Coming out of Hero Gear today with a bunch of goodies.

[mav]

Hey folks. Earlier this year I purchased my first couple of 1911s. In January I bought a Kimber Tactical II HD. It was a fantastic gun. After shooting the Tactical HD for a while, I come to realize why so many people love the 1911 platform. They feel great and they can be extremely accurate.

Later in March I saw a Kimber Ultra Raptor II while I was at the shooting range that had to come home with me. The Ultra Raptor didn't get shot as much as the Tactical HD, but it was another fine purchase nonetheless. The Ultra Raptor eventually replaced my Five Seven as my CC gun.

Over the next several months lurking around TGO and other forums I kept seeing the names "Wilson, Ed Brown, Les Baer, Nighthawk" mentioned when talking about high quality 1911s. I couldn't imagine people spending > $2k for a handgun. I thought they were nuts.

As my shooting proficiency kept increasing, I had a longing for something better than my Kimber. I finally broke down a month or so ago and bought a Wilson CQB. I was amazed. Everything about the Wilson was so much better than the Kimber (except the price). Even though the Wilson beat the Kimber in every facet, I still didn't think it was worth the extra grand. However, upon shooting the Wilson more and more, I changed my view in regards to the extra cost. It was definitely worth it.

With the Wilson in my stash, the Tactical HD didn't have a purpose. It was cleaned, overly oiled, and locked away in the safe. The quality of the Wilson made me start looking at my other Kimber too. The Ultra Raptor was a fine gun, although, I never cared for the alloy frame. Additionally, the size was just a little too small for my taste. So, for the past month I have been shopping for a new 1911 to use as my CC gun.

That brings us to today. I didn't have anything to do today, so I decided to drive up to Winchester and see what I could pick up at Hero Gear. I was looking for a holster for Glock 34 and a few other odds and ends. I brought along my Kimbers for possible trade just in case they had something that struck my fancy. Well, they did. Not only did I get my holster for my Glock, a few Wilson mags, and a couple of double mag pouches, I found my new CC gun, a Nighthawk T3. I got the Nighthawk Aristocrat holster as well.

I have read a lot of the good reviews on Hero-Gear on this forum. After my experience today, I can say that they are certainly well deserved. I dealt with Joe Lundberg today, and he made me an excellent deal. The trade value he offered for my Kimbers was quite good, and their price on the T3 was good as well. Here is the kicker. After the deal was made, Joe noticed a few very minor scuff marks on the mag well. He offered to refinish it or knock off a $100 from the price. I ended up taking the $100 off. I think that level of service is rare, especially these days, and I thought it deserved mentioning on the forum. Thanks guys.

In regards to the performance of the T3, it is definitely a keeper. I took 150 rounds (all I had) with me to Carter's to give it a run. The gun is definitely accurate, more so than me. I experienced zero problems, which makes me wonder what these people are talking about when they refer to "break-in" periods on 1911s. This is now my fourth 1911, and I haven't experienced any problems with any of them, nor did I have to break them in.

As a final note, the holster Joe recommended is great as well. It is pricey, but great nonetheless.

[Warbird]

Joe and his staff are all great people.

[True Grit]

I would like a T3 also. They look great but would be afraid to carry it CC.

[bubbadavis]

I've got a T3T (stainless version) and its a great carry gun. If I ever get to where I'm not the limiting factor when shooting the Nighthawk, I'll be one heck of a pistol shooter!

[Ebow1]

I've always drooled over Nighthawks whenever I seem them. Can't wait to someday shoot and maybe own one, but that's a long way down the gun list.

[willis68]

Very Nice, congrats on a fine 1911

[Guest cheez]

If Hero Gear were in CHattanooga I would be divorced and bancrupt pretty quick. Love them guys.

[cybernorris]

I didn't have anything to do today, so I decided to drive up to Winchester and see what I could pick up at Hero Gear.

That condition has caused great satisfaction for many...

[Guest mac_05evo]

Great choice! Very nice and congrats!

[Guest pjblurton]

Sounds like you've had a VERY good year....

Congrats!

[Guest JHatmaker]

Nice choice, would love to get a T3 one of these days. The new "ported" model looks very interesting, wouldn't mind carrying one of those around.