Ed Brown or Nighthawk

Derek Zeanah

Derek Zeanah

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I'm thinking of doing something terrible.

2 guns:
  • Commander sized 1911s
  • Steel frames
  • Ed Brown style bobtail
One is a Nighthawk in 10mm, the other is an Ed Brown FX2 in 45ACP. The FX2 is cheaper and has the RMRcc attached (the other just has an MOS plate). I like Ed Brown. A lot.

But I've never owned a Nighthawk.

As a carry gun with an optic, would anyone argue strongly for the Nighthawk over the Ed Brown?

1709513237104.png

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While I would personally not choose the FX guns in the Ed Brown line-up, I don't think they are bad guns, it's just that they don't look like what I think a 1911 should look like. For me, the standard Brown's are what I think a 1911 should be.

On the other hand, there are a lot of complaints on the inter-webs about Ed Brown's, while Nighthawk (and Wilson Combat) have pretty good reputations in the customer service area.

While I like the looks and feature sets on the Ed Brown's the best in that semi-custom range, if I'm spending that kind of money, I'd probably choose a Nighthawk or Wilson just to get some after the sale hand holding.
 
Derek Zeanah said:
I'm thinking of doing something terrible.

2 guns:
  • Commander sized 1911s
  • Steel frames
  • Ed Brown style bobtail
One is a Nighthawk in 10mm, the other is an Ed Brown FX2 in 45ACP. The FX2 is cheaper and has the RMRcc attached (the other just has an MOS plate). I like Ed Brown. A lot.

But I've never owned a Nighthawk.

As a carry gun with an optic, would anyone argue strongly for the Nighthawk over the Ed Brown?

View attachment 1197620

View attachment 1197623
Click to expand...
love the finish on that Ed Brown!

good luck on your dilemma, Nighthawk is exactly why you think it is!

edit: I’m looking for another used Nighthawk
 
Oh, more info:
  • I have 45ACP stacked deep - don't own any 10mm
  • I'm comfortable with 45ACP, and have run 1911s in 45 and multiple week long courses without issue
  • The Nighthawk costs ~ $2000 more than the Ed Brown after you take the optic into account. Is it worth $2k more?
And, finally, both is not an option. Though I've considered it.
 
Derek Zeanah said:
Is it worth $2k more?
Click to expand...
In the world of high end 1911's -- or 2011's for that matter -- that usually is left for the buyer to decide. They will all shoot and shoot accurately. If you have the itch for a special 10mm, I'd say go for the Nighthawk. The EB, as nice as it is, will be another addition to your 45 collection. The value of one is always higher than the individual values of two.
 
I’ve got several of both. They’re top notch 1911’s. NH is a bit more cutting edge and certainly more customizable, but both are equal in terms of quality, in my opinion. If anything, Ed Brown may be a bit more consistent.


 
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Derek Zeanah said:
And, finally, both is not an option
Click to expand...
Duly noted. Since you're impervious to the rampant enabling of the membership here, I'd like to ask a question or 2.

1- Is this something likely to be carried on a near daily basis or only occasionally/seasonally?
2-What is your long term goal for whichever gun you choose? Sell it later? Bequeath it to a loved one? Take it with you when you're gone?
 
Howland937 said:
Duly noted. Since you're impervious to the rampant enabling of the membership here, I'd like to ask a question or 2.

1- Is this something likely to be carried on a near daily basis or only occasionally/seasonally?
2-What is your long term goal for whichever gun you choose? Sell it later? Bequeath it to a loved one? Take it with you when you're gone?
Click to expand...
If it shoots as well as I think, yes I plan on carrying it. Pretty regularly, but I have a rotation of 1911s in 9mm and 45, steel and lightweight. I just find optics are becoming important.

No kids, don’t sell guns. Hadn’t thought about being buried with my favorites, but I like that idea….
 
Derek Zeanah said:
No kids, don’t sell guns. Hadn’t thought about being buried with my favorites, but I like that idea…
Click to expand...
I have a kid, do sell some guns and have actually considered which gun I'd wanna be buried with. But it would be a lot more interesting being cremated with 10+1 IWB.

I have trouble getting on board with a 10mm for daily carry unless you're in bear country more than you're around homo sapiens. An argument could be made for cold weather, multiple layers, etc...but I'd get one for want long before I'd ever feel a need. Probably gotta stick with ACP on this one.
 
I have three Browns and one Nighthawk (and one I’m in the process of buying another). No complaints on any. The FX2 already has the optic, so you don’t have to pay extra for the slide work and optic.
 
Derek Zeanah said:
As a carry gun with an optic, would anyone argue strongly for the Nighthawk over the Ed Brown?
Click to expand...
index.php

Not I........wow!
 
Derek Zeanah said:
As a carry gun with an optic, would anyone argue strongly for the Nighthawk over the Ed Brown?
Click to expand...
It will be up to you to decide on which plate "system" you want.
I own EB's and NHC's While they both have different philosophies in manufacturing and none of mine are optic cut. It would be a coin flip for me..

(I HATE Bob-tailed 1911's though so I might just be the last person to ask)
 
Welp, I did it. I'm considering the Ed Brown an early birthday gift, and now there'll be some belt tightening.

Y'all suck. If my wife complains too loudly I'm going to say it's your fault. I'll even point out that <ahem>someone<ahem> suggested I buy both!

Just kidding. I appreciate the feedback. I love Ed Browns and just wanted to make sure I wasn't making a huge mistake by not stepping over/up to Nighthawk.
 
I’m of the no bobtail crowd as well. It may look nice, may print less, but I firmly believe you lose some control. For that money I would look at custom but that is of course not the question.
 
Skylerbone said:
I’m of the no bobtail crowd as well. It may look nice, may print less, but I firmly believe you lose some control. For that money I would look at custom but that is of course not the question.
Click to expand...
Have you shot one of the bobbed frames? I've got one bobbed, couple regular, one officer size with mag well. I'm trying to remember if I even really feel a difference.

*Edit- I just checked. I can tell a difference. The bobbed one is the most comfy.
 
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