Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
Enter to WIN Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle in FREE GUN FRIDAY!

Nighthawk’s Talon II Bobtail .45 ACP Is Quick on the Draw

Dave Bahde by Dave Bahde
November 12, 2014
in Guns, Handguns
0
Nighthawk Talon II HBG 2015 lead

Nighthawk Custom’s Talon II Bobtail carries 8+1 rounds of .45 ACP firepower in a compact package perfect for deep-cover carry.

0
SHARES
112
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Nighthawk Talon II HBG 2015 lead
Nighthawk Custom’s Talon II Bobtail carries 8+1 rounds of .45 ACP firepower in a compact package perfect for deep-cover carry.
Nighthawk Talon HBG 2015 barrel
The author’s test pistol came with Nighthawk Custom’s 4.25-inch National Match Carbon barrel fitted to a stainless steel bushing.
Nighthawk Talon HBG 2015 grip
The Talon II Bobtail’s checkered, high-cut grip frame, paired with textured black Micarta stocks, provides plenty of control while firing.

Nighthawk Talon HBG 2015 field
Nighthawk’s Talon II Bobtail; Caliber: .45 ACP; Barrel: 4.25 inches; OA Length: 7.85 inches; Grips: Black Micarta; Sights: Heinie Ledge Straight Eight; Weight: 36 ounces; Action: SA; Finish: Hard chrome; Capacity: 8+1; MSRP: $3,049

There is just something about holding a well-built, custom-grade 1911 pistol. Sharp edges removed, parts blended together, smooth lines and attention to detail—they melt into your hands. It’s more than just quality, reliability or custom features. It is a connection between shooter and pistol. This remains one of the strongest draws for these pistols and their time-proven designs. If this custom work is done properly, the pistol will give you the same kind of confidence and comfort at the range. In a world full of polymer-framed pistols assembled from drop-in parts, it’s easy to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a high-end 1911. I recently got my hands on the Talon II Bobtail 1911 from Nighthawk Custom, and the level of craftsmanship that went into making this pistol was immediately evident.

Nighthawk’s Talon pistols are some of the company’s most popular models. They are combat-ready, custom-grade 1911 pistols with all the features you need, and you can always customize your order to get whatever other features you might want. Nighthawk Custom allows you to make changes as needed. The Talon is built on a full-sized frame, and the Talon II is built on a Commander-style frame. As its name implies, my test gun features a bobtail-style grip for enhanced concealed-carry capabilities.

“At the range, I shot the pistol off-hand at 15 yards, and its accuracy was stellar, cutting one ever-larger hole no matter what ammunition I used.”

Starting with solid forgings, the slide and frame are cut in the company’s Berryville, Arkansas, facility, and my test model featured a hard chrome finish on both. The standard Talon II is fitted with a 4.25-inch, stainless steel barrel. My test pistol came with Nighthawk Custom’s National Match Carbon barrel expertly fitted to a stainless steel bushing. The pistol utilizes a standard Commander-sized guide rod and plunger, so the Talon II is easy to dissemble in the field—no tools are needed.

The top of the slide is serrated to prevent glare. The rear of the slide is also serrated, matching the back of the Heinie Ledge Straight Eight tritium rear sight. This sight has a wider notch with a single tritium insert centered just below it. Paired with the tritium front sight, target acquisitions are fast in any lighting condition.

Since the pistol is designed for concealed carry, any sharp edges that could snag on clothing during the draw or print through clothing have been removed from the slide and frame. The high-cut grip frame features checkering to lock the Talon II nicely in your hands. The extended grip safety is also blended nicely into the frame. The top of the Ed Brown Bobtail mainspring housing/magazine well is checkered to ensure a solid grip, while it’s smooth at the bottom to prevent snagging on clothing. The magazine well is also beveled for faster reloads. Black Micarta grips with the Nighthawk Custom logo are mated perfectly to the frame.

The pistol’s smaller parts are fully machined from solid billet. This includes the grip safety, the thumb safety, the magazine release and the slide stop. The wider, single-sided thumb safety is easy to operate; it’s positive, crisp and well fitted. The slide stop is slightly extended, which allows for easy access without increasing the chances of an accidental activation. The Talon II Bobtail also has a tool-steel hammer, strut and sear, providing a lifetime of use. The lightweight, match-grade trigger breaks cleanly with just the right amount of take-up and no overtravel.

