Nighthawk Custom sent me a sample of its brand new TRS Comp gun for this Ballistic’s Best evaluation. The gun possesses standard 1911 dimensions yet has a 17+1 capacity. Nighthawk machines the grip frame from 7075 alloy, anodizes it and then Cerakotes it to perfectly match the black Nitrided stainless steel slide.
My test gun had the Interchangeable Optics System, which allows shooters to put a red-dot on their 1911. It also allows them to go back to iron sights whenever they desire. It is a well thought-out system that gives the gun a great deal of versatility.
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Nighthawk Custom machines circular dimples into the grip frame and mainspring housing just deep enough for the shooter’s hand to press flesh into. It provides a very secure grip even with wet hands. Matching dimple cocking serrations are machined into the rear of the slide. Our test gun featured a single strong-side thumb safety, fit to perfection, and it engages and disengages crisply. Southpaws and competition shooters can spec their guns out to have an ambidextrous thumb safety, if desired.
The TRS Comp’s trigger glides back and forth effortlessly in its raceway yet has no horizontal or vertical play. The hammer falls with just 3.75 pounds of pressure, the overtravel is set to perfection and it also has a firm reset.
The TRS Comp gun uses a single port compensator screwed to the end of the supported, match-grade, stainless steel barrel. Nighthawk’s craftsmen did a splendid job of mating the comp to the slide—so much so that when the slide was in battery, I dragged a fingernail over the seam between comp and slide, with my eyes closed, and I was unable to feel it. The barrel unlocks easily and without hesitation when the slide reciprocates, and the fit between slide and frame is perfect.
I tested the TRS Comp at 25 yards for accuracy and used the supplied red-dot to fire all of my groups. It is an easy matter to center the red dot in the black bullseye of my Shoot N C target while adding pressure to the trigger. It’s amazing just how little muzzle disruption there is. Immediately after firing the shot, the sights settle right back on target. I won’t go as far as to say it was like shooting a .22, but the gun’s weight and compensator effectively mitigated most of the recoil and muzzle flip.
Nighthawk Custom’s new Tactical Ready Series Comp gun is a wonderful blend of superior engineering, articulate machining and old-world craftsmanship. While this might not be the gun aficionados dream of, it will appeal to those who want more capacity and lighter recoil in the same 1911 footprint.
