Reviews

RWL Nighthawk Custom Recon CO2 Version

Dom

Considered to be the best handgun in history according to many firearms enthusiasts, the “Yankee Fist” (M1911/M1911A1 to the uninitiated) had so many variations that it's hard to keep track all of them and now here's another one for you to gawk at: The Nighthawk Custom.

Not so long ago Redwolf Licensed (RWL) released their 1911 replica series based on handguns made by Nighthawk Custom. The real steel company became famous when Chris Costa started to carry Nighthawk Custom models. Mr. Costa and Nighthawk Custom together designed the “ideal fighting 1911” with the Costa Family handguns. Redwolf offered me to review the RWL Nighthawk Custom Recon 1911 which was based on the Nighthawk Custom Costa Recon model, but RWL has two more Nighthawk Custom replicas: the GRP and The Talon. Both of these replicas are highly customized to match the professional look of the real steel versions. Based on Marui's 1911, they feature CNC made slides and Nighthawk grip panels. The Deluxe models are collector's items and limited to 100 pieces.

While Nighthawk Custom tried to design the ideal fighting 1911, RWL tried to create the ultimate skirmish 1911. This replica uses 12g CO2 cartridges to send BBs out of the barrel and that means higher FPS, higher kick and more tolerance to lower temperatures than green gas propelled handguns. On the other hand higher FPS also means that some airsoft sites won't let you use a gun like this but if you keep reading you'll see that this is only a problem during the winter months.

The box contains a CO2 magazine, 100pcs of 0.20g Bbs, an Allen wrench for the magazine, user manual and of course the handgun itself. The user's manual deals with basic things like muzzle discipline and cleaning/take-down. The gun weighs in about a kilogram fully loaded and this is only 200 grams shy of the real steel version.

The RWL Nighthawk Custom Recon is based on a KWC CO2 single stack 1911 but to show you that you're not only getting a standard KWC, I am using one of their 1911s to point out the differences. RWL picked the brand because they make the most reliable hard hitting single stack CO2 out there and also the only CO2 1911 where you can use magazines flush with the pistol's grip although the mag comes with this model is not like that. The unit is priced at $129 at Redwolf Airsoft's website but you can expect this gun popping up at other retailers with slightly different price tags around the world since the RWL Nighthawk Custom models aren't exclusive to Redwolf Airsoft.

The first thing you'll notice is the silver colored outer barrel, barrel lock and trigger. The frame has a high cut grip which is a Nighthawk Custom signature. That means more real estate for your fingers. Also the spring housing on the back of the grip is flat further reducing overall grip profile. The real steel version sports a magwell but our replica here is a CO2 version what would require a modified magwell since the CO2 cartridge is wider than the magazine itself . The grip-safety (beaver tail) is similar in shape to the one on the Costa Recon with only minor differences. The grip panels are standard looking rubberized plastic panels. No lanyard loop on the bottom of the grip but the holes are there if you fancy one.

The extended ambidextrous safety is easy to operate and clicks firmly. Our slide stop is a standard, non-extended version.

Under the 5” barrel we find a MilSpec rail with three slots but this is plenty to adopt flashlights and lasers. Rail specs are OK: both real versions of Insight MX3 and a Surefire X200 were fitted without any issues. Slide with internals weighs 325 grams.

The trigger breaks at around 2.5 lbs and it is similar in shape and color to the one used on its real steel counterpart but this one sports three holes where the Costa Recon has solid trigger.

The slide has a Nighthawk Custom logo engraved on its left and no Costa logo on the right probably due to licensing issues. The slide has non-removable front iron sight and a removable but non-adjustable rear sight. Both front and rear sights are dotted with white paint and have higher profile than the basic sights of the standard 1911 helping you find your target easier.

The magazine holds one 12g CO2 cartridge and 17 BBs and with one cartridge you can empty four times of that amount on a good day (depending on the temperature).  It has a rubber nozzle cover and plastic base plate. The mag is bottom heavy and that means it will land on the plastic base plate and not on the feeding lip when performing speed-reload. In case it does land on the feeding lip: replacement mags go for around $25 a pop. Any KWC made 1911 CO2 magazine can be used with the gun.

The gun can be taken apart like any other “forty-five”: Take out the mag, remove the slide catch and simply pull off the slide. The frame holds the trigger group, mag release, thumb/grip safety and slide catch.

Here's the inventory of parts inside the slide:

  • 112mm brass inner barrel at 6.08 mm diameter
  • 130mm aluminum outer barrel
  • Cast aluminum Hop-up chamber and BBU housing
  • Steel recoil spring guide with washer and rubber damper
  • Plastic nozzle and piston-head (no O-ring)

Chrono Results:

Grouping:

10m, fixed position, outdoor, no wind present. Usually the second magazine gave me better grouping than the first and there was no significant difference between groupings achieved with heavier and lighter BBs. Check out this image of two typical groupings.

ll the pictures were taken AFTER approx 1500 shots. I had no problem with any internal parts so far. I tried several BB brands (G&G BIO, Gunfire Rockets, Guarder, Blaster) all the way up to 0.28.

RWL was right about one thing: this is a good single stack for skirmishing right out of the box. Decent kick, pleasure to shoot with. Only thing I could say worth changing is the Hop-Up rubber and a tight bore barrel to achieve better accuracy but the latter could result in an even higher FPS as well.

Redwolf says all the necessary replacement parts can be ordered from them, but I think if you keep this gun clean and lubricated then there's no need for replacement parts for a long time.

To carry this 1911 your best bet is an universal holster since Kydex ones cost an arm and a leg plus there's no room in those for the light or laser.

Things I would change on this model:

  • Stainless steel barrel lock
  • Black anodized outer barrel
  • Wood grip panels
  • Tactical Hook rear sight or a reflex sight mount-base

RWL promised more Nighthawk Custom replicas for the future and I am hoping the first one will be one of these.

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