Iโve been a little late jumping on the 2011 bandwagon. While the gun industry has been riding a 2011 resurgence over the past few years, Iโve been content to stick with my tried-and-true handgunsโlike a Glock. Somewhere out there, a die-hard 1911 fan just clutched his chest. But hey, old habits die hard.
Until 2024, I hadnโt even touched a 2011 since my days of shooting USPSA matches. And letโs just say I wonโt be putting a date on that, because the whole โagingโ thing isnโt really in my best interest. But with everyone proclaiming that pistol-mounted optics were the future, I figured now was as good a time as any to see if modern 2011s lived up to the hype. So far, every one Iโve tried has been great, and letโs be realโthereโs nothing quite like a 1911-style trigger. Then, Jacob Grey Firearms came knocking, asking if I wanted to take their TWC Black for a spin. A 2011 made by an aerospace machining company? Now that was too good to pass up.
Jacob Grey Precision Machining was founded in 2012, specializing in close-tolerance aerospace components. That means exacting precision, which is exactly what you want in a firearm. After earning a Gold Star Supplier designation in aerospace and defense, founder and CEO Jacob Grey Brackett decided to merge his lifelong firearms passion with his engineering expertise. The company initially produced AR-15s, AR-10s, and AR-9s, but in 2023, they dove into the 2011 world with the TWC 9. It was well received, but Jacob Grey wasnโt about to rest on their laurels. By late 2024, they rolled out the next evolution: the TWC Black.
Unlike many 2011s on the market, the Jacob Grey TWC series is built entirely from metalโno polymer here. The frame and grip module are CNC-machined from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, the same material used in fighter jets. That same precision machining extends to the beavertail, updated skeletonized CRT trigger, and double undercut trigger guard, which now features a squared profile to accommodate more holsters. The previous TWC had silver accents, but the Black goes full stealth mode with all-black stainless fasteners.
One of the most notable upgrades is the new 360-degree grip texture. The original TWC had smooth-sided gripsโan attempt at making the gun more carry-friendlyโbut users wanted more traction. Jacob Grey listened, and the result is a grip that feels fantastic in hand. Rounding out the frame is an ambidextrous safety, a Picatinny rail for accessories, and a generously flared magazine well for lightning-fast reloads.
The slide is cut from 416 stainless steel and is a masterclass in simplicity and function. Front and rear diamond-pattern serrations provide plenty of grip, but honestly, the action is so smooth that you could probably rack it with wet hands and no serrations at all. The tolerances are so tight, yet the movement is butteryโno wiggle, no play, just pure mechanical perfection. The slide is optics-ready and comes with C&H Precision mounting plates that support RMR, RMSc, ACRO, and Delta Point footprints. Iron sights? Jacob Grey went with XS suppressor-height sights, featuring a blacked-out rear and a high-visibility tritium front.
Internally, the TWC Black has a tool-less, one-piece guide rod for easy maintenance. The 4.25-inch bull barrel is coated in black DLC and is ridiculously accurate. As someone who enjoys suppressed shooting, I also got my hands on Jacob Greyโs new threaded bull barrel. With my Gemtech Lunar 45 suppressor attached, the shooting experience was even smootherโand much quieter.
For testing, I paired the TWC Black with 147-grain Poly Flat Nose and 147-grain Poly Round Nose 9mm from HOP Munitions. This ammo has been incredibly reliable in my experience, and it performed flawlessly in the TWC Black. I also mounted a Griffin Armament enclosed emitter red dot, the Griffin Micro Sight. With a 50,000-hour battery life and a $199.95 price tag, it punches way above its weight class. But thatโs a review for another day.
With everything dialed in, it was time to put the TWC Black through its paces. Over the course of my testing, I ran about 1,000 rounds through the gun without a single malfunction. The combination of the threaded and non-threaded bull barrels made for an incredibly accurate shooting experience. The trigger is crisp, the reset is short, and the overall feel of the gun is exceptional.
I set up targets at 10 yardsโthe typical handgun engagement rangeโand ran 17-round groups both suppressed and unsuppressed. The unsuppressed group was solid, though I had two flyers that Iโll blame on operator error (donโt judge me). The suppressed group, however, was tight and consistent. The TWC Black is one of those guns that makes you want to shoot faster and faster, and it just laughs at you when you try to take things slow.
Recoil mitigation is outstanding, thanks to the ample grip texture and excellent balance. Reloads are lightning-fast, aided by the flared magazine well. I even ran drills with gloves on, given the winter temperatures during testing, and the oversized trigger guard provided plenty of space. Jacob Grey ships the TWC Black with two 17-round Check-Mate magazines, which means compatibility with other 2011 platforms is a non-issue. If you want more capacity, extended mags are readily available.
The Jacob Grey TWC Black isnโt cheap, but itโs also not overpriced given the market. MSRP starts at $2,999.99, with options for a threaded barrel or rose gold accents bumping it up to $3,149.99. Compared to other all-metal 2011s with similar features, the price is justified. What sets this gun apart is the aerospace-grade precision and attention to detail. Thereโs no slop, no rough edgesโjust a meticulously engineered firearm built to perform.
For me, the TWC Black is a keeper. I donโt hoard guns; I keep what I carry and train with. This 2011 has earned its spot in my collection. Jacob Grey has already introduced a follow-up model, the TWC HEX, with a redesigned grip module. If itโs anything like the Black, Iโm sure itโll be another winner. But for now, the TWC Black is staying in my holster.
The Jacob Grey TWC Black is a prime example of what happens when aerospace engineering meets firearms manufacturing. Precision, performance, and reliability come together in a package thatโs as smooth as it is rugged. If youโre looking for a high-end 2011 that delivers on all fronts, this is it. Whether youโre a competition shooter, a tactical enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, the TWC Black is worth every penny.
Now if youโll excuse me, Iโve got more rounds to put through this thing. Itโs just too much fun to put down.
