I am about to display my profound ignorance of this subject.
I’m just curious about this: what’s the difference between the two? I haven’t been able to find a comparison anywhere and at this point I’m thinking that whichever I choose is gonna be the one that feels better than the other.
Made by the same people, outa the same stuff, in the same town?
Enlighten me!
Thanks…
From what I recall, the Nighthawk folks split away from Wilson a few years back to start their own shop. They both make great 1911’s.
Never had the cash to purchase a pistol from either company, but I’ve bought components for my 1911 from both companies. Outstanding parts and outstanding customer service (emails and inquiries are often returned within an hour or two) from both companies.
Personally I prefer the original GI guide rod as opposed to the reverse plug or full length rod that Wilson uses in almost all their pistols; I’ve noticed that NH uses the GI in more of their pistols, so I lean towards them. However, to each his own; both are top notch companies.
Both are outstanding weapons. The Wilson seems to be a bit more refined, while the Nighthawk line is more of a work pistol. Either would be a great choice, quality of work and attention to detail are impeccable. This is a can’t lose decision, I bought a NHC.
I’ve owned multiple examples of each and both companies make great weapons. The WC Armortuff finish holds up better than NHCs. If you do go NHC, get the ionbond.
It’s really up to what you want feature wise. I would love to have either if I could find one locally.
NH uses Trijicon/Heine sights where Wilson makes their own sights. Wilson likes the 30LPI cuts, NH seems use 25LPI and put all sorts of serrations (i.e. Falcon) on most models where as on a Wilson its an additional cost. Seems like NH is trying to increase market share by having slightly lower prices than Wilson.
Both have outstanding customer service and great talent in the shops.
It really is a matter of personal preference and at that price point - the function and reliability is all there - it’s all a matter of personal preference on the aesthetics.
I own a Nighthawk T3. I bought it simply because it had all the features I wanted on it. The major difference, I’d say, is that at Nighthawk, the company recently switched to a one-gun-one-smith build philosophy. That’s why recent production guns, like mine, have the smith’s initials stamped onto the frame. At Wilson Combat, they use more of an assembly line process. The critical point here is that they have dedicated smiths who work only on the trigger; they have been trained by the best. So the question really is, do you want a gun that’s been built by a single smith from start to finish like a true custom (although NHC guns are semi-custom, really), or a gun that’s gone through an assembly line of specialists? Neither is better than the other, it’s personal preference.
Mind blown :eek:
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I’d like to see a thread started where 1911 owners put down what 1911’s they’ve owned and how they’ve shaken out. The Kimber I had needed help twice from Kimber, and once from Nighhawk Custom. Nighthawk did a GREAT job on it. Wilson Combat did up a Colt 38 Super Government Model for me, and while I haven’t wrung it out yet, the workmanship is VERY nice. The Stock Government Model I’ve been testing my reloads with has been 100 percent for the 500 rounds I’ve shot through it, and I might send it in one day to one of the two shops you’re looking at.
This.
Also, I’m not really concerned about aesthetics on either gun brand. What I am concerned about is a) gun feeling REALLY good, & b) having the capability to shoot 1" groups at 25 yds, which is one of the specs on the sidebar of certain WC models.
Thanks for the info, guys!
Which brand has guns available and which has a wait? Why?
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=321236
The Dan Wesson Valor can do that. Most 1911’s do feel good with a little work to the front strap and a beavertail…
Are you looking for a Bulls Eye gun?
If you’re gonna order either one, think about rollmarks.
Both of them like to emblazon the slide with goofy, juvenile, tacky, hideous roll marks.
Opt for a naked slide unless you like the elite, limited, special, super-duper, uber deadly tactical darkness edition.
Anyone who owns either brand want to chime in? I’d be pretty surprised to see someone duplicated that kind of accuracy with a handgun, but I bet someone here’s done it before.
This.
I much prefer a group of specialists build my pistol rather than one person who is pretty good at everything.
Several other things pushed me to Wilson. Their test fire procedure is more extensive than any I’ve heard of. I’ve seen it in person when Larry filmed the Wilson episode of TAC-TV. I was blown away at the level of perfection required before the gun will go out the door.
The reliability of my Wilsons has been exemplary. My main carry gun is a Wilson and is closing in on 10,000 rounds through it with only one failure to feed. No other problems or malfunctions with it. The one FTF was from a mag full of uncrimped ammo that Rob Leatham gave me to burn. No fault of the gun. The FTF happened around the 7,500 round mark.
I don’t have much experience with NH, but I know WC will build the gun any way you want as long as it doesn’t sacrifice reliability. You can go full-on safe queen bling guns, down and dirty work gun, or competition gun. My go-to WC is a combination of the last two and has the scars to prove it.
I own a 2007 WC CQB, 2009 NH GRP, 2002 LB TRS and a 2002 Rock River Standard Match. All are great 1911 pistols.
I see little difference between the WC and NH. Considering alot of the people that built the NH used to work for WC, this should not surprise anyone.
I would consider any price difference the deal maker.
I own 3 WC Professionals, a WC CQB with rail, and a WC Tactical LE. All are accurate, reliable and well made. If you order from WC either directly or through a Dealer, you can pretty much get what you want and they will eliminate any markings you want removed, such as their logo. Customer service is excellent. If I need or should I say want another 1911, I’ll go to WC.
IIRC, both have waits with no guns available. The only way to get a gun from either company immediately is to find one on sites like Gunbroker, which is where I got mine.
I hear that George over at MIGunslingers is THE go-to man if you want a full custom or production model for ANY high-end 1911. There are many reports over at the 1911Forums of customers who have repeatedly found guns for cheaper with less wait time by ordering through George than directly through a business, even for full custom builds. He also has very flexible payment plans. I have yet to hear or read about a negative dealing with him.
Just because one example can do that doesn’t mean they all can.
I walked into a store today that had five Nighthawks in the display case. It took all my self control to not walk out with a GRP Recon for $2900.