Shadow Hawk Long Slide, a “long” 1911 from Nighthawk Custom - an outstanding pistol for real fans

The front and rear serrations provide a sure surface to rack the long slide.

If you were around in the 1980s you'll probably remind the long-slide Hardballer, a stainless steel 1911 clone manufactured by now long-defunct Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT) company from Irwindale, California. This is in fact the gun that Arnold Schwarzenegger/Terminator points at poor Sarah Connor/Linda Hamilton in the 1984 motion picture “The Terminator”. Well, if you are fascinated by the idea of a long-slide 1911, you'll love the new pistol that Nighthawk Custom just added to their Shadow Hawk series. Actually, there is just one difference between a standard Government-sized Shadow Hawk 1911 and the new model, but it is a long difference: with a 6”/152 mm slide configuration, the Shadow Hawk Long Slide is just as impressive as it sounds.

Video-presentation: Nighthawk Custom Shadow Hawk Long Slide

Nighthawk Custom Shadow Hawk Long Slide, more than just a gun

The rear sight is fully adjustable, with dual tritium lamps.

Designed for both hunting (where allowed by law) and competition, the Shadow Hawk Long Slide features a forged Government size frame, while the 6" barrel is match grade for better accuracy. The pistol comes standard in 10mm caliber. But no worries: it is also available in .45 ACP. The long, black nitride finished slide surface is marked at the front and the rear by aggressive cocking serrations. 

The rear sight is fully adjustable, with dual tritium lamps, coupled to a tritium front sight. The  magwell/mainspring housing is one-piece for quick and sure reloading. The lightweight aluminum flat trigger has a serrated face, and the G10 black and gray spiral cut grips with Nighthawk Custom logo are a nice touch to this awe inspiring gun. Among the other features, a 25 lines per inch checkered front strap and mainspring housing and a 40 lines per inch serrated rear of slide to match the rear sight, a ultra hi-cut front strap, a shortened slide stop and beveled frame, and a crowned barrel flush with bushing. 

The manufacturer also emphasizes that the Shadow Hawk Long Slide “is completely dehorned for comfortable carry” – although in fairness very few people will find a way to “comfortably carry” a 9.65"/245 mm long, 42 oz/1190 g heavy pistol.

To cut a long story short (pun intended), who is this Long Slide pistol for?
Competition shooters and hunters can find it interesting for sure. But the Nighthawk Custom Shadow Hawk Long Slide is more than just a competition or hunting tool: it is a status symbol of sort, a striking object and – last but not least – a beautiful gun. The price, at 3.999 USD, reflects this.

Nighthawk Custom Shadow Hawk Long Slide tec-specs and price