Vickers NHC 1911

[ArmedCobra]

I found these photos on another site. It looks like a beauty. Enjoy!http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/ArmedCobra/Vickers-1.jpg



http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/ArmedCobra/vickers2.jpg


http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/ArmedCobra/Vickers.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/ArmedCobra/vickers3.jpg

[John]

Stay tuned. If all goes well, we should soon present you a test of one of these pistols.

[LittleLebowski]

Love that magwell and lanyard loop. Other than that, I don't think it'd be worth a large price premium over a Talon.

[Bud White]

Makes me wonder if it would be to i cant see why it would be worth that much more than a Normal nighthawk

[FistOFreedom]

Nice pics,
what's a few hundred bucks here or there.

[NYCMedic]

Far be it from me to put down any 1911, much less a NHC. Lord knows I wish that I owned a bunch of them. BUT that little red dot under the safety seems silly to list as one of the upgrades from their other 1911s. "On fire?" This may just be due to my ignorance but what benefit does the shooter get from that red dot? :confused: The rest of the design looks great, but I'll stick with their other models.

[Bud White]

Far be it from me to put down any 1911, much less a NHC. Lord knows I wish that I owned a bunch of them. BUT that little red dot under the safety seems silly to list as one of the upgrades from their other 1911s. "On fire?" This may just be due to my ignorance but what benefit does the shooter get from that red dot? :confused: The rest of the design looks great, but I'll stick with their other models.

Ya got me what the red dot does.

My feeling is safety is off i know its on fire why do i need a red dot where i cant really see it anyways

[Doc1911]

Could this be why?

Requires that effective January 1, 2006, no semiautomatic center-fire pistol model may be added to the roster of handguns certified for sale in California unless it has a chamber load indicator or, if it has a detachable magazine, a magazine disconnect mechanism. No rimfire semiautomatic pistol that has a detachable magazine may be added to the certified list of handguns for sale in California unless it has a magazine disconnect mechanism. Effective January 1, 2007, no semiautomatic pistol may be added to the roster unless it has both a chamber load indicator and, if it has a detachable magazine, a magazine disconnect mechanism. Handgun models that have been placed on the roster prior to the new requirements becoming operative may remain on the roster without these features (PC §§ 12126, 12130).

[NYCMedic]

I may be wrong, but the little red dot does not seem to accomplish either of those tasks. The safety could be off without there being a bullet chambered, and what about the mag disconnect?

[OD*]

Doc1911,

The red dot has nothing to do with a loaded chamber indicator, it just tells you the safety is off. There can be a cartridge in the chamber either way, on or off.

[FistOFreedom]

When I first saw the list of goodies going into it and saw the red dot
I figured it had to be California to blame. They come up with some crazy laws.
But enough about that,
anyone know what kind of barrel NHC is putting in?

[John]

I have to assume it is one of their standard (i.e. match grade) barrels. I haven't heard anything different.

[ArmedCobra]

Just out of curiousity, how many on this board have actually ordered one of the Vickers/NightHawk Customs? What will be your serial number if known?

[reflection01]

When I first saw the list of goodies going into it and saw the red dot
I figured it had to be California to blame. They come up with some crazy laws.
But enough about that,
anyone know what kind of barrel NHC is putting in?

just like the predator model, NHC forges its own barrels from a solid block of metal, regards :)

[Dustoff '68]

Now if they will only get rid of the glow in the dark sights, replace with high viz 3 dots, off with the surf board grip safety, replaced by a standard one, wide spur checkered hammer, and "un-paint" the gun, and either fine blue carbonia finish, or fine bead blasted stainless steel finish, THEN you will have a "fighting" gun. :dead_hors

[LittleLebowski]

I'm just a dumb grunt but in my book a stainless steel finish would definitely be "sniper friendly." A fighting gun to me is one that's combat accurate and rock solid reliable. All else is a matter of personal preference. I'm much more interested in a better main battle rifle for our troops than a different pistol.

[Dustoff '68]

I'm just a dumb grunt but in my book a stainless steel finish would definitely be "sniper friendly." A fighting gun to me is one that's combat accurate and rock solid reliable. All else is a matter of personal preference. I'm much more interested in a better main battle rifle for our troops than a different pistol.


