Nighthawk Custom is one of the most respected names in the world of custom firearms, renowned for its dedication to precision, quality and innovation. Based in Berryville, Arkansas, the company has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest 1911-style pistols available today.
From its inception, Nighthawk has adhered to the philosophy of “One Gun, One Gunsmith,” ensuring that each firearm is meticulously crafted by a single skilled artisan. This approach has contributed to the consistent production of reliable, accurate and beautiful firearms, appealing to all types of firearms enthusiasts, from collectors, competition shooters and everyday shooters, looking for the best in self-defense firearms.
NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM’S HISTORY
Nighthawk Custom was founded in 2004 by four passionate individuals, including Mark Stone, who was driven to build the finest custom 1911 pistols in the world. The Nighthawk philosophy and vision was one that was more focused on craftsmanship and customization.
The company maintains this both innovative and traditional approach. The concept of “One Gun, One Gunsmith,” became the cornerstone of the business. This means that every Nighthawk Custom firearm is hand-built from start to finish by a single craftsman, who personally assembles, fits and tests the firearm. The pride in craftsmanship is so deeply ingrained that the gunsmith’s initials are engraved inside the gun, ensuring full accountability and ownership over the final product.
Nighthawk Custom’s early years saw steady growth as the company’s reputation spread within the firearms community. Enthusiasts, collectors and professionals alike began to recognize the quality and performance of Nighthawk pistols. Over the years, the company expanded its product lineup, adding several models and variations of the 1911, including options for both civilian and law enforcement use.
In addition to its standard 1911 models, Nighthawk Custom became known for offering a wide range of customization options, allowing customers to tailor their pistols to their exact specifications. This level of customization and attention to detail made Nighthawk pistols stand out in a crowded market, where off-the-shelf models often lacked the refinement and personal touch that came standard with every Nighthawk Custom firearm.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PHILOSOPHY: “ONE GUN, ONE GUNSMITH”
The “One Gun, One Gunsmith,” philosophy has always been central to Nighthawk Custom’s success. This principle sets the company apart from most other firearm manufacturers, where assembly lines and multiple technicians are responsible for the production process. At Nighthawk, each gunsmith is responsible for every aspect of building the firearm, from fitting the slide to the frame, to tuning the trigger and finishing the fine details like handpolishing and engraving.
This process takes time, often much longer than mass-produced firearms, but the result is a gun that is as close to perfect as human hands can make it. Nighthawk gunsmiths undergo extensive training, and only the most skilled craftsmen are entrusted with the responsibility of building Nighthawk pistols. This method of production ensures that each gun is unique, yet held to the highest standards of quality and performance.
The custom nature of Nighthawk firearms also means that they are fully customizable, allowing customers to select features such as barrel length, grips, finishes, sights and more. Nighthawk Custom works closely with customers to create firearms that are tailored to their specific needs, whether for personal defense, competition or simply as a collectible piece of art.
INNOVATION AND EXPANSION
While Nighthawk Custom initially focused solely on the 1911 platform, the company has expanded its offerings to include other designs such as the Korth revolvers and the Nighthawk TRS series. The company’s willingness to innovate and explore new firearm designs has helped solidify its reputation as a leader in the high-end firearms market.
One of Nighthawk’s key innovations is the Interchangeable Optics System (IOS), a proprietary optic-mounting system that allows for easy mounting of red-dot sights while maintaining the sleek lines and aesthetic integrity of the 1911 platform. This system is a standout feature on the Nighthawk BDS9, a firearm that has gained significant attention from competition shooters and tactical enthusiasts alike.
NIGHTHAWK BDS9
The USPSA Limited Optics division has taken off. It is now the second most popular division in USPSA at 23 percent of the reported activities, behind Carry Optics at 37 percent. It was also the second highest attended division at the USPSA Nationals this year. Now that the division has been more or less established, the 2011 manufacturers and gunsmiths can’t keep up. The Nighthawk BDS9 is exactly what this division was created for. Race-ready 2011s that are non-compensated, but allowed for the use of a slide-mounted optic.
The Nighthawk Custom BDS9 is a high-capacity 1911 designed specifically for competition and tactical use. It is a 9 mm double-stack pistol that combines Nighthawk’s traditional craftsmanship with modern enhancements aimed at increasing performance, accuracy and versatility. At first glance, the BDS9 is a great looking firearm, with its sleek lines, aggressive texture on its metal grip and high-quality finishes. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the BDS9 offers a range of features that make this standout performer in the world of custom-built pistols for competition use.
When I picked this beauty up at Parabellum Firearms in Avon, Indiana, the two-tone look of the gun and the overall way it balanced was impressive. While first handling this firearm there at the counter, you could feel and see the attention to the finer details. Racking the slide and how smooth it felt let me know that the first range trip was going to be fun.
The BDS9 features a full-size steel frame. The slide is machined to ensure a tight fit with the frame, resulting in a smooth, frictionless action that contributes to the pistol’s exceptional accuracy. The slide has been lightened in key areas to reduce weight without sacrificing durability, allowing for faster cycling and reduced muzzle flip. In addition, the expertly fitted bull barrel adds mass, helping to keep the gun flat and the red dot easy to track when shooting.
