Fired 100 rounds through a Nighthawk "Predator"

[Geno]

I had an awesome day. I fired 100 rounds through a Nighthawk Predator. It gave me the chance to do a side-by-side comparison to my Kimber Warrior, my Colt WWI Reproduction, and my Colt Series 70 Reproduction.

None of the pistols (each consuming 100 rounds) experiencd ANY faulures of ANY sort. All four were equally accurate, out to 15 yards (all shots off hand). Now I know that these Nighthawks are alledged to possess some awesome accuracy, but, when at 15 yards, off-hand, using 230 Gn. FMJs, one puts 5 rounds into a jagged hole, I'm not sure how much more accurate one needs. That was the result with ALL four pistols.

I came to the conclusion, that these four pistols, the 3 that I own, and the 1 that I rented are pretty darned nice. My only concern came down to price! Wow. Warrior=$1,100ish. WWI Colt=$995. Colt Series 70=$800. Nighthawk=$2,300!

While I loved the Nighthawk's smooth-as-butter trigger, smooth-as butter everything in fact, when it came right down to function and accuracy, they performed for all intents and purposes side-by-side with one another. No one pistol walked away in any consideration to THAT degree of difference.

True, If I had $2,300 to blow, I might consider a Nighthawk, if for no other reason than to have one as a collection piece. But, at half the price, the others were by all means respectible.

Just my humble opionion and based on reflecting on the 400 rounds I fired today through 4 wonderful 1911s. If I could state any one accurate reflection about the experience and these pistols, it would be, "We Americans are really being spoiled by some truly wonderful works of firearms art".

What a fun day!

Doc2005

 

[Black Majik]

You had a range that rents out Nighthawks?! Wow....

Nice range report, but I think to really tell if there was any difference, you should shoot as far back as the range allows, usually 25 yards.

Still, I'm jealous, those are really nice pistols. I got to handle on a few weeks ago....

Oh yeah...

Thanks for the range report.

 

[Geno]

The indoor range is 20 yards, but they didn't allow (today) full distance

For some reason, the hangers were hanging up...the cables, and so we could only go out to 15 yards of the potential 20 yards. That's a pretty short range.

Re: pics. I have to get a place where I can upload some pics and then post them...it would have been AWESOME to post side-by-side groups.

I had all four pistols' accuracy tests on one style B-27-R target (a silhouette with numbers vertical and horizontal). I shot at the left 7, left 9, right 9 and right 7. All of the groups were smaller than the numbers...just a minute, I'll measure the targets...the numbers measure exactly 1" high. Ergo, the groups were just about 3/4 of an inch. I would have to measure each group on the target, but it's in the Jeep.

Yes, I agree that it is cool that a person can rent a Nighthawk pistol. This particular rental range rents the Nighthawks only to select customers. In all seriousness, to those shooters who are basically obsessively careful not to damage or over shoot and over heat the barrel.

You know, for what it is worth, my Warrior is in every respect as-smooth-as the Nighthawk was, trigger, slide, etc. The pistols that turned in the best target of the "test" was the Colt, Series 70 reproduction (stainless steel). Its group was far smaller, 4 shots into literally 1 hole, and the 5th shot creating a half moon on the hole’s right side. I estimate it was about .60 of an inch.

Can you believe how lucky we are to be living in the day that we do. We 1911 shooters, and for that matter, any pistol shooter, any firearm shooter (even long gun) is really getting spoiled by the range of selection, and the degree of quality.

My next purchase is going to have to be a Ransom rest. I would like to have a Ransom rest to conduct some very serious tests at distances like 5, 15, 25, 35, 50 and finally 75 yards. As I reread the papers that came with my Colt WWI reproduction, the booklet talks of the pistol being designed to be accurate, powerful and flat-shooting to at the least 75 yards.

It would be interesting to take the top 10 selling 1911s and test them. For certain, they could not compete against a T/C Contender, but all the same, it would be a great read. Thanks for your feedback.

Doc2005

 

[glockcrazyjerry]

Those nighthawks give me the chills. They are incredible. I can justify the price. Your pistol has a gunsmith from start to finish do everything by hand. Its a total custom job and you can tell. They look great.

 

[Black Majik]

Doc,

I'm definitely interested in more range reports if you ever get a ransom rest. I've always enjoyed range report by individuals than magazine articles since more range reports aren't sugar coated.

Those Nighthawks.... I'm glad their California approved. Now I just gotta go become friends with more 1911 shooters.... umm... some more rich 1911 shooters...

And yeah, you got a keeper of a range since they rent semi-custom 1911s to some of their shooters. Very sweet.

 

[BADUNAME4]

Did somebody say "range report"?:
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=109587&highlight=enforcer

 

[cz75bdneos22]

if i had the money...
i'd get a nighthawk too. they seem like nice guns..
i got their color brochure thru the mail..and i'm impressed..this would be my first and only 1911...if it works for me i'd keep it. otherwise, i'd sell it never to buy a 1911 again.!
www.nighthawkcustom.com

 

[bitstreamer]

Hey Doc2005, did you notice any reduction in recoil or muzzle flip due to the Predator's heavy barrel?

 

[c_yeager]

You had a range that rents out Nighthawks?! Wow....

This statement is particularly amusing if you have some understanding of Japanese slang...