New for 2020: Nighthawk Custom Colt Series 70 1911

In the 1911 world, there are countless variations and takes, ranging from retro models to cutting-edge designs loaded with optics and gadgets galore. Despite all of the different models available, there's just nothing quite like a classic Colt 1911 done well, and that's what Nighthawk Custom set out to do with one of its new-for-2020 releases.

“Custom gunsmithing the 1911 is the foundation of our company. In a sense, this project allowed us to go back to our roots,” said Mark Stone, owner and CEO of Nighthawk Custom. “To take such a classic pistol and add the Nighthawk Custom touch, allows us to offer a fine-tuned 1911 that looks like the model your dad or grandpa carried in the service. We’re thrilled with how this pistol turned out.”

To take this classic Colt Series 70 1911 up a step (or two), Nighthawk Custom installed a completely new trigger system, providing the gun with a match-grade short trigger enhanced with a machined disconnector, sear, hammer strut and pin. Additionally, the gun was outfitted with a retro-style hammer and features Nighthawk's signature beavertail grip safety, mainspring housing and match barrel bushing.

“The idea for this project actually came from our Custom Gunsmithing Shop,” said Nelson Davis, COO of Nighthawk Custom. “In our custom shop, we bring in customer guns of all kinds for all types of work; everything from a simple refinish, to a complete rebuild with all new parts. Recently, we were shipping a retro-looking Colt back to a customer and we thought ‘That is beautiful! Let’s build one that people can readily buy.’ From there, our expert gunsmiths went to the drawing board for how to improve upon a classic.”

Some of these upgrades include an ultra high-cut trigger guard, vertical serrations on the front strap and mainspring housing, a French border on the slide and the company's logo custom-engraved on the dust cover.

While Nighthawk doesn't perform a custom slide-to-frame fit on this enhanced Colt Series 70 pistol, the company's pistolsmiths do perform a complete action tune and enhancement. This work includes polishing, tuning and adjusting the internal components to ensure that the gun will run reliably under a variety of conditions. To further enhance the look of this classic custom pistol, the gun features a smoked-nitride finish and hand-beveled edges on the slide.

This Nighthawk Custom-tuned Colt Series 70 1911 sells at a suggested retail price of $2,599. For more information on what goes into a classic pistol like this and to see Nighthawk's other options, visit nighthawkcustom.com.