I am contemplating the purchase of either the Wilson CQB Elite w/rail or a Nighthawk GRP Recon in Diamond Black for range/home defense (not to be carried).
I have searched online and within various forums and have found threads few years old reporting quality control issues with the Nighthawk. As of today, has their QC improved? I really like the Diamond Black finish available on the Nighthawk but seem to see fewer complaints about the fit and finish quality of Wilson firearms.
Assuming buying both is not an option at this time, which would you recommend?
Springfield Custom Shop and have them build to your specs or just get a Pro with a rail. If those are your only two choices then I would go with Nighthawk.
I wouldn’t hesitate to invest in either (or Ed Brown), though the contents of my safe would quickly reveal that I am extremely comfortable with Wilson Combat. All else being equal, I always know where I stand with service after the sale, and nobody is doing that any better than Bill Wilson.
Got about 20K through my NHC which I selected after running pistols from both manufacturers. I bought mine by visiting a stocking dealer and perhaps that helped some in not getting a problem child. I thought the fit and trigger were much smoother with NHC. Both companies give you lifetime warranty.
That Diamond Black finish is really tough and looks awesome if you like the flat/matte look. I would agree that Wilson might be the better choice since they have a longer track record and there seems to be less reports of lemons from Wilson.
From my understanding the guys that worked at Wilson left and then started up Nighthawk. Then the guy who started Nighthawk, left and started his own company. I’m sure if you flip a coin you can’t go wrong. I have neither but was also in your situation a few months back. But then my money for the 1911 went towards my Tromix Saiga12. I have a SA PRO 1911, which is arguably one of the best 1911’s made.
Regarding the guns themselves, I think it’s probably a wash between Wilson and Nighthawk. Nighthawk might have a bit more flexibility in your ability to enact exactly what you want specification-wise, but if one of Wilson’s packages/specifications meets what you want, that’s a wash.
Nighthawk’s aftermarket service is legendary. At the end of the day, I chose to go with Nighthawk, and am very pleased with my Talon II, created exactly to my specifications.
I too looked at these two mfgs and Ed Brown before purchasing my first “nice” 1911. I went with Ed Brown … then another Ed Brown … but you prob won’t go wrong with either.
A buddy of mine has several of each … Ed Brown, Wilson, and NightHawk … and he says they are all pretty comparable. I have held and shot them all and would be perfectly happy with any of the 3.
It will come down to what specs I want as to which I choose next. For me it will probably be a NH T3.
As you can see from the responses, there is no definitive answer. Only opinions. Ed Brown, Wilson, Nighthawk, Springfield Pro Shop, Baer…all of them make very fine pistols.
I’ve owned a Wilson and a Springfield Pro so that’s what I’d recommend based on my personal experience. Both of them were outstanding and both companies are known for excellent customer service should you ever need it.
I’ve heard enough negative remarks about both Baer and Ed Brown customer service that I would hesitate to buy from them. As others have said, I’ve also heard of quite a few quality issues with Nighthawk but that was mostly several years ago so things may have improved.
It is true, we all have varied taste and needs. I also think if you can find a place where you can examine each side by side, that would be better than an internet or telephone order.
BTW- The Diamond Black finish IS probably one of the better finishes out there in terms of appearance and durability. Other people call it Ion Bond. It is a pain to have, but every firearm I have seen with it is beautiful.
I’m also going to throw one out there worth considering, many often overlook and that’s the 1911 from the S&W Performance Center. They don’t make many choices, but I would - and have - put them up against any high end production gun. I’m not going to say its “better” then other high end brands, but offers quite a bit for the $$$ as a hand built and fitted, Melonite finish, adjustable sites (depending on the model) etc and the S&W CS which is always second to none. Here’s a worthy review:
Thanks for all the input thus far! I think I’m leaning toward the NHC done completely in the diamond black finish. Does anyone know if Wilson has or will offer a simliar finish?
I have had two experiences with EB’s customer service. The first was an improperly fitted (loose) slide stop lever on a SF Carry. I sent it back on a Tuesday after work from Athens, GA and had it back in my hands … tight as a drum … on Friday morning. That’s less than 3 days round trip from GA to MO and back.
The second was actually me sending my Govt SF back to them to have it bobtailed. It took a bit longer … I think it was about 5-6 business days from door to door.
From what I’ve read/heard most folks complaints about EB customer service is due to the fact they don’t pick up the shipping back to them for warranty/repair work. Yes, that sucks. They also don’t caudle you. You send it in, the fix it. Just don’t expect them to hold your hand. However, they will cover the gun for life … even if you aren’t the original buyer so I guess there’s a trade-off there. I can live with that.
