Pistol Review: Nighthawk Custom's Double Agent - Modern Concealed-Carry 1911 Excellence
- guns56
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
The Nighthawk Custom Double Agent is a 21st-century reimagining of the classic 1911 platform, purpose-built for concealed-carry with modern firepower in its double-stack configuration and premium craftsmanship. Developed in collaboration with Agency Arms, the Double Agent brings together double-stack capacity, compact dimensions, and hand-crafted 1911 heritage, arguably making it the most carry-friendly double-stack 1911 in Nighthawk’s lineup.
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At the heart of the Double Agent is a commander-sized frame featuring a newly designed, shorter, thinner aluminum grip that significantly reduces printing and enhances concealability, a thoughtful departure from bulkier double-stack 1911s and a feature any IWB carrier can appreciate.
The commander-length slide is carefully knurled for traction and precisely deburred to allow reliable manipulation without damaging holsters. The grip’s texture matches the slide’s knurling for a unified aesthetic, while remaining smooth enough not to snag clothing or irritate skin, an important detail often overlooked on double-stack designs.
Inspired by the angular lines of the single-stack Agent 2, the Double Agent blends modern styling with the timeless craftsmanship of a hand-fitted 1911. True to Nighthawk’s “One Gun, One Gunsmith” philosophy, each Double Agent is hand-built in Berryville, Arkansas by a single gunsmith, a guarantee of meticulous fit, finish, and quality.
The pistol comes with a hand-fit, match-grade 9 mm barrel and slide, plus hand-polished ignition components and beveled edges throughout, delivering premium mechanical refinement.
Additional Features:
Nitride finish for durability
Recon rail built into the double-stack commander frame
Three-facet hex barrel hood & an eight-facet hex-key muzzle with full crown
Straight Eight Heinie Ledge rear sight + tritium front sight (with optional IOS red-dot compatibility)
Custom trigger tuned to ~3.5–3.75 lb pull, for crisp, consistent breaks
Ultra hi-cut front strap, hand-beveled edges, and an overall profile optimized for concealed carry.
In terms of dimensions and capacity: the Double Agent has a barrel length of 4.25″, overall length of 7.85″, an empty weight of 33.3 oz, and ships with two 16-round magazines.
In practical use, the Double Agent delivers the type of balanced performance expected from a hand-fitted Nighthawk Custom pistol. Its commander-length configuration strikes a sweet spot between shootability and concealability, offering a stable sight picture and controllable recoil while remaining compact enough for daily carry.
The slimmed-down aluminum grip plays a major role in real-world comfort. Even as a double-stack design, it maintains a profile that minimizes printing and sits naturally against the body, reducing the discomfort sometimes associated with larger metal-frame pistols. The gentle, uniform texture provides secure purchase without irritating the skin during inside-the-waistband carry.
On the range, the Double Agent demonstrates consistent reliability across common 9mm defensive and training loads. The match-grade, hand-fitted barrel and smooth ignition components support tight groups at defensive distances, while the bushing-less barrel system and crowned muzzle contribute to consistent lockup and accuracy. The tuned 3.5–3.75 lb trigger allows for fast, predictable follow-up shots, a noticeable advantage when transitioning between targets or running timed drills.
Manipulations are equally refined. The slide’s knurling provides effective traction for press checks and reloads without feeling abrasive, and the pistol’s overall balance promotes quick alignment back to the sights after each shot. Combined with the Straight Eight Heinie Ledge rear sight and tritium front sight, the sight picture remains clear and intuitive in both daylight and low-light conditions.
For concealed carriers seeking a double-stack 1911 that retains premium shootability while reducing unnecessary bulk, the Double Agent performs as a well-rounded, dependable option.
Overall, the Nighthawk Custom Double Agent represents a thoughtful fusion of 1911 tradition and modern practical carry requirements: high capacity, expert craftsmanship, and concealment-conscious design. For shooters who demand a performance-ready sidearm with the look, feel, and reliability of a custom 1911, without sacrificing concealability, the Double Agent is a compelling choice.
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