Nighthawk Border Special
Nighthawk Custom · Pistol · In Production · 2017
Also known as: Border Special 1911
Overview
The Nighthawk Border Special is a hand-fitted, Commander-sized M1911 single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Developed in collaboration with retired Texas sheriff Jim Wilson, it pairs a forged-steel frame and slide with a 4.25-inch match-grade stainless steel barrel, a Concealed Carry Cut, and a scalloped frontstrap. Each pistol is built start-to-finish by a single Nighthawk gunsmith and ships with a Heinie Slant Pro rear sight, gold-bead front sight, and cocobolo grips.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Barrel Length | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 16 N (3.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 250 m/s (820 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 460 J (339 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Cerakote Elite Midnight |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 45 ACP, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Commander Size Frame, Concealed Carry Cut, Match Grade Barrel, Heinie Slant Pro Rear Sight, Gold Bead Front Sight, Scalloped Frontstrap, Extended Grip Safety, Cocobolo Grips, Hand Fitted
Service history
Operators
- Civilian and law enforcement carry market
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Hand-built in low volume; each pistol assembled by one gunsmith
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Nighthawk Custom with Jim Wilson
Notes
Built on Nighthawk's Concealed Carry Cut to round off the dust cover and ease holstering. Trigger breaks at roughly 3.6 lb. Also offered chambered in 9mm.
Background
Named for the rugged Texas border country patrolled by collaborator Jim Wilson, a retired sheriff and longtime gun writer who specified the carry-oriented features of the design.