Comparison of Staccato XC and Nighthawk Sand Hawk

Introduction

• Comparison of Staccato XC and Nighthawk Sand Hawk (referred to as Sand Hawk).
• Both are high-end pistols, with Sand Hawk being approx. $1000 more expensive.
• Purpose is fun and to help others decide which to buy.
• Do note: Personal preferences are involved; comments often get strong reactions.

Magazine

• Only 10-round magazines available due to Rhode Island laws.
• Staccato: comes with two 17-round mags and one 20-round mag.
• Nighthawk: comes with only two magazines; both are high quality.
• Magwell:
  • Staccato: removable, large, plastic, aftermarket options available.
  • Nighthawk: smaller, better for carrying, generous internal magwell.

Grip

• Drastically different designs:
  • Nighthawk: Circle pattern, less aggressive, smaller grip better for small hands.
  • Staccato: Sandpaper-like texture, larger and more aggressive, polymer grip.
• Grip safety: Nighthawk requires slightly more tension.

Trigger

• Staccato: Curved, polymer, very light (2.5 lbs), can cause accidental discharge if not practiced with.
• Nighthawk: Metal, flat, slightly heavier (3.5 lbs), crisper, slightly better reset.
• Both are good but come down to personal preference.

Rail & Safety

• Rail: Both have 1913 rails fitting Surefire, Streamlight, etc.
• Safety:
  • Staccato: bigger, possibly more suitable for smaller hands.
  • Nighthawk: single safety, can have ambidextrous option, requires slightly more pressure.
• Slide releases: Similar, only difference is in size and length.

Slide

• Durability: similar, same type of finish.
• Staccato: Less pressure to rack, considered smoother, aggressive front serrations.
• Nighthawk: Slightly more spring pressure, fewer and less aggressive front serrations.
• Sights:
  • Staccato: Fiber optic, dovetail, rear sight blacked out with serrations.
  • Nighthawk: 24k gold front sight, dovetail, blacked out rear sight.
• When adding optics, both lose rear sight but can be added back in different ways.

Optics

• Both come without optics cut but recommended to get it.
• Customizability in terms of safeties, barrels, and sights.

Takedown

• Staccato: Tool-less Dawson Precision recoil guide rod spring for easier disassembly.
• Nighthawk: Requires a takedown tool, process similar to other 2011 pistols.

Aesthetics

• Very subjective:
  • Staccato: Functional, duty-oriented look.
  • Nighthawk: More aesthetically pleasing, “50 shades of FDE,” double-stack 1911 appearance.

Performance Testing

• Nearly 1000 rounds fired in Staccato, 500+ in Nighthawk.
• Testing included static plinking, running and gunning, and various drills.
• Nighthawk preferred by most shooters for felt recoil and overall smoothness.
• Staccato still highly praised: durable, duty-oriented, ideal for hard use.

Pros & Cons

• Staccato:
  • Pros: Best value, effective comp, aggressive front serrations, scary light trigger, decent optic system, great grip texture, removable magwell, robust aftermarket support.
  • Cons: Trigger might be too light for some.
• Nighthawk:
  • Pros: Beautiful design, one-gun-one-gunsmith quality, very smooth, less felt recoil, decent optic system, excellent trigger.
  • Cons: Only two magazines, could use more serrations.

Conclusion

• Both guns are excellent, and personal preference will dictate choice.
• Acknowledgment to friends who lent the guns for review.
• Encouragement to support the channel through merchandise and subscriptions.
• Reminder to practice for safety, especially with lighter triggers.

Endnotes

• Encouragement to like, comment, subscribe, and enable notifications for future content.