Wilson or Nighthawk?

[smak28]

I've ruled out Springfield Professional, Les Baer, & Ed Brown. It's down to Wilson or Nighthawk full size 1911. For those that have experience with both, I'd really appreciate your opinion to help me decide.

[Marquand]

Both are outstanding custom houses offering top notch firearms. Honestly you can't go wrong either way. Chances are that one makes a firearm you find more appealing than the other so go with your gut.

The ONLY difference I know of after dealing with both companies is that Nighthawk Custom's communication and customer service is outstanding and Wilson's just isn't. Thus my eventual decision to go with Nighthawk. I purchased a GRP and had them do additional work on the trigger, changed the sights to Novak Lo-Mounts, and replaced the "golf ball" grips with their aluminum logo grips.

I made an unannounced visit to Nighthawk's facility in Berryville, Arkansas back in 2012 and was graciously given a VIP tour of their operation by the company president. He couldn't have been more proud of his shop. The folks I met are 100% dedicated to building the best possible firearms and love what they do. Getting to shake the hand of the person who personally crafted your pistol is pretty rewarding.

Hope this helps.

[Justindo]

I only handled a couple Nighthawks in person and only shot one, but I've heard their quality can be hit or miss. Wilson seems to be uniformly good, but their prices have really gone up in the last five years or so (and they were a little high back then). Between these two brands, I'd go for the Wilson.

Just out of curiosity, why have you ruled out other brands? Granted, Springfield isn't in the same league as the others and even Les Baer is a little rough around the edges compared to Brown and Wilson. I'd add Dan Wesson to the list too, but they're not quite up to Brown and Wilson standards, but they're a lot less money. Personally, I'm a Brown and Dan Wesson fan (I own two of each) and feel they offer the best value among the semi-customs, although they don't offer the options that Wilson and Nighthawk do.

[trigger945]

Wilson or Nighthawk? The answer is "YES"

I really hope I can provide some honest feedback based on ownership but I just cannot at this point. Can you maybe wait a few years? LOL!

NHC Talon is the one for me. This is after having shot it many times and compared it against a few Baers, a Brown, a few Wilsons and even a fellow Nighthawk.

Good luck!

[L84CABO]

Do some research on the customer service side of Nighthawk. Then research Wilson's customer service. I'll be surprised if this doesn't push you to Wilson.

[greg916]

Seriously either one man. Its like the difference between a Ferrari and Lamborghini. Its a preference thing, both are amazing. If it were me and I had the extra $$ I'd go for the wilson.

[smak28]

Marquand - Great story about the unannounced visit to Nighthawk. I would love to shake the hands who make my gun.

Justindo - Nothing against the others as I originally wanted Ed Brown. So here's my reason that may sound weird but all my friends have Ed Browns so wanted to get something different to shoot and compare. Not completely ruling out Brown and may get a Brown later if I like it more than Nighthawk or Wilson but I want experience with shooting different pistols and then decide from there. Another reason is my shooting instructors have tried it all and their choice is Nighthawk. I've always wanted a Wilson so hence narrowed it down to the two.

Trigger945 - I am leaning towards Nighthawk and choosing the specific model is tough.

[smak28]

Do some research on the customer service side of Nighthawk. Then research Wilson's customer service. I'll be surprised if this doesn't push you to Wilson.

I will do some research on the customer service. Thanks.

[trigger945]

This is after having shot it many times and compared it against a few Baers

WTH is this? Did I get a virus? Not the first time it has happened - part of my postis quoted and nothing else... Anybody know?

[trigger945]

Anyways, OP, try renting a Wilson and a Nighthawk. Or maybe some CalGunners have them who are kind enough to let you shoot theirs.

I rented a Nighthawk GRP and a Wilson CQB at Iron Sights in Oceanside. I also rented a Talon at Target Range in Van Nuys. I have also been fortunate enough to shoot fellow range members' Wilson, Brown and Baers.

Call a few places in your area to see if you could rent them.

[bulletblood]

If you always wanted a Wilson, go with Wilson. Nighthawk has more varied choices in terms of what's available on the roster. The Nighthawk will be built by one gunsmith with his initials stamped on the gun, so that appeals to some collectors. I think Wilson has great customer service. Wilson has a better reputation. Nighthawks rep has been sliding over recent years due to quality control. It seems like they're rushing their guns out, getting sloppy, or losing their top smiths to Wilson.

I personally like Nighthawks one smith per gun philosophy and the fit on my Nighthawk is way better than that of my WC. But that again depends on the smith who builds your gun. Which brings us back to NH's inconsistency.

[jeffrice6]

Wilson

[FresnoRob]

Both nice weapons my vote for Wilson is simply looks. Which of course is just opinion.

[smak28]

Appreciate everyone's feedback. It helps me think about things that I didn't think about. Wish I can rent but my range doesn't have these high end pistols for rent. However I believe consistent quality is probably my main factor because I don't want to increase my chances to end up with problems. Thanks again everyone for your valuable feedback!

[NYT]

i vote wilson as well because of their great service.

i am however interested why you decided against the springfield armory pro?