Like all Nighthawk pistols, the BDS9 features a hand-tuned trigger that breaks cleanly and consistently. The trigger pull weight is set at 3½ pounds. It has a short pre-travel into a crisp clean break with a short reset for fast follow-up shots. Using the metal grip the trigger bow is precisely match to the channel and aids in how smooth the trigger glides compared to a polymer grip. With approximately 2,000 rounds down range and a few dry-fire sessions (yes, I really did them), 10 pulls on the Wheeler Digital Gauge averaged to two pounds, 14.9 ounces.
The BDS9 is designed for serious shooters, and its grip texture reflects that. Aggressive stippling ensures a secure hold on the firearm, even in wet or slippery conditions. I put this to use during the USPSA Handgun Nationals shooting in the rain. The metal grip’s texture was a welcomed feature.
The Integrated Optics System (IOS) is one of the most innovative features of the Nighthawk Custom BDS9, and it is one of the reasons why this firearm has become so popular among competitive shooters. The IOS is a proprietary system that allows for the easy mounting of red-dot optics without compromising the aesthetics or balance of the firearm. I hate mounting red dots and using plates, screws and finding the right ones to work. This system is slick and makes this process about as easy as it can be.
Mounting the Vortex Defender-XL was a piece of cake. I popped the dot on and off a few times for photos and to just see how easy and secure the IOS system really was. During the firing of the gun I shot at the USPSA Nationals, as well as the Indiana Section and two range trips. I ran approximately 2,000 rounds with no issues with the mounting of the red dot.
Most optics mounting systems require permanent modifications to the slide, such as drilling and tapping, or using mounting plates. These systems can be pain with getting the right screws, and making sure everything fits. Nighthawk’s IOS, however, uses a sleek and low-profile mount that integrates seamlessly into the slide.
The IOS system is also easily removable, allowing users to switch between iron sights and optics without the need for additional tools or complicated procedures. This flexibility makes the BDS9 an solid choice for shooters who want the option of using both traditional sights and modern red-dot optics, depending on the shooting scenario.
I ran a variety of ammunition thought the gun. Everything from handloads, cheap 115-grain to even 124-grain +P Federal HST to really test this gun out. I ran all Eley 147-grain competition 9 mm Luger for the USPSA Nationals and the Indiana Section. I used the provided Nighthawk magazines, as well as MBX 141 mm magazines for all shooting.
Ghost USA provided a Hydra P holster, belt and magazine pouches as part of this review. The Hydra P holster from Ghost worked perfectly with the BDS9. The Hydra P was mounted to a Ghost belt along with Ghost magazine pouches. The Hydra P gives competitors the form and function of a shell holster with unrestricted draw of a speed race holster. The Ghost Hydra utilizes a proprietary quick release trigger guard retention system and locking mechanism. This allows for a fast and fluid draw. The Hydra is made with the latest technology using carbon-fiber composite, creating a safe holster system that is as durable as it is stylish and fast to draw from. The new 360 Universal Ghost Magazine Pouch with the Ghost 360 3G quick release are great additions to this competition rig setup.
The Nighthawk Custom BDS9 performed exceptionally well at the range and at the two matches. I love 2011s, and this gun was no exception. The grip shape, and how the front strap is more rounded than blocky, made this gun feel more like a single stack 1911. At the range I was running multiple drills and pushing the gun hard. It was easy to shoot fast and performance was excellent. The combination of its double-stack magazine, smooth trigger and aggressive grip texture make it a natural choice for fast, accurate shooting.
With the IOS and a quality red-dot optic installed, the BDS9 offers an unparalleled level of precision. The optic stays securely in place, and the low-profile design ensures that the gun remains balanced and easy to handle.
Since its inception, Nighthawk Custom has grown steadily, both in terms of its product offerings and its reputation within the firearms industry. The company remains headquartered in Berryville, Arkansas, where it continues to produce firearms using its signature “One Gun, One Gunsmith,” approach.
In recent years, Nighthawk Custom has expanded its reach beyond the civilian market, with many of its firearms being adopted by law enforcement agencies and military units around the world. The company has also developed partnerships with other high-end firearms manufacturers, such as Korth, to offer an even broader range of products to customers.
Nighthawk’s commitment to quality and customer service have been key factors in its success. The company offers a wide range of customization options, allowing customers to create firearms that meet their exact specifications. Whether for personal defense, competition or collecting, Nighthawk Custom continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of custom firearms.
Nighthawk Custom has built its reputation on a foundation of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to producing the finest custom firearms available today. The Nighthawk BDS9 exemplifies the company’s dedication to innovation and quality, with features like the Integrated Optics System and a double-stack magazine making it a top choice for competitive and tactical shooters alike.
The Nighthawk BDS9, with its cutting-edge features like the Integrated Optics System (IOS) and superb craftsmanship, represents the pinnacle of what the company has to offer and is a perfect example of what the USPSA Limited Optics division was intended for.
In the world of custom firearms, Nighthawk Custom stands tall as a company dedicated to perfection. With each firearm being hand-built by a single gunsmith, they deliver a level of quality and personal attention that is rare in today's firearms industry. The BDS9 is a testament to this dedication, offering shooters a high-performance, custom-tailored solution for their specific needs.
Whether you're a collector who appreciates the fine craftsmanship, a competitive shooter looking for a performance edge, or a professional who requires a reliable and durable firearm, Nighthawk Custom continues to offer products that meet and exceed expectations. Their combination of tradition, innovation and customer-focused design ensures that they will remain a leader in the industry for years to come. Check out the BDS9 at nighthawkcustom.com.
