The nicest guys in the 1911 business that also happen to make incredible 1911's, what's not to like here. I 'd watch you guy's brew a pot of coffee if you posted it!
I am gathering as much information as I can as I prepare to order my first Nighthawk Custom “Sandhawk”….many details and upgrades I don’t know enough about….hopefully speaking with Nighthawk directly can help me make those choices……great video!
I just bought my first Nighthawk. A Firehawk! I don’t know what words to use but outstanding joy comes to mind. Now I’m here for its first cleaning. Thanks! Eldon DePew (some people are just born to be firearm experts with a name like that!) test fired my pistol. Nice shot! Only thing I seemed to have gotten wrong was my takedown key did not end up where it started. Don’t know how that happened but I’ll need a new one !
For what ever reason, he missed a few key places. Take a look at the bottom of the slide rails. The way he lubed it, they are running dry and it shows! Lube is needed on the ramp of the lower lugs and where the ramp hits the frame asl well as the bottom of the barrel where it hit the frame. very important. The title says how to clean a comped gun, however, only normal 1911 cleaning was shown. Neveris the cleaning of the comp shown. Kinda missed the whole point! GRRRRR!!! KnifeMaker
Great video - thanks for the instructions - the manual in the case doesn’t include takedown directions for compensated pistols (I recently bought a Fire Hawk and WOW!).
I own several Nighthawks, and even a few other custom 1911s (but pls don't mention this to Mark). Since I paid a lot of money for most of these guns, I tend to take care of them and clean them after every trip to the range. I've also heard quite a few folks say that they should NOT be cleaned that often, and cleaning them that often can even be harmful to the gun. May I ask how often you clean your own Nighthawks?
Took down my new Firehawk for the first time last night, absolutely loved shooting it (.45, nearly no discernible recoil). My paper clip did not survive the ordeal (actually that's not fair, it DID survive the cleaning. It didn't survive my attempt to straighten it back out in the place it bent). Am I wrong in thinking it is just a normal paper clip and I can go down to Staples and get a slew of them? I definitely don't want to guess with this high priced of a gun.
Wow excellent video! Is there 10mm comped TRS? I’m a new gun owner , myself and a dozen other friends have loved the hot loaded 10mm so fare and would be happy to buy a comped dibble stack by nighthawk custom! Thank you for your time !
Hi Sorrow Joy! Both models in our TRS line are offered in 9mm only. Basically, all of our double stack offerings are 9mm only. The Fire Hawk model, which is also comped, is available in 9mm or .45 ACP, but again not available in 10mm at this time. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we'll help you out any way we can.
Great stuff! Thank you for the video. I've recently purchased a NCP Counselor and am super happy with it. I do the takedown and clean after every range visit (2-3 times a week, 200-300 rounds per visit). Every 1000-1200 rounds I strip to the frame and clean all the little bits. BUT, I have a problem! I simply cannot get the firing pin/backplate out. I know these tolerances are tight, so I'm afraid if I DO get it out, I won't be able to get it back in! The NCP is my 5th Series 70 1911, so I'm familiar with how the pin/extractor removal works. Any suggestions on loosening the backplate? Thanks for any input you can offer... and again--GREAT pistol!
Regarding lubrication, Hilton Yam from 10-8 Performance recommends with the hammer back, place a small dot of oil inside of the trigger cavity. Is that something we should be doing or a procedure not recommended for a Nighthawk?
I am read to pull the trigger on ordering a Firehawk. IOS still haven't decided what finish DLC, nitride or SS finish. do you have NP3. treatment for a finish? and can they engrave text in it? what is the lead time from time of payment to my FFL?
DLC is the toughest, most durable finish we offer. Nitride looks a bit better than DLC to some. DLC has kind of a hazy look to it as opposed to the true black of nitride. And stainless is a classic look. We do not offer an NP3 finish. We can engrave in any of our finishes. As for lead times, one of our account managers would be able to get that information to you. They know when they place the order and when they ship the pistol out, so they have a good grasp on the lead times.
Most of our pistols go out with the black Nitride Finish on it. Some oils will mess that finish up, so that’s the biggest reason we recommend Gibbs. Does yours have black Nitride?
I don't like the idea of using that cheap piece of pot metal to break down the gun. I've had a paper clip scratch a 1911 with a full length guide rod. I replaced the full length guide rod immediately after that. Can a Dawson Tool-Less Guide Rod be used instead? Also, why doesn't Nighthawk Custom carry the magazines for this gun?
Internally it is okay. Externally, we wouldn't recommend it. If your pistol has a nitride finish, the nitride will wears down the brass and ends up leaving a sort of residue on the surface.
The compensator will get some carbon build up over time. It doesn't affect the function, but you can always use some Gibbs and a brush to clean that carbon buildup off.
It's a little difficult keeping the comp clean. Cleaning it often so you have less buildup helps a lot. If it gets bad, you can use a tool like a Dremel, but you've got to be real careful with one of those because they can take the finish off. But, it's just a tough job cleaning the comp because of the carbon build up.
