I’ll admit, I was a little late to the party with the 2011 resurgence. In fact, I hadn’t even touched one of these pistols since my USPSA days, and let’s just say I’m not exactly in the habit of reminiscing about the specifics of that era. Let’s leave that timeline well in the past where it belongs—like the man who invented the 9mm 1911 and thought it was a good idea. But seriously, over the years I’ve shot more than my fair share of firearms, working for various companies and now in media.
Still, despite all the shiny new toys the gun world has to offer, I tend to stick with the tried-and-true. Yes, I’m one of those Glock guys. And before anyone gets too worked up—relax. I know the 1911 crowd just fainted somewhere reading that.
Anyway, fast forward to 2025, and while everyone else is jumping on the pistol-mounted optics bandwagon (yes, I’m late to that, too), I finally got the itch to dip my toes into the waters of today’s 2011s. At this point, it’s hard to ignore the hype. Every 2011 I’ve gotten my hands on has been smooth, and that 1911-style trigger? Well, it’s hard to argue with perfection. So, when Jacob Grey Firearms reached out and asked if I wanted to review their TWC Black, the idea of a 2011 built by an aerospace company was just too intriguing to pass up. Game on.
Let’s talk a bit about Jacob Grey Firearms. The company, founded by Jagob Grey Brackett in 2012, initially made its mark in the aerospace and defense sectors by machining close-tolerance components. They earned a Gold Star Supplier designation, which isn’t something you just pick up at the local hardware store. The leap into firearms came in 2023, when the company released the TWC 9, which was met with rave reviews. But they weren’t about to rest on their laurels. Customer feedback rolled in, and in 2024, the TWC Black was born.
So, what’s all the fuss about? For starters, the TWC Black is CNC-machined from Aircraft Grade 7075 Aluminum. There’s no polymer here, folks—just solid, precision engineering. The TWC Black’s frame, grip modules, beavertail, and skeletonized one-piece CRT trigger are all crafted with the same attention to detail that you’d expect from aerospace-grade components. The trigger guard has been updated with a square profile for better compatibility with existing 2011 holsters, and gone are the silver accents, replaced with sleek black stainless fasteners. Little details like this matter, and it’s clear that Jacob Grey didn’t cut any corners.
One of the standout features of the TWC Black is the 360-degree grip texture. The previous model got some flak for its smooth-sided grips, which were thought to be better for concealed carry. The Black addresses that criticism, with a texture that ensures your hand stays put, even during rapid-fire sessions. The frame also includes an ambidextrous safety, Picatinny accessory rail, and a flared magazine well—because who doesn’t love a good mag reload?
The slide on this bad boy is a thing of beauty. Machined from 416 stainless steel, it’s as functional as it is simple. Front and rear diamond-pattern serrations make slide manipulation smooth and easy—honestly, I could probably work the slide with wet hands and still get it done. But let’s be real, you don’t need to worry about that because the TWC Black’s action is buttery smooth. It’s the kind of performance that you wouldn’t expect from a firearm with such tight tolerances, but here we are. This thing cycles like a dream right out of the box—no need for a break-in period. You’ll swear there’s no shimmy in this gun, even if you try to find one.
As for optics, the slide is optics-ready, and Jacob Grey Firearms ships the TWC Black with mounting plates from C&H Precision that support various footprints, including RMR, RMSc, ACRO, and Delta Point. XS suppressor-height sights sit on top, with a high-visibility ring and tritium insert in front. These are great for fast target acquisition, day or night.
Internally, the TWC Black comes equipped with a tool-less, one-piece guide rod that makes field-stripping a breeze. The black DLC-coated 416 stainless bull barrel—at 4.25 inches—ensures precision accuracy. And if you’re like me and enjoy suppressed shooting, you’ll appreciate the additional threaded bull barrel that Jacob Grey sent along with my review sample. Pairing it with my Gemtech Lunar 45 modular suppressor? Well, let’s just say that combination made me feel like I was shooting an entirely different gun altogether.
Ammunition was graciously provided by HOP Munitions, who sent me a batch of their 147gr Poly Flat Nose and Poly Round Nose 9mm ammo. Both rounds performed beautifully with the TWC Black, cycling consistently and cleanly, both suppressed and unsuppressed. I’ve shot hundreds of rounds through HOP’s ammo without a single hiccup, and it’s been the perfect match for the TWC Black’s precision.
Now, onto the fun part: shooting. I’ve put about 1000 rounds through the TWC Black without a single malfunction. This includes both the threaded and non-threaded barrels, and let me tell you, both are more accurate than I’ll ever be. Whether suppressed or not, the TWC Black makes every shot feel like a win, and it boosts my ego just a little bit more with every pull of the trigger.
I set up some targets at 10 yards (because that’s about average for most handgun engagements) and shot groups, both suppressed and unsuppressed. Of course, I’m not immune to a couple of fliers—don’t judge me, folks. I tightened things up for the suppressed group, and the results were respectable. One thing’s for sure: the TWC Black encourages me to push my limits. Recoil mitigation is effortless, and the fast-action trigger just makes you want to go quicker. I won’t claim I’m anywhere near the level of some professional shooters, but with the TWC Black, I felt like I could hold my own. Nothing like the liberating feeling of slamming steel plates at full speed.
Reloading is quick and smooth, thanks to the flared magazine well. Even with gloves on, I didn’t have any issues with trigger guard space during the cold winter months. And the magazines? Two 17-round Check-Mate mags come standard with the TWC Black. It’s also compatible with other 2011 platforms, so finding replacements or upgrades is easy.
Now, the price tag. At $2999.99 for the base model, it’s not exactly a cheap date, but when you compare it to other 2011s made from full metal grip modules and similar features, it’s not out of line. And if you want a rose gold or threaded barrel option, you can expect to pay a little more—around $3149.99. It’s pricey, sure, but you’re getting aerospace-grade precision, outstanding fit and finish, and a gun that’s designed to perform at the highest level.
As for me? Well, I’m keeping the Jacob Grey TWC Black in my personal collection. I don’t own many firearms, as I only keep the ones I want to carry and train with, but this 2011 has earned its spot. Jacob Grey’s already released a new version—the HEX—with a redesigned grip module that looks pretty sweet. I’m eager to see what they come up with next, but for now, the TWC Black is here to stay.
