Nighthawk 1911 - This is driving me nuts !

[Newton]

I tried out a Nighthawk 1911 in the shop today and immediately fell in lust, and I really don't like 1911s.

It was one of the Talon range, but I can't find a match on Nighthawk's web site.

It has the grip with the slanted rear "cut off" at the base, those awesome wood grips with the emblem, and had the most incredibly finished slide. The effect was that dappled graphite look that some of the higher end knives have - no idea what they call it.

The price was $3,495, and this in a store that isn't know as a gouger. Just about everything else on Nighthawk's site is a lot cheaper than this, and that's MSRP which is usually high anyway.

If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate it, the store in question is not one of my locals, so I can't just call back in.

Newton

 

[RRTX]

I got the same feeling for Nighthawk when I first handled one a few months back That price seems to be outrageously high compared to any of the models I have seen. A local shop here has all of the Talon models shown and a couple that aren't, but the highest price on any of them was $2199 ($2099 maybe) for one with a rail.

 

[Newton]

Yes, this store had most of the range in and they were a lot cheaper than the Talon.

Gotta be honest, I wouldn't pay that much for a handgun, unless I was a millionaire that is

 

[Tman]

Newton:
Sounds like a Talon with the Ed Brown Bobtail treatment. I've been eyeing something like that. There's a lot of info/opinions at the 1911forum if you want more info:

www.1911forum.com/forums/

I think the website will be back up on Monday (admin said they were doing some catch up work on the site). If you get one, let us know how she shoots.

 

[hammer4nc]

I've just recently become aware of the "nighthawk" brand of 1911. Perhaps someone can spill the beans on how it is that Berryville Arkansas has become the mecca for 1911 gunsmithing? Is Nighthawk a renegade spinoff of Wilson combat? Look at the bio's for the gunbuilders on the nighthawk site. I also noticed that Wilson combat is advertising for 1911 'smiths...

There's probably an juicy story here; inquiring minds want to know!

 

[larry starling]

one of the local rip off shops in charlotte!has them!!!!man there way overpriced!!!! My friend and i were shocked when we saw the price!!!Im affraid I would spend 2500-3500 on a ww1 or early commercial colt,before i bought a nighthawk!also they make les baer's appear to be a bargain!!!!!

 

[GreenFurniture]

We're looking into picking them up. From what I've seen from them they are high quality and modest in price.

 

[Newton]

The cut away grip is shown in the lower of these Talon II pictures, I don't know the purpose, but it looks very Tacticool

It's the price that's bugging me, $3,495 indicates that either my store are worthless gougers, or that gun has something very special about it.

I have e-mailed Nighthawk to find out.

 

[paul45]

They started up last year...I am only passing on what I read,as I do not have first person gossip. Supposedly,its some people from Wilson who split off to form their own company.If that is true I wish them well, but personally I would be embarassed to admit I paid 3500.$ for a 1911.I know its all subjective, but I could buy 5 SA's...4 Colts or Kimbers...that would all shoot very close to a Nighthawk. They all test fire them at 15yds. anyway.I also ,if I were to spend 3500.$ on a 1911, would find some rare WWI era Colt to buy. Just my unasked for opinion though...

 

[Tman]

"The cut away grip is shown in the lower of these Talon II pictures, I don't know the purpose, but it looks very Tacticool "

The cut away grip is the "Bobtail" treatment. I think Ed Brown patented the bobtail treatment thingy. By cutting that bit off the end, it is supposed to decrease the amount of "printing" if you are carrying concealed, less chance of showing the outline of your concealed pistol.

 

[Newton]

Thanks Tman.

Well I have the answer to my original question.

It is a Talon II, with all the usual treats (bobtail, Trijicons, full length guide rod, bull stainless barrel etc), but they threw in a $1,000 Damascus slide, hence the price.

Apparently Damascus slides (at least the ones made by Caspian) have a very long waiting list, so this Nighthawk really could be something special, if only because of rarity.

You just have to see it to understand what I'm talking about, I hate 1911s, but I would sell my left doodaaa for this pistol.

Oh well, dream on Newton.

 

[Trumpet]

I just picked up my Talon on Friday. Here's some gun porn....












Rich

 

[BADUNAME4]

www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109587

 

[Aleko]

You dealer is full of it - Damascus slides go for $650 MSRP, probably high $400 - low $500 dealer. I've never heard of a Nighthawk with Damascus slide, so it is a pretty rare and cool gun, but $3500 still sounds too much for it.

 

[George Hill]

No forward slide serations...
Love it!