Starting its life as a standard Colt 1911 Government Series 70 in .45 ACP, this pistol was sent to Nighthawk Custom of Berryville, Arkansas for a comprehensive custom build in which every component is hand-fitted by a single gunsmith. The Nighthawk work includes a National Match barrel fitted with a compensator, requiring the forward portion of the factory slide to be shortened to accommodate the compensator assembly. The slide has been cut with Nighthawk's IOS (Interchangeable Optic System), allowing for the use of interchangeable mounting plates for various red dot footprints. The entire pistol is finished in Nighthawk's smoked nitride, a PVD-based finish offering high durability, corrosion resistance, and a deep semi-matte appearance. Additional Nighthawk work includes a full trigger job, custom front strap and mainspring housing serrations, replacement beavertail grip safety, and a slim stubby hammer.

This example is fitted with checkered wood grips and a gold bead front sight paired with an irons forward rear sight integral to the IOS RMR plate. Accompanied by four Nighthawk magazines, one Colt magazine, IOS cover plate, Nighthawk soft case, original Colt hardcase, manual, test target, and all original Colt parts, including the section of the slide that was removed by Nighthawk to accommodate the compensator.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Colt
• Customizer: Nighthawk Custom, Berryville, AR
• Model: Government Model (Series 70)
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Single action, semi-automatic
• Barrel: 5" Nighthawk National Match barrel with compensator
• Finish: Smoked nitride (PVD)
• Frame: Steel, smoked nitride
• Slide: Steel, smoked nitride, IOS optic cut
• Trigger: Full Nighthawk trigger job
• Hammer: Nighthawk slim stubby hammer
• Sights: Gold bead front sight, forward set rear
• Optic System: Nighthawk IOS (Interchangeable Optic System)
• Safety: Thumb safety, beavertail grip safety
• Grips: Checkered wood with diamond ribs
• Magazines: Four Nighthawk magazines, one Colt magazine