Nighthawk Custom Shadowhawk

posted on April 11, 2015
** 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. **

If you count yourself among enthusiasts of the modern M1911, then you should be familiar with Nighthawk Custom. Located in Berryville, Ark., Nighthawk has built its reputation on quality. Combining the best, fully machined components with old-world handcraftsmanship, Nighthawk's custom M1911s are built from start to finish by the same gunsmith. "One gun, one gunsmith," is an apt motto for the company, and its skilled craftsman have such pride and ownership in their work that at the end of each build, the gunsmith stamps his initials in the frame.

We've talked this year about the growth in optics-ready handguns, and Nighthawk Custom has an offering of its own in the category, the Shadowhawk with a Trijicon RMR. The 5"-barreled Shadowhawk possesses all the quality and accuracy inherent to Nighthawk firearms, and it is elevated to the next level of utility with the addition of a Trijicon RMR red-dot sight and Trijicon tall tritium Night Sights. The RMR is mounted to the slide via a specially designed base and, interestingly, the rear sight is actually integral to that mounting base. The positive attributes of red-dot and reflex sights are too many to list here, but suffice it to say that in instances where fast target acquisition is required, or when a firearm is being handled by one with aging eyes, these optical sights have proved their effectiveness time and time again. The Shadowhawk with RMR is a great addition to the growing optics-ready market, and should perform well in myriad pistol pursuits, from hunting to competition to personal defense. Nighthawkcustom.com

Latest

Gotw Heritage 92 Web
Gotw Heritage 92 Web

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 2025

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

Victory In The Air: One Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver's Story

A primary source investigation into the service history of a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Firearm Industry Responds To Aid Texas Flood Victims

Only a few days after the tragedy struck, two of the firearm industry’s foremost companies were raising funds for the victims and organizations dedicated to providing support through devastating floods in Texas.

I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Produced by J. Woodward & Sons at the end of the 19th century, this double rifle, chambered for the .500 Express cartridge, was tailor-made for dangerous-game hunting.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger

Springfield Armory added two new pistol variants to its popular Saint AR-15 lineup, and the new models are chambered for 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.