Nighthawk VIP Black
Nighthawk Custom · Pistol · In Production · 2019
Also known as: Nighthawk Custom VIP Black, VIP Black
Overview
The Nighthawk VIP Black is a hand-built, single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, based on the M1911 platform. A member of Nighthawk Custom's flagship VIP (Very Impressive Pistol) line, it is fully hand-engraved by a master engraver and finished in a durable black Diamond-Like Carbon coating. Distinctive touches include a 14k solid gold bead front sight, a crowned government-length barrel, and giraffe bone grips, positioning it as a presentation-grade heirloom 1911.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1105 g (39.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Barrel Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Height | 142 mm (5.59") |
| Width | 36 mm (1.42") |
| 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 | 260 m/s (853 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 477 J (352 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Giraffe Bone |
| Finish | Black Diamond Like Carbon |
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, Series 70 Firing System
- Features: Hand Engraved Slide And Frame, 14k Solid Gold Bead Front Sight, Crowned Barrel, Government Frame, Front And Rear Cocking Serrations, Match Grade Barrel, Giraffe Bone Grips
Variants
- Nighthawk VIP Black Commander - Commander Length
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Low-volume, made-to-order presentation pistol
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Nighthawk Custom
Notes
Weight is approximate for a full-size steel-frame government 1911; Nighthawk lists the VIP Black at 5" barrel, 8.66" overall length, 5.6" height and 1.40" width. Each pistol is individually hand-engraved so no two are identical.
Background
Nighthawk Custom builds each pistol one gunsmith to one gun, from start to finish. The VIP Black extends the company's engraved VIP line, first shown around 2019, blending the reliability of a fighting 1911 with the ornamentation of a fine heirloom firearm.