New for 2020: Nighthawk Custom Colt Series 70 1911

by
posted on January 15, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nighthawk-custom-colt-series-70-1911-new-guns-2020-f.jpg
In the 1911 world, there are countless variations and takes, ranging from retro models to cutting-edge designs loaded with optics and gadgets galore. Despite all of the different models available, there's just nothing quite like a classic Colt 1911 done well, and that's what Nighthawk Custom set out to do with one of its new-for-2020 releases.

“Custom gunsmithing the 1911 is the foundation of our company. In a sense, this project allowed us to go back to our roots,” said Mark Stone, owner and CEO of Nighthawk Custom. “To take such a classic pistol and add the Nighthawk Custom touch, allows us to offer a fine-tuned 1911 that looks like the model your dad or grandpa carried in the service. We’re thrilled with how this pistol turned out.”


To take this classic Colt Series 70 1911 up a step (or two), Nighthawk Custom installed a completely new trigger system, providing the gun with a match-grade short trigger enhanced with a machined disconnector, sear, hammer strut and pin. Additionally, the gun was outfitted with a retro-style hammer and features Nighthawk's signature beavertail grip safety, mainspring housing and match barrel bushing.

“The idea for this project actually came from our Custom Gunsmithing Shop,” said Nelson Davis, COO of Nighthawk Custom. “In our custom shop, we bring in customer guns of all kinds for all types of work; everything from a simple refinish, to a complete rebuild with all new parts. Recently, we were shipping a retro-looking Colt back to a customer and we thought ‘That is beautiful! Let’s build one that people can readily buy.’ From there, our expert gunsmiths went to the drawing board for how to improve upon a classic.”

Some of these upgrades include an ultra high-cut trigger guard, vertical serrations on the front strap and mainspring housing, a French border on the slide and the company's logo custom-engraved on the dust cover.

While Nighthawk doesn't perform a custom slide-to-frame fit on this enhanced Colt Series 70 pistol, the company's pistolsmiths do perform a complete action tune and enhancement. This work includes polishing, tuning and adjusting the internal components to ensure that the gun will run reliably under a variety of conditions. To further enhance the look of this classic custom pistol, the gun features a smoked-nitride finish and hand-beveled edges on the slide.

This Nighthawk Custom-tuned Colt Series 70 1911 sells at a suggested retail price of $2,599. For more information on what goes into a classic pistol like this and to see Nighthawk's other options, visit nighthawkcustom.com.

 

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.