Which Nighthawk 1911 to get?

[steven37]

I am thinking about getting a either a Nighthawk GRP recon or Talon/GRP for range use, USPSA, and home defense. One has a rail and the other one does not. Which one do you guys think would be a good choice? This will be my only 1911.

[mlatino]

GRP RECON. Easy choice!

[Swoop]

Can't go wrong with any, just decide if your going to put a light on it!

[Q619]

I've been drooling over the predator. The Recon is nice but IMO, for a "one gun" I'd probably go with a govt style. 5" no rail....unless you really plan on running a light. You can get one of those Dawson (I believe that's the name) rails mounted to the frame of any 1911 and it gives you some versatility. If you can deal with 3 (I think) holes in your dust cover that is.

[7anthony7]

One of my co-workers just got his with the Diamond Black finish. It's really nice. I think any 1911 in that price range you can't go wrong, and you get the great customer service to go with it. I am still deciding between that and another Wilson ultra carry compact. You'll love whichever you get! Buy them both.

[throwbricks]

I've been drooling over the predator. The Recon is nice but IMO, for a "one gun" I'd probably go with a govt style. 5" no rail....unless you really plan on running a light. You can get one of those Dawson (I believe that's the name) rails mounted to the frame of any 1911 and it gives you some versatility. If you can deal with 3 (I think) holes in your dust cover that is.

You want this guy to spend $3k on a custom built 1911 and then drill holes in it?

[InGrAM]

You want this guy to spend $3k on a custom built 1911 and then drill holes in it?

+1 thats just retarded.. Buy a gun that already has a rail. or add a rail to a cheap gun.

[Sam]

GRP Recon if you think you're going to use the rail.

[barca101]

I purchased my NHC GRP last year from George at Gunslingers at a very good price. I bought the traditional 5" goverment model black over sniper gray. I was thinking about using it for duty use, but stayed with my Glock 19 with a SF X300 for the meantime. My 1911 is a great shooter, but not enough rounds through it to call it reliable for duty. You won't be disappointed. Great customer service to boot.

[Q619]

You want this guy to spend $3k on a custom built 1911 and then drill holes in it?

You make the proposition sound so attractive ! As with ANY modification on a high end number, I'd have a good gunsmith do the work and in this case, I believe Nighthawk might even do said work. It lends a bit more versatility to your ONE gun: giving you the ability to use any of the wide array of holsters available to the govt platform as well as the option to use a mounted light when the need may arise. The rail can be taken off with a few Allen head screws. Let's face it, how often do most people keep a light on their gun? The holster options are quite limited for railed 1911's and they outright suck if you ever want to cc them in comparison to a govt profile gun. They also snag/drag much more than a govt profile 1911 when drawn from a holster. 1911's are already heavy guns and any weight I don't need, I don't want....but that's just one guys opinion.

I'll post some good pics for you in a minute...my smart phone is apparently smarter than me I can't get it to access my photobucket.

+1 thats just retarded.. Buy a gun that already has a rail. or add a rail to a cheap gun.

You can keep your juvenile cheerleading to yourself. It doesn't contribute anything to the discussion and quite frankly, as someone who used to work with handicapped children: I find it offensive.

[Q619]

Here's some pictures of the Dawson Rail on some 1911's. Unfortunately none of these are mine but my next customized Springer will be sporting one:

[steven37]

I am kind of leaning towards the non railed model now. Thanks for the suggestion Q619. I've seen the dawson rail before and it is an option, but I don't think I be going that route if I ever need to mount a light. I might just pick up an M&P9 or something. Also, I don't think adding a dawson rail is legal in USPSA single stack division.

[Q619]

No problem Steven, I don't want to substitute my judgement for someone else's but I believe you're making a good call. Any ONE 1911 or FIRST 1911 should be a 5'' govt 1911 IMO. I've had the priveledge of shooting some great guns but nothing has compared to Browning's timeless design.....modernized though it may be . Especially in aesthetics. If you plan on competing with it I'd most certainly go with a NON railed version.

The only further suggestion I might make is that for the amount of money you're looking at spending, I'd highly recommend looking at the other guns of it's like from other companies before you make your final decision just to make sure you're making the best choice for your particular preferances. There are some VERY nice 1911's available in that price range. I currently own a Les Baer TRS and a Wilson CQB (absolutely love them both) but have a Ed Brown Special Forces and a Custom SA on the way/order. All of the big name 1911 shops make excellent pistols with different build philosophies. I know a couple hightly reputable dealers that can order for you out of state and save you a good chunk of change off retail. If you're interested, drop me a PM and I'll provide you with contacts as I don't feel it's appropriate to post their information here.

[kahai808]

i would get any of them but, if i had to choose it would be the GRP recon

[pipboy]

If you are going the non-rail route, performance wise, you will not go wrong between the GRP and Talon. They will function equally well. The GRP is more of a "utilitarian" pistol whereas the Talon offers a few more asthetic refinements such as checkered rear and serrated top of the slide.

No matter which one you go with, one option I do recommend considering is the diamond black finish. Yes its expensive, but it is one hell of a durable finish.

And as you said, non-rail 1911 gives you the excuse to go out and get an M&P too.