Nighthawk GRP Recon or Springfield Pro Light Rail

[Sac-AR15]

Ok so I already have a Nighthawk GRP Recon but have an opportunity to buy a 2nd one possibly next month. The wife kinda wanted her own. But I told her maybe we should get the Springfield Pro light rail. I've never shot the Pro before so I'm seeing if there's anyone that has both and can educate me on any pros and cons with the Springfield Professional compared to the Nighthawk. My other option would still buy the Nighthawk and order the Springfield Pro but that's a lot of dough. Plus I don't think that's gonna go well with the wife. Thanks

Here's a pix to look at....

[redcliff]

I'm sure you'd be happy with either. I can only speak for the Pro LR but its a great pistol and built incredibly tight but still completely reliable and very accurate.

Currently Pro's have a 2 year waiting list but perhaps you can find one on Gunbroker or consignment or possibly on a dealers shelf. The Calguns community helped me find mine several years ago when I was looking as the dealer at the Cordova Shooting Center (sorry can't remember his name; was a very nice guy) had one in stock.

[Drok512]

cant tell you since I don't have one....but one thing is for sure that's one sexy gun!

[SVRider]

Personally, I would never buy another Nighthawk without checking it over extra carefully:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=2437499#post2437499

[zurppin]

I think a springfield pro operator is a much harder gun to find than the nighthawk. If I had to choose I would get the pro

[Sac-AR15]

Was hoping to hear more from SA Pro owners. I love my Nighthawk. Haven't had one issue with it. The 2nd Nighthawk will be brand new without the long wait. Suppose to arrive next month. Plus I'll be paying the previous price before the markup. If I do order the Pro I understand it will be almost a 24month wait. Had my LGS call Springfield yesterday. Just not sure if I should get another Nighthawk or order the Pro. I've been wanting the Pro but was hoping for feedbacks from anyone that has both. Thanks for the responses.

[fennecfrank]

You should look into Guncrafter Industries "the American":

Guncrafter Industries "the American" with Surefire x300

















More details: http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/american.shtml


When I was shopping for a good 1911, I did extensive online research and went to various gunshops to see the high end ones they have. Finally decided on the Guncrafter Industries. The built quality is as good as other ones out there (Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Les Baer), if not, better. I sold my Ed Brown Special Forces right after I had my hands on a Guncrafter.

The owner of Guncrafter Industries, Alex Zimmermann, has a few patents on 1911's, including the rail on 1911's. With another famous gunsmith, they invented .50 GI round and invented .50 caliber 1911's and .50 caliber conversion upper for Glock 20 and 21. Besides being a gunsmith, Alex Zimmermann also has 7 world championship titles under his belt for heavy caliber revolvers.

As the majority of the gunsmiths at Nighthawk Customs, Alex Zimmermann also worked for Wilson Combat (he was the head of R&D for 8-10 years). However, he left WC not because of getting flights with Mr. Wilson, but to pursue his dream of making a .50 1911 (and he did).

[fennecfrank]

If one has to worry about GI's longevity, then s/he must worry about that of Nighthawk's......

Lately, the QC is not very good with them.

However, if you meet any owner of GI, we're all proud of our guns made by them. Each gun, prior to shipping, is checked thoroughly by the owner, Alex Zimmermann.

The current wait for a gun from them is 7-9 months.

[fennecfrank]

for the regular 1911's from GI, the American and Pistol with No name, you can use regular 1911 magazines.


However, for the Model 1, 2, and 3, you do need to buy magazines from GI. Don't know if you handled those magazines or not. Those are well built, with thicker steel and the quality is among the top.

[Sac-AR15]

I went ahead and ordered the Pro with a rail. . Only problem is the darn 24 month wait. Hopefully it gets here sooner. I've read a lot of the reviews and most have been possitive. Now if I can only convince the wife to let me buy the Nighthawk next month. Any suggestions? Haha

[Riddler]

I went ahead and ordered the Pro with a rail. . Only problem is the darn 24 month wait. Hopefully it gets here sooner. I've read a lot of the reviews and most have been possitive. Now if I can only convince the wife to let me buy the Nighthawk next month. Any suggestions? Haha

lol it's gona be a long 2 years. I hope Deb will call you sooner then 2 years haha.
I was also looking for a pro but ended up with the same one as you.

[Sac-AR15]

Thanks for all of your responses. I do understand that the PC9111LR does not have the "Professional" on the side but was told it's still basically the same as the PC9111 plus the rail. From what I've read it's because it wasn't what the FBI originally ordered but they do carry both models. Again still the same gun but different frame. As far as resale value goes I'm not worried about it since I'm not planning on ever selling it. But I've seen them sell for about the same price. Thanks again for all of your feedbacks.

[mleroux21]

for the regular 1911's from GI, the American and Pistol with No name, you can use regular 1911 magazines.


However, for the Model 1, 2, and 3, you do need to buy magazines from GI. Don't know if you handled those magazines or not. Those are well built, with thicker steel and the quality is among the top.

I agree with his comments on GI 100%. As the owner of a few, I think the fit and finish is on par or better than Wilson. Great gun for the value. As he stated earlier the No Names from GI use regular mags not proprietary mags.

[Press Check]

therefore it is NOT a 'Custom Pro', it is a 'Custom Operator' built exactly the same as an 'Professional'.. GRANTED for this discussion.

Clearly, an opinion as opposed to an actual fact-based statement.

[Press Check]

Thanks for all of your responses. I do understand that the PC9111LR does not have the "Professional" on the side but was told it's still basically the same as the PC9111 plus the rail. From what I've read it's because it wasn't what the FBI originally ordered but they do carry both models. Again still the same gun but different frame. As far as resale value goes I'm not worried about it since I'm not planning on ever selling it. But I've seen them sell for about the same price. Thanks again for all of your feedbacks.

Springfield has been supplying FBI SWAT / HRT with the Light Rail version since 2004. In speaking with Dave Williams, he couldn't remember the last time the Government ordered a standard PC9111. They order and carry the Professional Light Rail exclusively. Granted, the older PC9111 pistols are still in circulation, but as I understand it, they are issued to Special Field Agents, not SWAT / HRT.

The CRG (Critical-Incident Response Group) prefix is of far greater importance than the rollmark on the slide.