Guns of PDTV: Nighthawk Pistols

June 20, 2011 By Scott E. Mayer

This season, George is using a pair of 1911 pistols from Nighthawk — the Falcon (r.), and the GRP Recon (l.) — both chambered for 45 ACP.

The Falcon is the newest in the Nighthawk pistols custom line and includes fighting features such as an extra-flared mag well. It's machined as a single steel piece along with the flat mainspring housing. You almost can't bobble a mag change with the size of its opening.

Another fighting pistol feature we like is the Heinie Ledge night sights. Along with front and rear tritium inserts for low light, the rear sight is cut so you can catch it on your holster or belt for one-handed working of the slide. And if you can't quite catch your belt, the short guide rod lets you cycle the Falcon one-handed by pressing the recoil spring plug against a solid object.

Both the Falcon and the GRP Recon have Nighthawk's positively gripping golf ball dimple grip texture. This pistol is going nowhere during recoil or if you're bloodied during a fight.

The GRP Recon is George's rail gun. Its frame is machined to accept gun-mounted lights like our Insight WL1-AA. The frame is also machined with a recess around the flush-cut slide stop so if you have to use a compromised or left-hand grip, it reduces the chance of pushing out the slide stop and locking up the works during shooting.

Though not nearly as popular as it was during cavalry days, the GRP Recon has a lanyard loop integral with the steel mainspring housing.

For sights, we selected Heinie Slant-Pro night sights that offer a great sight picture and no snag contour.

We were really impressed with the Nighthawks. Functionally, they're well thought-out fighting guns that look great, too.

First Look: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint Bolt-Action Rifle

At the heart of the rifle is the Model 2020 action which wish designed and built with very tight tolerances thanks to Springfield's technology-driven manufacturing capabilities The stainless steel action features an integral recoil lug, and pairs with a fluted bolt employing dual cocking cams and an enhanced extractor for high pressure loads. The blueprinted and precisely machined action allows Springfield to offer the Model 2020 with .75" MOA accuracy guarantee. Despite being a production rifle, the Model 2020 should rival more expensive custom builds.

Trijicon RMRcc Reflex Sight – Perfect for Optics-Ready Concealed-Carry Pistols

The people asked and Trijicon answered. Introducing the RMRcc miniature red-dot sight for compact, concealed-carry pistols. Trijicon's new RMRcc features the durability and reliable controls that have made the RMR so successful, but its reduced dimensions make the “Concealed Carry” model better suited for the popular small-frame pistols designed for discreet carry and personal defense.

Red vs. Green Lasers: Visibility in Bright Light

In this segment of “At The Range,” Handgunning Editor Jeremy Stafford and contributor Patrick Sweeney compare the visibility of red and green lasers in outdoor, sunny conditions.

Pocket-Pistol Carry Tips and Tricks

Pocket carry, as a method of concealed carry for a defensive firearm, can be a practical option when done right. This is especially true during the colder months when heavy outer garments can obstruct access to a traditional waistline holster. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Jeff Gonzales, president of Trident Concepts, joins G&A contributor Kimberly Heath-Chudwin to discuss guns, training and gear, including Blackhawk's TecGrip holster that can make pocket carry more successful.