The SHOT Show 2026 is just a few hours away, but Nighthawk Custom is already unveiling three new pistols – or, to be more precise, three new variations on the 1911 theme: the Alpha Hawk, the GI Plus and the Double Stack Thunder Ranch Combat Special. “Each pistol is built start to finish by a single gunsmith, each designed with a distinct purpose, and each representing a different expression of what defines our work today,” they say. Let's delve in more.
Alpha Hawk
The.45 ACP Alpha Hawk is engineered from the ground up to maximize the capability of a compact carry 1911 and to deliver reduced recoil. The match grade bull barrel is 4.25" long, making the Alpha Hawk a Commander-size pistol, and features a precision-machined chunk port at the muzzle. This allows for integrated compensation, reducing muzzle rise and felt recoil without added length or bulk. Frame is forged: a magwell is machined directly into it, and the flat floor-plate magazines sit perfectly flush for reload efficiency without compromising concealability. The Alpha Hawk has interchangeable G10 RailScales rear slide serration inserts available in Black or FDE that can be easily swapped. To keep it fully snag-free, the pistol has no front sight: it is designed exclusively for red-dot use and comes standard with Nighthawk Custom’s Interchangeable Optic System (IOS) – the Alpha Hawk ships with an optic plate compatible with RMR-footprint pistol optics. Following the same carry-oriented philosophy, the pistol is completely dehorned for comfortable carry. Price for the Nighthawk Custom Alpha Hawk is $5,199, and includes one 7-round mag and one 8-round magazine.
GI Plus
With and MSRP of $4,499 and chambered for the classic .45 ACP cartridge, as the name already suggest the GI Plus is a very traditional full-size 1911 sporting WWI-era rollmarks, a deep fully blued finish and vertical slide serrations. On the other hand, the ring hammer (an homage to the lightweight Commander introduced in 1949), modernized beavertail and refined ergonomics improve shootability. Twenty-five lines-per-inch checkering on the front strap, mainspring housing, and magazine release provides secure handling. The cocobolo wood grips are diamond-checkered – another classic touch – and inlaid with the Nighthawk medallion. A 14k gold bead front sight and the rear sight shaped to echo early fixed-sight 1911 profiles offer modern precision while preserving the pistol’s historically correct silhouette.
Double Stack Thunder Ranch Combat Special
“Built to work” is the claim: designed for hard use and real-world demands, the Double Stack Thunder Ranch Combat Special is a new high-capacity version of Clint Smith’s original fighting pistol concept (we already introduced it in this article). With a magazine capacity of 17 rounds in 9mm, the pistol has modern optics capability, a thick precision-fit barrel bushing that enhances durability and long-term consistency, and a smoked nitride finish that provides corrosion resistance while sporting a subdued, duty-driven appearance. A 14k gold bead front sight is paired to a Heinie Black Ledge rear sight to deliver quick and intuitive sight acquisition. Price for the double stack upgrade of the Thunder Ranch Combat Special is $4,799.