The Talon II Bobtail was right at home nestled in my Milt Sparks Nexus holster. Once a critic of bobtail frames, I now prefer them for concealed carry, especially using an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. The Nexus holds the pistol tight to your body and low to the belt line, making the bobtail frame a pleasant addition. Clothing won’t snag on the corner of the grip, nor will it dig into your body. The grip’s checkering provides a solid grip, yet it did not snag on either a large T-shirt or a button-down when I carried the pistol concealed. The pistol was also comfortable to carry while seated in my car—it didn’t dig into me at all. Milt Sparks’ neodymium magnetic loop fasteners make the Nexus incredibly easy to take on and off—there’s no fishing for the snaps or figuring out what direction they snap. They just slide in place.

 

Range Time

This pistol came with a test target showing essentially a single-hole group at 15 yards. At the range, I shot the pistol off-hand at 15 yards, and its accuracy was stellar, cutting one ever-larger hole no matter what ammunition I used. Using 230-grain FMJs from Federal, it was downright pleasant to shoot. Even the higher-velocity rounds I used from CorBon and DoubleTap were not unpleasant to shoot and remained very accurate. Moving back to 25 yards and shooting from a benchrest, the best group came from Winchester’s 230-grain T-Series load, which measured 1.5 inches. Every (Please turn to page )

group was around 2 inches at this range, but the weather was anything but cooperative for group shooting. An unseasonably wet summer made concentrating over the course of the day problematic, but the Talon II Bobtail produced the accuracy you would expect from a custom-grade 1911 pistol. Moving off the bench and firing off-hand at 25 yards, it was possible to get consistent hits on a 6-inch steel target. Short of a bullseye pistol, you just don’t get much more accurate.

The Talon II Bobtail was also 100 percent reliable with all of the ammunition used, both practice and self-defense rounds. It really liked the Hornady 220-grain Critical Duty ammunition. Although rated as a +P round, it does not shoot like one. The pistol was fast, accurate and extremely reliable, even during rapid fire. I ran the pistol with several magazines, including those from ACT-MAG, Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick. They all ran flawlessly and dropped free easily when I hit the magazine release.

Because of its concealed-carry mission, I spent lots of time drawing the pistol from the holster and shooting on the move. The Talon II presents well, especially from the Milt Sparks Nexus. The pistol’s high-cut grip frame is perfect for my large hands. Checkering is a must for me, and the 30-lpi checkering on the Talon II is the most popular. Coupled with the checkered mainspring housing and grips, the pistol locked solidly into my hand.

The Heinie sights were easy to find, even while moving. All of my carry pistols have night sights. Although controversial to some, they are a must for me. Having carried a pistol on/off duty and for concealed carry for three decades now, they have come in handy on several occasions. Heinie’s Ledge Straight Eight night sights are among my favorites.

The high-quality beveling on the magazine well facilitated fast reloads. The magazines rocked into place and inserted easily. With practice, my old form returned, and I could reload the single-stack pistol very quickly.

 

Built For Carry

This pistol is built for concealed carry, and it does the job well. The only thing I might add would be an ambidextrous thumb safety, but that is a personal preference. It is just about perfect for a concealed-carry 1911 pistol.

Hard chrome is one of the nicest ways to protect your custom pistol. Rugged yet smooth, the finish holds up incredibly well. My first custom 1911 pistol used this coating, and it held up well for years of very hard use. Carrying a pistol every day is hard on the finish; even the high-tech coatings of the day are not immune. Hard chroming like this can provide a lifetime of protection for a carry pistol.

Custom 1911 pistols remain incredibly popular. Custom builders are backed up for years in some cases. If you are looking for a custom build with greater availability, the Nighthawk Talon II Bobtail is an excellent choice, and by comparison, it’s reasonably priced. The Talon remains one of the company’s most popular pistols, and after testing the Talon II, I can see why. If you are in the market for a custom 1911 with everything you need in a carry pistol, give the Nighthawk Talon II Bobtail a close look.

For more information, visit nighthawkcustom.com or call 877-268-4867.

This story was featured in the 2015 HANDGUN BUYER’S GUIDE. To subscribe to the HANDGUN BUYER’S GUIDE, please visit PersonalDefenseWorld.com/subscribe.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The Final Edition of the Walther P99 pistol.

UPDATED: Final Edition Walther P99 Closes Out Model Run

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

Some of the top guns and gear released at SHOT Show 2023.

30 of the Best Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

March-April 2023 Issue of Tactical Life.

March-April 2023 Issue of Tactical Life: Clint Smith Collaborations

It feels like 2023 just started, and we’re already bringing you the second issue of the new year. Proof that...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol packs 22+1.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Packs 22+1 Rounds of Firepower!

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.