The $6000 Nighthawk BDS9 is NOT What I Needed

Published on June 9, 2023
Duration: 25:49

The Nighthawk BDS9 is a premium 2011 pistol designed with competition shooting in mind, though it functions excellently as a general-purpose firearm. It features hand-fit construction, an aluminum grip with aggressive texturing, and an interchangeable optic system (iOS) that allows for quick optic/iron sight plate swaps while maintaining zero. The BDS9 comes with two slide stops, one for standard lock-back functionality and another to prevent lock-back, addressing potential magazine over-insertion issues common with extended magazines in the 2011 platform. The reviewer highlights its exceptional out-of-the-box reliability, even with high round counts and minimal maintenance, making it a robust and impressive firearm.

Quick Summary

The Nighthawk BDS9 is a $6000 2011 pistol built with 'one gun, one gunsmith' craftsmanship. It features hand-fit parts, an aluminum grip, and an Interchangeable Optic System (iOS) for quick optic swaps. It includes two slide stops to manage lock-back and prevent magazine over-insertion issues common with extended magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Fiscal Irresponsibility
  2. 02:45Introducing the Nighthawk BDS9
  3. 03:10How the Review Came About
  4. 04:13Sponsor: Saguro Belts
  5. 04:56Nighthawk Custom Philosophy: One Gun, One Gunsmith
  6. 06:09Hand-Fit Construction Explained
  7. 06:48BDS9: Designed for Competition
  8. 07:17What the BDS9 Comes With: iOS System
  9. 09:51Dual Slide Stops: Lockback vs. No Lockback
  10. 10:41The Magazine Over-Insertion Problem
  11. 13:52Aluminum Grip & Texture
  12. 14:50Surefire X300A Compatibility
  13. 15:26Holster Compatibility Issues
  14. 16:11Price and Optional Upgrades
  15. 16:43Channel Support: 1911 Syndicate Real Estate
  16. 17:37Shooter Thoughts & Impressions
  17. 19:01Reliability Test: 1700+ Rounds
  18. 20:27Wishlist Enhancements for the BDS9
  19. 21:17Trigger & Safety Considerations
  20. 22:01Thumb Safety Options
  21. 22:43Magwell Options
  22. 23:17Final Thoughts: A Damn Good 2011
  23. 24:28Sponsor: Firearms Legal Protection (FLP)
  24. 25:27Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nighthawk BDS9 and what makes it unique?

The Nighthawk BDS9 is a premium 2011 pistol, priced around $6000, built with Nighthawk Custom's signature 'one gun, one gunsmith' philosophy. It features hand-fit construction, an aluminum grip with aggressive texturing, and an Interchangeable Optic System (iOS) for easy optic and iron sight plate swaps while maintaining zero.

How does the Nighthawk BDS9 handle magazine over-insertion issues?

The BDS9 comes with two slide stops. One functions normally, allowing the slide to lock back on an empty magazine. The second slide stop overrides this function, preventing lock-back. This is useful for competition shooters and helps mitigate the risk of over-inserting extended magazines, which can damage the ejector.

What is the reliability of the Nighthawk BDS9?

The Nighthawk BDS9 demonstrated exceptional reliability, with the reviewer putting approximately 1700-1800 rounds through it with only initial lubrication and no malfunctions. This performance was observed even in a demanding, dusty training environment, highlighting its robust build quality.

What are some potential enhancements for the Nighthawk BDS9?

For competition use, potential enhancements include an option for a pinned grip safety to ensure consistent engagement, a lighter trigger pull (e.g., 2-2.5 lbs), and possibly an enlarged magwell. The aggressive grip texture is excellent for control but may snag on clothing for concealed carry.

Is the Nighthawk BDS9 compatible with common accessories like weapon lights and holsters?

Yes, the BDS9 is compatible with the Surefire X300A weapon light. However, holster compatibility can be challenging due to its tri-cut slide; holsters designed for similar firearms like Staccato or STI models may fit.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from 1911 Syndicate

View all →