By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
When the Model 1911 pistol was first introduced, the soon-to-become legendary handgun weighed 38 ounces and was over eight inches long.
This is a burly, rugged service pistol. Just the same, it was easier to carry than the previous big bore revolver and was a reassuring presence for millions of soldiers thrown into battle during the next 100 years. The 1911 still serves in this role.
This single action pistol is properly carried hammer to the rear and thumb safety on. There is no handgun faster to an accurate first shot than a properly carried cocked and locked 1911. A straight-to-the-rear trigger compression and grip safety are among the pistol’s advantages. A low bore axis and a grip that fits most hands well are also attributes.
The pistol chambers the .45 ACP cartridge. Combining a big bore cartridge with a self-loading action the 1911 is arguably the finest fighting handgun ever made. The 1911 has evolved considerably. Modern pistols feature superior sights to the original GI gun and modern materials in the better grade of handguns are far superior to the early spot heat treated handguns. There are cheap copies of the 1911 I would never trust and then there is the Nighthawk.
Among the few valid complaints concerning the 1911 is the size and weight. When worn under a covering garment, the Government Model .45 may be a chore to conceal. Although, given the quality of modern concealment leather, this concern is lessened. The Commander size .45 features a barrel shortened to 4.25 inches from the original 5 inches. Then there is the abbreviated grip of the Officer’s Model and 3.0 and 3.5-inch barrel variants.
Nighthawk has designed a concealment type handgun with the 4.25-inch barrel Commander slide and shortened Officer’s Model grip. The T3 features a good sight radius while the smaller grip makes for a modest footprint in concealed carry. The pistol features a steel frame. This makes for a solid feel and a handgun that doesn’t recoil as much as polymer or aluminum frame handguns in .45 ACP. The pistol may be ordered in either stainless steel or a black Nitride finish. My handgun is the black version which seems low key and ideal for personal defense. The pistol features Heinie Slant Pro sights. These sights offer an excellent sight picture. The tritium dot makes for true 24-hour ability in all but utter darkness.
The pistol has other features including G10 grips with a good balance of adhesion and abrasion. A nice touch is a magazine funnel that offers a good firing grip and also aids in quickly changing magazines. The mainspring housing and the front strap are nicely checkered. At this stage of the game I would not wish to deploy a 1911 without front strap checkering. The difference in control with cold, wet, or sweating hands is easily demonstrated on the firing range.
The beavertail-style grip safety releases its grasp on the trigger about halfway into. Meanwhile, the thumb/slide lock safety is well designed. Fit of the thumb safety is tight and crisp. There is nothing approaching sloppy in this handgun.
Trigger compression is important in the 1911 and this one breaks clean and crisp at 3.85 pounds. A recessed and beveled slide stop pin hole is a custom touch.
Another example of excellent fit and finish is the nicely crowned barrel. Fit of the barrel to the barrel bushing is snug. The barrel hood and locking lugs slide smoothly when the slide is racked and demonstrate excellent fit. The pistol shoots well. As a point of interest the handgun seems to recoil less than a full length .45 firing the same ammunition. The hammer spring, lockup, and other factors have much to do with the 1911’s recoil. Nighthawk gets it right in all their guns. The T3 shoots like a big gun.
I have fired the pistol extensively during the past six months. There have been no failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject. The primary loading used is the Black Hills Ammunition 230 grain FMJ. Powder burn is clean, a sign of proper design and manufacture. There is little muzzle flash, usually just a few sparks.
Accuracy is good to excellent. The pistol will produce a five shot group of 2 inches or less at 25 yards from a braced firing position.
I have also fired the Black Hills Ammunition 135-grain Honey Badger and now deploy this as a carry load. With its sharp fluted bullet creating a hydraulic storm in the target, the Honey Badger is a marvel of modern design. Accuracy is excellent.
The thin slide of the Nighthawk makes concealment relatively easy with the proper holster. I have used the Barber Leather Works (Barberleatherworks.com) inside the waistband holster when carrying the Nighthawk T3. Molding to the handgun is good and the holster features dual loops for security. The Barber Leather Works IWB is designed for a good balance of speed and retention. Worn properly just behind the hip the draw is sharp. The holster is secure when properly cinched in close to the body. Concealment is excellent under even a light covering garment as the pistol and holster are concealed inside the trousers. The protruding grip is easy enough to concealed compared to a standard belt holster.
The Nighthawk T3 is among the finest handguns I have fired. Reliability isnt a given with modern pistols. The Nighthawk pistol is reliable and exhibits a high degree of practical accuracy and control. It isn’t inexpensive but it is among the best.
Nighthawk T 3 Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP (9mm Available)
Capacity: 7 rounds
Height 5.2 in.
OAL: 7.85 in.
Weight: 34.6 oz.
Barrel Length: 4.25 in.
Sights: Heinie Type, Tritium front dot
