In this episode, we take a close look at one of the most premium and purpose-built 1911s ever made — the Nighthawk Custom Single Stack Sand Hawk.

Hand-built in Barryville, Arkansas by a single gunsmith, this pistol is designed from the ground up to be the softest, flattest shooting single stack 1911 ever made. Based on the legacy of the double-stack Sand Hawk, this model takes things even further with a steel frame, a seamlessly integrated compensator, and Nighthawk’s signature Recon rail.

We break down:

• Why this pistol feels softer than its double-stack predecessor

• The function and fit of the 4.25” barrel + integrated comp blended into a government-size frame

• What makes the dimpled grip texture + G10 Railscales Ascend grips so unique

• How the Interchangeable Optic System (IOS) lets you switch between irons and red dots in under 30 seconds

• The impact of the added weight — and why it helps, not hurts

• Caliber versatility with 9mm, 10mm, and .45 ACP options

• Why it may just be one of the most refined duty- or competition-ready 1911s on the market today

We also dig into the real Nighthawk philosophy: One Gun, One Gunsmith™ — and what that level of craftsmanship means for performance, longevity, and value at its $5,199 price point.

Whether you're a 1911 traditionalist, a soft recoil obsessive, or someone who just appreciates American craftsmanship taken to the extreme, the Single Stack Sand Hawk is a pistol worth knowing.