....sniper friendly a BEAD BLASTED SS pistol is not...it is nothing more than a non shiny stainless steel, much like a dark grey parkerized finish... just more corrosioin resistant than a blued or parkerized gun. IMHO, stainless is a bit less maintenance intensive than a carbon pistol. The nice thing is, when you are no longer in the sand box, you can have the flats shined up again, and carry pretty...just not combat ready.

[IanS]

Now if they will only get rid of the glow in the dark sights, replace with high viz 3 dots, off with the surf board grip safety, replaced by a standard one, wide spur checkered hammer, and "un-paint" the gun, and either fine blue carbonia finish, or fine bead blasted stainless steel finish, THEN you will have a "fighting" gun. :dead_hors

Those things seem more like cosmetic (traditional) preferences than things that actually help someone shoot or maintain a gun better. Let's not confuse the two.

Some people prefer nightsights to High Viz.
Some people suffer from hammer bite ("surf board" grip safety).
Painted finishes (like Black T) are more corrosion resistant than even stainless.
Wide spur checkered hammer...... In a fighting gun who cares what the hammer looks like anyways? Its not like people should cock the hammer on a 1911 like the movies (it should be carried cocked and locked). As long as the hammber works reliably.
And I know traditionalists prefer the standard thumb safety over the extended thumb safety. But with the extended the high thumb hold grip is possible.

As far as I'm concerned all these modern innovations have helped me shoot and enjoy the 1911 platform even better. Anything that helps someone shoot better is a better "fighting gun".

And with painted finishes on a carbon steel gun it can always be stripped off and blued. And no other finish is more beautiful than a nicely blued gun. Nothing.

[Dustoff '68]

Those things seem more like cosmetic (traditional) preferences than things that actually help someone shoot or maintain a gun better. Let's not confuse the two.

Some people prefer nightsights to High Viz.
Some people suffer from hammer bite ("surf board" grip safety).
Painted finishes (like Black T) are more corrosion resistant than even stainless.
Wide spur checkered hammer...... In a fighting gun who cares what the hammer looks like anyways? Its not like people should cock the hammer on a 1911 like the movies (it should be carried cocked and locked). As long as the hammber works reliably.
And I know traditionalists prefer the standard thumb safety over the extended thumb safety. But with the extended the high thumb hold grip is possible.

As far as I'm concerned all these modern innovations have helped me shoot and enjoy the 1911 platform even better. Anything that helps someone shoot better is a better "fighting gun".

And with painted finishes on a carbon steel gun it can always be stripped off and blued. And no other finish is more beautiful than a nicely blued gun. Nothing.
Yes...and what you say is your preference...I would venture to say that most 1911 traditionalists prefer the weapon as is, with only a few changes to make it more reliaable...after 40+ years of shooting the 1911, I have yet to suffer the mysterious "hammer bite"; wide spur hammers are a preferance, and I have ALWAYS carried in Condition II...it's how I have trained, and not once a mishap...for me it's natural for me to draw and cock the hammer. As for painted finishes, I have yet to see one look good after intensive use...they peel like paint.

I will agree...there is nothing prettier than a Carbonia blued gun.

If I want to use sights, than I'll use a rifle...for me, a pistol is a QC weapon, and at less than 15 yards, who uses sights? Yes, if you spend your days just shooting at targets at 25 yards or more, than maybe those glow in the dark babies will help.

That's my dos centavos. :)

[John]

...after 40+ years of shooting the 1911, I have yet to suffer the mysterious "hammer bite";

There is nothing mysterious about hammer bite, I have the scars to prove it.

...for me it's natural for me to draw and cock the hammer.

Cocking the hammer is natural and safe, lowering it on a live round is ... somewhat dangerous. Not if you know the right technique, but ....

[IanS]

Yes...and what you say is your preference...I would venture to say that most 1911 traditionalists prefer the weapon as is,

Some people prefer the "traditional" methods of handling and shooting a 1911 and some prefer the more "modern" techniques and modifications to the 1911. I'm not arguing whether one method or type of 1911 is better than the other as your previous post seemed to allude to. That is why I often said "Some people" and gave reasons why.

My definition of a "fighting gun" is whatever gets the job done best for that particular individual without anything that detracts from said purpose.

