In its newest offering, Nighthawk Custom’s “One Gun, One Gunsmith” old-world firearm manufacturing techniques meet the famed marksmanship and mindset-training principles of Thunder Ranch in the .45 ACP, Government-size Thunder Ranch Model 1911. A collaboration with Thunder Ranch founder Clint Smith, the namesake pistol was designed and refined to meet Smith’s requirements for accuracy and reliability, as well as his personal tastes and preferences for a defensive firearm. Smith and the Nighthawk pistolsmiths definitely went a little retro with this one; G.I.-style features such as the lanyard loop mainspring housing and the left-side-only tab safety, not to mention the gold-bead front sight, give the Thunder Ranch model an old-school-cool vibe. Smith also specified his preferences for slide serrations—front and rear—and engraving, and the gun wears handsome green linen/Micarta stocks and is finished with Nighthawk’s Smoked Nitride treatment for durability, as well as aesthetics. The end result is an heirloom-quality pistol that, despite its high-end looks, is designed to stand up to hard use and long hours on the firing line, and ultimately perform flawlessly should it be called upon to protect life or property.
Specifications for the Nighthawk Custom Thunder Ranch 1911 are below. For more information, go to nighthawkcustom.com, and to train with Smith and the Thunder Ranch team, visit thunderranchinc.com.
Specifications:
Model: Thunder Ranch
Chambering: .45 ACP
Barrel Length: 5”
Height: 5.85”
Length: 8.6”
Width: 1.3”
Weight: 40.8 ozs.
Sights: Black, Heinie Ledge rear; 18k gold-bead front
Magazine: Eight-round detachable box
Finish: Smoked Nitride
