale grips combined with the gold titanium barrel and slide cuts bring a classy sophistication with a tactical flare.

Accuracy * * * * *
As expected, the accuracy of the President is exceptional. I consider myself a better than average shooter, yet feel that I’m incapable of truly pushing the complete capabilities of the pistol. Nighthawk guarantees 1” groups at 25 yards for every pistol they produce. Many manufactures make claims, but not guarantees. That demonstrates the confidence Nighthawk has with every pistol they make. Each pistol that leaves the factory is supplied with the original test target showing achieved accuracy groups.

Reliability * * * * *
I fired over 500 rounds in my test without a single stoppage. We have no long-term data to contribute but one can assume this pistol will run flawlessly based on our initial impressions.

Ergonomics * * * * *
The 1911 platform is well known for its ergonomic design. Browning’s original design was superior from the start. The Nighthawk President has a hefty, solid feel, but the frame is well balanced and the G10 grips feel as good as they look. That combines to make recoil a breeze to handle. It’s like shaking hands with an old friend.

Price: * * * * 
Now here’s where we hit a speed bump. The price tag on the President is not for the faint-hearted. At this price range, many 1911 aficionados will find this beauty out of reach.  However, compared to other high-end models like the Wilson Combat Supergrade, which has a base price that looks more like a phone number ($5,799.00) to some, the President’s price tag seems a tad more reasonable. But remember, you’re not just buying a pistol, you’re investing in a piece of craftsmanship, a legacy that will stand the test of time.

Availability: * * *
Here’s a slightly bitter pill to swallow. If you’re familiar with the Nighthawk Custom universe, you’re probably acquainted with their infamous limited availability (with all models). Often, the wait times for these beauties can turn into a two-year cliffhanger, longer than most reality TV show seasons and certainly longer than other comparable firearm manufacturers. If you’re looking to buy one off-the-shelf, you might occasionally strike gold. But if you’ll be custom ordering one, tailored to your specific needs you might have to tap into your Zen reserves, because you’re in for a long haul with lead times often exceeding two years. Part of the reason for the lengthy wait times is that “One Gun, One Gunsmith” ethos, which ensures that each gunsmith pours their heart, soul, and skill into every piece they work on. Many direct dealers will also allow you to get an order going and pay for it over time so the price stings a little less. Yes, you’ll have to wait, but at the end of the day, you’ll own a Nighthawk Custom.

Overall: * * * * *
The Nighthawk President is an extraordinary pistol that pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and aesthetics. One can only really complain about the price tag or the limited availability. But these beautiful works of art are truly a joy to shoot. After all, good things, they say, come to those who wait… and those who are willing to loosen their purse strings.

 

Brett Klein is president of Hinterland Outfitters in Houston, Texas. 

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22 COMMENTS

  1. Nighthawk makes far and away one of the nicest, slickest pistols I’ve ever owned. The attention to every little detail is insane.

    As someone who builds 2011s myself, I can attest that the cost is directly related to the amount of time and attention to detail in these pistols.

    Do they shoot any better than guns costing half as much? Not really. But for a discerning consumer who can recognize the details they have tremendous value in the sense that you get every penny you pay for out of these guns.

    • Exceptionally well-made mechanical devices have been known to make me weak in the knees.

      For some strange reason, women seem to be less afflicted by that condition. Why is that? Is it just a guy thing?

  2. This extremely nice piece is for fat cats who light cigars with $100 bills. The george looney clooney accolades were something my tummy and my slice of pizza breakfast could have done without, thank you very much.

    Because the 1911 field has been plowed under there’s little room for DIY tweaks making it a firearm that should be purchased with an out of the box guarantee to run…so pay but do not overpay.

    • “This extremely nice piece is for fat cats who light cigars with $100 bills.”

      Analogies of sour grapes come to mind, Deborah.

      Are you sure it’s not jealousy? 🙂

      • sht…Analogies? You bashing POTUS DJT and his voters compares to democRats doing the same for almost 8 years..take a bow democRat lint licker.

  3. Just stopped by to scroll down and check out the MSRP and confirm that the rest of the review is irrelevant.

    • Gov:
      I read the whole thing, but I guess I just have too much time on my hands. Irreverent is the right word for it.

  4. For that kind of money you would think they would take a little extra time to make sure the front of the slide didn’t have any holes in it. Kinda sloppy if you ask me.

  5. This sort of thing might hold value on paper, but it’s very much a Next Biggest Idiot sale.

    It’s far more likely your grandchild will sell it for a tenth.

    And I don’t mean a tenth of it’s value.

    • It’s far more likely your grandchild will sell it for a tenth.

      This right here.
      I’m in an area filled with retired Boomers who all have boats, lake houses, weird collections of things, etc…

      Every one of them laments to me how their kids, even if they wanted to, won’t be keeping any of their prized earthly possessions because they either can’t afford the upkeep/taxes, have bills of their own here and now or just would rather have the cash and the liquidation process upon death is brutal. Basically sell as fast as possible for whatever you can get and divide it. A process that never fails to split relatives who until that moment had been close.

      All these Boomers who think they’re leaving a legacy of tight family vacations to the lake are getting some painfully rude awakenings. It’s like a strip mining operation before the corpse is even in the ground and the people doing the buying are cold, childless richie-rich’s and investment firms looking to profit.

      The giant rent-a-dumpster will be on the property the moment the ambulance drives off.

  6. THINK WOULD BE REALLY COOL IF COULD MAKE IT WHERE COULD REMOVE REAR SIGHTS WITH HEX , SO COULD PUT REAR OPEN TARGET SIGHTS ON , WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT .
    HAVE SPRINGFIELD TARGET REALLY ENJOY 9MM .
    WOUNDER WHY A COMPANY HASN’T FIGERED OUT HOW TO MAKE A SA / DA 1911 .
    FULL SIZE OR LIKE BROWNIG 22LR / 380 OR OTHER / 9MM / 45 …
    HAVE A KIMBER MICRO 380 1911 REALLY ENJOY , JUST WISH IT WAS DA ALSO …
    BEEN LOOKING AT 380 REVOLVER … REVOLVER SO SIMPLE .. GUESS STICK WITH MY S&W 38 AIRWEIGHT

  7. Pretty, but not 5 grand pretty.
    Many long time 1911 owners/users can do most of the hardware upgrades themselves. A couple hours spent tweaking and fiddling to make their gun run better or look like they want it too. Not hard to swap out and fit a better barrel. And with a bit of care, or a gunsmith friend, a trigger job is easily done. Fit and finish while tedious isn’t difficult.
    Cut the price about half and you will be at the correct point. Unless someone is getting a full on custom, hand built to their individual tastes and specifications, there is no reason to pay more than double the cost of a good factory gun.

    • A friend owns a LTT Beretta. $1800. Never even held a Nighthawk but my guess is that Beretta is every bit as good a pistol.

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  9. BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ridiculous. Something a coke dealer might want- not me. If I won it in a raffle I’d sell it and use the funds to buy more ammo…
    Give me a break!

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