[Dustoff '68]

Some people prefer the "traditional" methods of handling and shooting a 1911 and some prefer the more "modern" techniques and modifications to the 1911. I'm not arguing whether one method or type of 1911 is better than the other as your previous post seemed to allude to. That is why I often said "Some people" and gave reasons why.

My definition of a "fighting gun" is whatever gets the job done best for that particular individual without anything that detracts from said purpose.
Exactly...and what is better for me is for just ME! Mine (1911's) have gotten the job done the way they came, for the most part, and the way I carry (Cond 2)...it works for me, and I am voicing my personal preference...what I "allude" to is what has worked for me in the last 40 years....I don't have a problem with it, but it appears you may....

Have a nice day....

[IanS]

Now if they will only get rid of the glow in the dark sights, replace with high viz 3 dots, off with the surf board grip safety, replaced by a standard one, wide spur checkered hammer, and "un-paint" the gun, and either fine blue carbonia finish, or fine bead blasted stainless steel finish, THEN you will have a "fighting" gun. :dead_hors


This was your original post (entitled "Too pretty for a fightin' machine... ") regarding your definition of what a "fighting gun" should be. It was conditional based on your criteria. I was merely saying there is more than one way to define what a "fighting gun" is depending on the individual. I was NOT refuting your choice. :dead_hors :confused:

[Dustoff '68]

This was your original post (entitled "Too pretty for a fightin' machine... ") regarding your definition of what a "fighting gun" should be. It was conditional based on your criteria. I was merely saying there is more than one way to define what a "fighting gun" is depending on the individual. I was NOT refuting your choice. :dead_hors :confused:
My criteria for a fighting 45 is certainly different than today's new warriors...having family and friends on the "Teams", it would be safe to say that the "old timers" prefer the 1911 with a few mods, and the new generation love the H&K's, Sig's, etc...it's all a matter of perspective, training, exerience, and what is right for each and every one of us. That said, I respect your opinions, and I don't think we should get ourselves in a lather over what, how, and why we prefer gun X over gun Z...what is important is that we share our experiences, and discard that which is not applicable, and embrace whatever it is one finds useable in the real world. I still get loads of grief from many of my peers for my preferance for carrying the 1911 in Condition 2...I know the risk factors, yet I am willing to accept them...it's all about how much risk one is willing to take...

Anyway, welcome to the forums...I see you are new, and so am I...so far, the best 1911 forums I have found to date.

[IanS]

My criteria for a fighting 45 is certainly different than today's new warriors...having family and friends on the "Teams", it would be safe to say that the "old timers" prefer the 1911 with a few mods, and the new generation love the H&K's, Sig's, etc...it's all a matter of perspective, training, exerience, and what is right for each and every one of us. That said, I respect your opinions, and I don't think we should get ourselves in a lather over what, how, and why we prefer gun X over gun Z...what is important is that we share our experiences, and discard that which is not applicable, and embrace whatever it is one finds useable in the real world. I still get loads of grief from many of my peers for my preferance for carrying the 1911 in Condition 2...I know the risk factors, yet I am willing to accept them...it's all about how much risk one is willing to take...

Anyway, welcome to the forums...I see you are new, and so am I...so far, the best 1911 forums I have found to date.

Fair enough. I'm new to this forum but not new to gun forums. Its easy to get wrapped up in the minutaie of what is better and what is "best" and forget the possibility that everyone has their reasons for making the choices they do. I think anyone who's read our exchange can take it for what it is and read it with a grain of salt.

I'm not exactly an "old timer" but I too used to prefer the old school 1911's with traditional grip safeties and spur hammer. And God forbid if it wasn't a Colt. Today, I've realized the benefits of a beavertail and extended thumb safeties for me but still don't care for things like cone/bull barrels and FLGR's. And that there are great 1911's out there besides Colt's. A gun is just a gun. It isn't a political party or a religion. Its just a tool and I find no use in pledging loyalty to any brand, model, or shooting technique. If it works it works. If I happen to find an alternative that helps me use the tool better then that can only be a good thing.

Not everyone hammers a nail the same way. Anyways, that's where I was coming from.

Safe shooting.

