Win a Spot in a Nighthawk 1911 Critical Skills Class

Richard Heinie is a noted 1911 wizard who often collaborates with Nighthawk to bring design innovations to the platform.

GunsAmerica is proud to offer up a spot in Nighthawk Custom’s 1911 Critical Skills Class. This is a two day class designed to build your single action skill-set. The class will focus on maintenance, carrying, and shooting the 1911. This Saturday/Sunday class will be taught by Nighthwk Custom Training and GunsAmerica writer Jon Hodoway, and Richard Heinie–a well respected 1911 gunsmith.

This should be a fantastic class. I’ve attended classes Hodoway has taught, and they’re an experience. Heinie’s skills with the old single action are legendary, and he has a devoted following. I’ve seen his collaborations with Nighthawk and respect his work. Together, the two will mix classroom time and range time to build out a complete sylabus for those who are serious about carrying a high-end 1911.

So what about the contest? Here are the details. We’re giving away a spot in the class, which will be held Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30. The winner will be responsible for getting to Berryville, Arkansas (where the class is being held). If you don’t have a suitable 1911 that you want to bring, Nighthawk will let you borrow one for the class. All you have to do is show up.

What you get

A slot in the 1911 Critical Skills class on August 29th, 30th

Use of a Nighthawk 1911, if you don’t have your own 1911

Range gear, ammo for the class

What you have to do

Find a way to get to Berryville, Arkansas.

Find a place to stay Friday night and Saturday. There are numerous options in Eureka Springs and Berryville.

How do you enter?

Simple. There’s a comment section below. In that comment section, type in “1911.” This coming Friday afternoon, August 14th, we’ll take all of the entrants and compile a list and run it through a randomizer. The first one on top wins. If, for whatever reason, that person isn’t able to make it, we’ll pick number two and so on down the list. One entry each, please.

And if you don’t win? You can still attend (until the class fills up). Click here for all of the registration information. The two day class runs $500.

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What’s on the Sylabus?

Manipulation: Understanding the proper manipulation and handling of the weapon system is critical to the user having the confidence and skills to leverage the advantages while avoiding the pitfalls that novices can experience with John Browning’s design.

• Understanding trigger press and grip
• Draw and Safety
• Fighting
• Compare and Contrast with other modern weapon platforms

Carrying: To effectively carrying this modernized version of a weapon designed for mounted horsemen requires some understanding of the advantages and limitations of the current iterations.

• Off Body Carry
• On the Belt Carry
• Inside the Waistband Carry
• Deep Concealment
• Reloading
• Failure drills
• Shooting accurately
• Shooting from distance

Iterations of the 1911: Options in size shape and materials available

• Frame size
• Slide size
• Frame materials
• Double Stack
• Single Stack
• Caliber
• Other configurations

Sights employed on a fighting handgun: The progression of original sights to modern night sights.

• Form
• Fit
• Function

Weapon Malfunctions: Defining and correcting with an emphasis on understanding root causes.

• Range repairs the user can make
• Diagnose malfunction and learn correction.
• User modification and tools needed.

Lineage: The original design and how it has been modified of the last 100 year.  

• Origins of pistol design
• Evaluation of modification Who, When and why
• Modern interpretation of the gun

Maintenance: We will examine the myths and realities of maintaining the modern 1911. This portion of the class will allow all users to gain confidence in maintaining their guns for daily carry.

• Complete strip down of the gun cleaning
• Lubrication
• Reassembly
• Testing the gun

What to bring to class:

1. Nighthawk Custom 1911.  We can provide up to 7 Nighthawk Custom 1911’s for those who are considering a Nighthawk Custom
2. At least five magazines (if you have more, bring them)
3. Good-quality belt and at least one holster. Feel free to bring all of the holsters you have for your gun. This will be a great place to try them out.
4. At least two magazine carriers.
5. A concealment garment is optional but recommended.
6. Hearing protection
7. Eye protection
8. Billed cap or other brimmed headwear
9. At least 500 rounds of decent quality, reliable ammunition
10. Clothing suitable for the weather and the range. If necessary, we will finish our range work in whatever conditions exist at class time. Live-fire classes run rain or shine. Mud may be involved.
11. Raingear plus a light jacket and sweater or sweatshirt (mornings and evenings can be cold, even in Florida.)
12. Note taking materials. If you wish to use a laptop computer or a tablet, that is OK. Audio or video recording of the class is not allowed.
13. Firearm cleaning supplies plus any tools/lubricants that you might need.
14. Flashlight. Although we will not be doing any night shooting, it can get dark fairly early and some of our facilities have no lighting at the range. A flashlight might be handy for packing up your gear and getting to your car.

Please note that the above list is just the essentials. You may bring additional items (such as a range bag, extra magazines, folding chairs and tables, tarps etc.) if you choose.

Many of our range locations have portable toilets. Most do not have running water. For your comfort, you may want to bring wipes, disposable washcloths and/or hand sanitizer.

Bring your own lunches, snacks, beverages, etc. We have a “working lunch” in all classes

About the instructors

Richard Heinie, owner of Heinie Specialty Products, Inc. in Quincy, Illinois has been building custom, extraordinarily high quality 1911 pistols since 1973 and pistol sights since 1979. Richard brings years of experience in machining, tool design, tool making and product design to his craft. Heinie Specialty Products, Inc. manufactures precision sights as well as other high quality products.

Heinie Specialty Products, Inc. has kept pace with increasing sight demands by expanding its line of high quality precision sights. Heinie sights are currently being used by military units and law enforcement, as well as, civilians who want the very best sights available.

Jon Hodoway of Nighthawk Custom Training Academy.

• Director of training for Nighthawk Custom Training Academy
• Staff instructor for the Massad Ayoob Group
• Part-time Benton County Deputy Sheriff
• Manager of Nighthawk Custom Shooting Team
• Active competitor in IDPA, USPS, 3-Gun and other shooting sports
• Lethal Force Institute (Level I-IV)
• Range Master (Level II, IV)
• Christian Security Institute (Gatekeeper Level I-III)
• Tactical Energetic Entry Systems (Dignitary Protection)
• Taser International (Advanced Taser Instructor)
• LEAD (Police Canine Narcotics)
• Arkansas Sheriffs Association (Tactical Officer Survival) Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
• Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Special Instructor
• Top Gun Range Master November 2011 Winner of class shoot off and named Top Gun in Basic Handgun Instructor course.
• Winner of Signed $5 Bill from Massad Ayoob