I am gathering as much information as I can as I prepare to order my first Nighthawk Custom “Sandhawk”….many details and upgrades I don’t know enough about….hopefully speaking with Nighthawk directly can help me make those choices……great video!
The nicest guys in the 1911 business that also happen to make incredible 1911's, what's not to like here. I 'd watch you guy's brew a pot of coffee if you posted it!
We're working on our coffee video now 😂 Thanks for the compliments, Scott!
I am gathering as much information as I can as I prepare to order my first Nighthawk Custom “Sandhawk”….many details and upgrades I don’t know enough about….hopefully speaking with Nighthawk directly can help me make those choices……great video!
I just bought my first Nighthawk. A Firehawk! I don’t know what words to use but outstanding joy comes to mind.
Now I’m here for its first cleaning. Thanks! Eldon DePew (some people are just born to be firearm experts with a name like that!) test fired my pistol. Nice shot!
Only thing I seemed to have gotten wrong was my takedown key did not end up where it started. Don’t know how that happened but I’ll need a new one !
Glad to hear you're loving that Fire Hawk!
I keep watching this video from time to time. Eagerly awaiting my TRS Comp to be built and arrive. Really looking forward to it.
It's worth the wait. Hopefully, we'll be getting that TRS Comp to you shortly.
Saw my notification, Nighthawk video....I was like, whaaaat, brewed me some coffee and enjoyed the video. Thanks guys🇺🇸👍🏽
Thanks for watchin, JRod!
Amazing! In have just bought my TRS COMP, I guess the first one you will export to Brazil. A dream come true! Really happy ! Thank you all!
You will love it! That's the smoothest shooting pistol you'll have ever put in your hands.
Gorgeous, very high-quality firearms! Thank you for this informative video! 💪
Thank you for watching!
Such a sweet design ready for y’all to be open so I can come over there lol. Thanks for the video guys.
Come see us. We believe next week we'll start offering scheduled tours. 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Great informative video! Especially the lubrication places that are suggested!
Glad it was helpful!
For what ever reason, he missed a few key places. Take a look at the bottom of the slide rails. The way he lubed it, they are running dry and it shows!
Lube is needed on the ramp of the lower lugs and where the ramp hits the frame asl well as the bottom of the barrel where it hit the frame. very important.
The title says how to clean a comped gun, however, only normal 1911 cleaning was shown. Neveris the cleaning of the comp shown. Kinda missed the whole point! GRRRRR!!!
KnifeMaker
Love these videos. Thanks!
Thank you, Marko! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video - thanks for the instructions - the manual in the case doesn’t include takedown directions for compensated pistols (I recently bought a Fire Hawk and WOW!).
Glad you enjoyed it! And enjoy that Fire Hawk!
Bought one love it !
We love hearing that!
Great video! I always use rubber gloves so that the missus is not complaining about smelly hands :)
That is a veteran move right there!!!
I own several Nighthawks, and even a few other custom 1911s (but pls don't mention this to Mark). Since I paid a lot of money for most of these guns, I tend to take care of them and clean them after every trip to the range. I've also heard quite a few folks say that they should NOT be cleaned that often, and cleaning them that often can even be harmful to the gun.
May I ask how often you clean your own Nighthawks?
We give our guns a little cleaning after every trip to the range.
Took down my new Firehawk for the first time last night, absolutely loved shooting it (.45, nearly no discernible recoil). My paper clip did not survive the ordeal (actually that's not fair, it DID survive the cleaning. It didn't survive my attempt to straighten it back out in the place it bent). Am I wrong in thinking it is just a normal paper clip and I can go down to Staples and get a slew of them? I definitely don't want to guess with this high priced of a gun.
A normal paperclip will work just fine.
Wow excellent video! Is there 10mm comped TRS? I’m a new gun owner , myself and a dozen other friends have loved the hot loaded 10mm so fare and would be happy to buy a comped dibble stack by nighthawk custom! Thank you for your time !
Hi Sorrow Joy! Both models in our TRS line are offered in 9mm only. Basically, all of our double stack offerings are 9mm only. The Fire Hawk model, which is also comped, is available in 9mm or .45 ACP, but again not available in 10mm at this time. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we'll help you out any way we can.
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms wow thank you for the info, maybe one day ! When that day come we’ll definitely be first in line ! Thank you ☺️
Great stuff! Thank you for the video. I've recently purchased a NCP Counselor and am super happy with it. I do the takedown and clean after every range visit (2-3 times a week, 200-300 rounds per visit). Every 1000-1200 rounds I strip to the frame and clean all the little bits. BUT, I have a problem! I simply cannot get the firing pin/backplate out. I know these tolerances are tight, so I'm afraid if I DO get it out, I won't be able to get it back in! The NCP is my 5th Series 70 1911, so I'm familiar with how the pin/extractor removal works. Any suggestions on loosening the backplate? Thanks for any input you can offer... and again--GREAT pistol!