[Bosko]

I am not quite sure if I belong to the traditionalists or the progressives in the scheme of things as it pertains to 1911 preferences. While not new to shooting, instructing, and carrying a handgun just about all of my personal and professional life, I only joined the 1911 family a year ago with two pistols from another manufacturer. I have just finished the 500 round "break-in" of my Predator III, Black Diamond finish, short trigger, slim grips, red Novak fiber optic front sight (pictures previously posted). It has the Predator barrel, hand lapped to the slide and a full length guide rod (take-down tool required). But, it does not have a Colt or Kimber firing pin safety. I think I have the best of both worlds and would fight anyone, any time, with this pistol. This is the finest handgun I have ever had in my hand. If this post marks me as a NHC Disciple, so be it.

[vikingpower]

Nice pics,
what's a few hundred bucks here or there.
so besides the trigger and the grips, what is the difference between the nhc vickers and the grp

[M4Guru]

1. Ball end mill cut at the front of the frame
2. Caspian frame/slide. I know NHC uses Caspian frames anyways for the GRP Recon, but I don't know where the others they use are made.
3. Visible "Off Safe" indicator. Cheesy, cause if you don't know the 1911 is off safe you have no business carrying one.
4. Integrated tactical mag well, built into frame
5. Muzzle crowned even with bushing
6. Fixed combat sights as opposed to the Novak adjustables spec'd on the GRP

These are the differences off the top of my head, as well as the grips and trigger you mentioned. There may be a couple more, this is what I could remember from the specs.

[goshinkaibushi]

1. Ball end mill cut at the front of the frame
2. Caspian frame/slide. I know NHC uses Caspian frames anyways for the GRP Recon, but I don't know where the others they use are made.
3. Visible "Off Safe" indicator. Cheesy, cause if you don't know the 1911 is off safe you have no business carrying one.
4. Integrated tactical mag well, built into frame
5. Muzzle crowned even with bushing
6. Fixed combat sights as opposed to the Novak adjustables spec'd on the GRP

These are the differences off the top of my head, as well as the grips and trigger you mentioned. There may be a couple more, this is what I could remember from the specs.

7. Integral plunger tube!!!!! :D

[sureshot45]

If those are the major differences, then why so much more on the price? Or is it due to the name. Just my two cents.

[FistOFreedom]

I don't know how much more attention to detail and outstanding craftsmanship can go into making a 1911 beyond NHC's other work so if it's not the extra parts maybe it is the name... I still want one though so I'll justify the difference in cost of the LV with the MIL/LE discount.

[az-coyote]

Like the idea of the integrated plunger tube.
Makes you wonder why nobody else does it.
Anybody who has had one come loose knows what I mean.

[OD*]

Like the idea of the integrated plunger tube.
Makes you wonder why nobody else does it.
Anybody who has had one come loose knows what I mean.
If it gets crushed or otherwise damaged, how do you replace it?

[goshinkaibushi]

Like the idea of the integrated plunger tube.
Makes you wonder why nobody else does it.
Anybody who has had one come loose knows what I mean.

My 1911 experience is very limited... it only goes back to Jan. 2006 (about 4k rounds now). My first go at the old war horse was while I was taking a class at Front Sight. I used a school "rental" Kimber Classic II... Prior to the two day Skill Builder class I used this pistol in their 1 day 1911 Armorer's Course (learn how to detail strip, clean, check some issues... NOT how to build, or do trigger jobs, etc.). Upon inspection, the Kimber's plunger tube was loose. So, my quick fix was red lock-tite :D After that class, I ran 800+ rounds through it in two days... and fell in love with the 1911 (up until that time, I was a Glock fanatic... always bad mouthing the 1911 jam-o-matics I saw at Front Sight). Well, the old Kimber I was using was several years old... all original... and had 50K+ rounds through it... the bluing had worn off... looked kind of grey... anyway, I digress.

It ran perfect and I loved it. So, I had to have a 1911. I ended up with a Sig GSR Revolution... I have posted pictures of it here uin other forums... Well, the only issue I found with the Sig was a loose plunger tube... and that was after 50 rounds... it was never staked correctly. Sig quickly fixed the issue...

All this bla, bla, bla to say that I would LOVE an integral plunger tube. :D

Justin