Iver Johnson Hawk Polished Commander 1911 (cast frame)

Published on August 4, 2020
Duration: 18:46

This review of the Iver Johnson Hawk Polished Commander 1911, manufactured in the Philippines and priced around $749, highlights its carry-sized 1911 platform. While featuring a polished finish and Commander-length barrel, the assessment notes potential reliability issues with certain magazines and ammunition, as well as cosmetic flaws like sub-surface pitting. The trigger pull is measured at over 6 pounds, and the thumb safety detent is criticized for being weak. The pistol is a Series 70 design, lacking a firing pin block.

Quick Summary

The Iver Johnson Hawk Polished Commander 1911, priced at $749, is a carry-sized .45 ACP pistol manufactured in the Philippines. It features a Series 70 design, 4.25-inch barrel, and polished finish, but exhibits potential issues like sub-surface pitting, a heavy trigger pull (over 6 lbs), and reliability concerns with specific magazines, requiring user tuning.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911
  2. 00:49Ammunition and Holster Setup
  3. 01:02Range Testing: Magazine Reliability
  4. 02:01Construction and Origin Details
  5. 02:41Fit and Finish Assessment
  6. 03:48Reliability Concerns and Feeding Issues
  7. 05:09Internal Specifications: Series 70 Design
  8. 06:21Sponsor Segment: Kore Essentials Belts
  9. 09:47Safety Lever Assessment
  10. 11:37Trigger Pull and Shooting Performance
  11. 14:41Finish Quality Issues: Pitting
  12. 15:29Sights and Barrel Length
  13. 17:33Conclusion and Pricing Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features and potential drawbacks of the Iver Johnson Hawk Polished Commander 1911?

The Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911 features a Commander-length 4.25-inch barrel, a Series 70 design, and a polished finish, with an MSRP of $749. Potential drawbacks include sub-surface pitting under the finish, reliability issues with certain magazines, a heavy trigger pull (over 6 lbs), and a weak thumb safety detent.

What ammunition was used for testing the Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911, and what were the reliability results?

During testing, 300 rounds of Sig Sauer Elite Performance 230 grain .45 ACP FMJ ammunition were used. The review noted feeding issues and magazine ejection problems, particularly with Checkmate magazines, suggesting the pistol may require tuning for consistent reliability.

Is the Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911 a Series 70 or Series 80 design, and what does this imply for safety features?

The Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911 is a Series 70 design. This means it utilizes a traditional internal mechanism without a firing pin block safety, relying solely on the sear and hammer for drop safety, unlike Series 80 designs which incorporate an additional safety lever.

What is the trigger pull weight and overall shooting performance like on the Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911?

The trigger pull on the Iver Johnson Hawk Commander 1911 was measured at over 6 pounds, which is heavier than typically found on many 1911s. While the reset is described as decent, shooters may experience 'beavertail bite' during use.

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