We would recommend using an SDM 1911 Firing Pin Stop Removal Tool. That should do the trick. Hope you're loving that Counselor!
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms great advice… ordered, received and it worked perfectly! And yes, loving the Counselor… my EDC.
Why don’t you use a tool-less guide rod?
They are super convenient
It would be helpful if you showed how to clean the actual compensator. That thing gets caked up pretty bad and is very difficult to clean.
Regarding lubrication, Hilton Yam from 10-8 Performance recommends with the hammer back, place a small dot of oil inside of the trigger cavity. Is that something we should be doing or a procedure not recommended for a Nighthawk?
It definitely won't hurt anything to add the drop of oil there in the trigger.
What is the spray you use in this video? I have the gun butter lube from NHC but don’t see a spray
In the past, we sent a small spray bottle of Gibbs. That's what you are seeing in this video.
Great job thanks
No problem 👍 Thanks for watching, Larry!
I am read to pull the trigger on ordering a Firehawk. IOS still haven't decided what finish DLC, nitride or SS finish. do you have NP3. treatment for a finish? and can they engrave text in it? what is the lead time from time of payment to my FFL?
DLC is the toughest, most durable finish we offer. Nitride looks a bit better than DLC to some. DLC has kind of a hazy look to it as opposed to the true black of nitride. And stainless is a classic look. We do not offer an NP3 finish. We can engrave in any of our finishes. As for lead times, one of our account managers would be able to get that information to you. They know when they place the order and when they ship the pistol out, so they have a good grasp on the lead times.
The best part of shooting is cleaning time. Weird but its true.
It's a good feeling to break down your pistol and do a little work on it.
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms indeed! Love it!
👀 I spy a disconnector relief cut on the underside of the slide, along the disconnector slide path. 💯
you're right, there's the marvel disco cut. How about it NHC?
Several thousand rounds with that cleaning? LOL I wish! Thanks for the video!!
You bet.
Hey, what brand of "rag" do you use Eldon?
Eldon doesn't have a specific brand he uses, but he recommends a microfiber towel or a cotton rag. As long as its microfiber or cotton, you're good.
Does the Gibbs irritate the skin? Just wondering as I noticed overspray getting on your hands.
No irritation, but it sure makes it hard to hold on to the ol' coffee mug.
I read in my owners manual only to use Gibbs gun cleaner, how important is this really and why?
Most of our pistols go out with the black Nitride Finish on it. Some oils will mess that finish up, so that’s the biggest reason we recommend Gibbs. Does yours have black Nitride?
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms yes it does
We recommend Gibbs if possible. It's hard to get a hold of right now.
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms Can I use Ballistol oil ?
How you clean the comp?
We would generally recommend using a cleaner like Gibbs or Ballistol and let it sit for a bit. Then, take a polymer brush and scrub it out.
Thank you. Last quick. Can you use a brass scraper tool? Will this brass tool damage the finshes? Thank you@@NighthawkCustomFirearms
Brass would most likely damage the finish. We'd recommend sticking to a polymer brush.
I don't like the idea of using that cheap piece of pot metal to break down the gun. I've had a paper clip scratch a 1911 with a full length guide rod. I replaced the full length guide rod immediately after that. Can a Dawson Tool-Less Guide Rod be used instead? Also, why doesn't Nighthawk Custom carry the magazines for this gun?
is it ok to use a brass brush with nighthawks?
Internally it is okay. Externally, we wouldn't recommend it. If your pistol has a nitride finish, the nitride will wears down the brass and ends up leaving a sort of residue on the surface.
Curious what the tool you have there to punch out the slide stop?
That is a 10-8 armorer tool.
@@NighthawkCustomFirearms thank you for your reply, doesn't look anything like the 10-8 Performance tool I have.
You are correct. We were thinking of another video. We aren't real sure what tool is being used in this video. Looks handy though.
It does look very handy, thanks again.
What about the compensator itself?
The compensator will get some carbon build up over time. It doesn't affect the function, but you can always use some Gibbs and a brush to clean that carbon buildup off.
Nighthawk Custom thanks Nighthawk!
how do you clean the comp?
It's a little difficult keeping the comp clean. Cleaning it often so you have less buildup helps a lot. If it gets bad, you can use a tool like a Dremel, but you've got to be real careful with one of those because they can take the finish off. But, it's just a tough job cleaning the comp because of the carbon build up.
dawson precision will solve that paperclip non-sense taking it down
Please explain how Dawson Precision will solve this. I have a NH T3 Comp and it's totally different than what's shown in the video.
I am gathering as much information as I can as I prepare to order my first Nighthawk Custom “Sandhawk”….many details and upgrades I don’t know enough about….hopefully speaking with Nighthawk directly can help me make those choices……great video!
Absolutely! If you would like to speak to someone about all those details and upgrades, give us a call and we'll answer any questions you have!