How ordering works: This is made-to-order, customizing a build we already have in the Nighthawk queue (shortening the 2-3 year wait time). Reserve your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit, or pay the base price in full (and upgrades upon completion). Customize your pistol above — any upgrade cost is added to your balance, which we confirm with you before the gun ships.

Estimated lead time: 18–24 months.

Not sure what upgrades? Here's how we usually spec this out: IOS optic cut with an RMR plate and ambi safety.

Sheriff Jim Wilson’s vision of the perfect do-it-all 1911. Built on a 4.25" commander-length slide mated to a full-size frame with our Concealed Carry Cut, the Border Special delivers a true full-grip feel while greatly reducing printing under clothing. Duty-capable yet carry-friendly, it’s rugged, refined, and unmistakably Nighthawk.

Standard features

Black nitride finish
All Fully Machined parts
Commander size frame and 4.25" barrel
Hand fit frame and slide
Hand fit match grade .45 ACP barrel
Crowned barrel flush with bushing
Fluted barrel hood
Throated barrel
Polished feed ramp
Smooth recoil spring plug with thick barrel bushing
Contoured carry cut
Scalloped front strap and mainspring housing
Hand blended grip safety
Serrated top of the slide
Only rear cocking serrations
Tuned and polished extractor
Hand fit firing pin stop
Heinie black Slant Pro rear sight with solid gold bead front sight
40 lines per inch serrated rear of slide to match rear sight
Cocobolo double diamond grips with Nighthawk logo
Lightweight, short, solid aluminum Nighthawk Custom trigger
Hand polished ignition components
Custom trigger job set with 3.5 to 3.75 pound trigger
Completely dehorned for comfortable carry
Hand beveled edges
Ultra Hi-Cut Front Strap
Includes two 8-round magazines

Firearm Type:: Handgun

Model:: Border Special

Caliber:: 9mm

Product Type:: Handgun

Platform:: 1911

This is a firearm. Federal law requires us to ship it to a licensed FFL dealer near you — not directly to your home address. Here's how it works:

Add to cart and check out. At checkout, use our FFL dealer locator to pick a licensed dealer near you. If your preferred dealer isn't listed, check the box to enter their address manually.
We verify the FFL and ship. Your dealer can email a copy of their license to support@reactivegunworks.com to speed things up.
Pick up at your dealer. They'll contact you when it arrives. Bring your ID, fill out the ATF Form 4473, pass the background check/any other requirements relevant to where you live, and the firearm is yours.

Local to Fruitland, Idaho? Select in-store pickup at Reactive and schedule an appointment to visit us.

Full FFL transfer policy →