I’ve been just a little late moving into the 2011 resurgence that the trade has been experiencing in the previous few years.
Till 2024, I had not even laid fingers on a 2011 since my days of taking pictures USPSA matches, and I’ll hold that timeline non-public since growing older isn’t in my finest curiosity. Evidently, having labored for firearms corporations and now in media, I’ve tried nearly every little thing the trade has to supply however typically keep on with these “outdated trustworthy” weapons, like a Glock. Some 1911 man simply fell over in his seat.
Anyhow, as I lastly got here alongside when everybody stated pistol-mounted optics had been the best way ahead, so would I dip my foot within the water making an attempt out a few of at the moment’s 2011s. Each one I’ve tried up to now has been nice, and you actually can’t beat that 1911-style set off. However when Jacob Gray Firearms requested if I’d prefer to assessment their TWC Black, the considered a 2011 made by an aerospace firm was too good to cross up. And so it goes.
Jacob Gray Precision Machining, specializing in close-tolerance aerospace machined parts, was based in 2012. Having earned a Gold Star Provider designation within the aerospace and protection industries, the time got here for founder and CEO Jagob Gray Brackett to pursue his ardour as a lifelong firearms fanatic.
The corporate has produced AR-15, AR-10, and AR-9 platform rifles, however in 2023, Jacob Gray Firearms stepped into the world of 2011s, with the TWC 9 incomes itself an all-around constructive reception. Unwilling to hold the proverbial hat, the corporate listened to buyer suggestions and returned in late 2024 with an evolution within the sequence, the TWC Black.
Jacob Gray TWC sequence firearms function CNC machined Plane Grade 7075 Aluminum frames and grip modules, so that you gained’t discover any polymer on this 2011. The identical supplies and machining course of are used to provide the TWC Black’s beaver tail and up to date skeletonized one-piece CRT set off. The double undercut set off guard has additionally been up to date with a sq. profile to facilitate compatibility with present 2011 holsters in the marketplace, and former silver accents have been changed with black stainless fasteners.
Among the many updates to the TWC Black, maybe probably the most noteworthy is the addition of a 360-degree grip texture, as its predecessor was critiqued for having smooth-sided grips that engineers thought could also be extra conducive to hid carry. The body is accomplished with an ambidextrous security, Picatinny accent Rail, and flared journal effectively.
The TWC Black’s 416 stainless-steel slide is fantastically machined with simplicity and performance in thoughts. It options entrance and rear diamond-pattern serrations that make slide manipulation a bit of cake, though the motion is so buttery that I’d guess you can work it with out serrations and with moist fingers. I discover it outstanding {that a} firearm with tolerances as exacting because the Jacob Gray TWC Black demonstrates such silky operation instantly upon biking it out of battery. Severely, there may be not a fraction of a shimmy on this gun.
The slide is optics-ready, and the TWC Black ships with mounting plates made by C&H Precision that help RMR, RMSc, ACRO, and Delta Level footprints. Up prime, the Black is fitted with XS suppressor peak sights, the rear being serrated and blacked with a excessive visibility ring and tritium insert in entrance.
Internally, a tool-less one-piece information rod makes for easy field-stripping and upkeep, whereas a slick black DLC-coated 416 stainless 4.25” bull barrel ensures laser beam accuracy. As a man who enjoys suppressed taking pictures of any type, I used to be lucky sufficient to obtain Jacob Gray Firearms’ new threaded bull barrel as effectively, and it was equally spectacular, however quieter due to my Gemtech Lunar 45 modular suppressor.
For this assessment, ammunition was supplied by my good pals at HOP Munitions who despatched me some extra 147gr Poly Flat Nostril 9mm and 147gr Poly Spherical Nostril 9mm that I’ve grow to be extraordinarily keen on taking pictures on my vary. I’ve but to expertise any malfunctions with both ammunition or any of HOP’s different calibers, and paired with the TWC Black, these shot very clear and constant each suppressed and unsuppressed.
I additionally wished to thank my pals at Griffin Armament, who despatched me their enclosed emitter ACRO footprint Griffin Micro Sight to make use of for the assessment. The optic will ultimately get its personal protection after I apply it to a number of platforms, however for now, I can let you know that it has been sturdy with none points and encompasses a 50,000-hour battery life with 10 brightness settings. Its efficiency up to now tells me that somebody forgot to remind this optic that it solely retails for $199.95.
With ammunition, optic, and suppressor squared away, it was time to do what the Jacob Gray TWC Black does finest. Off to the races! Having spent a while now with the gun, I’ve roughly 1000 rounds by it with no single malfunction. Each the threaded and non-threaded bull barrels have simply been extra succesful than I’m relating to accuracy, making the TWC Black a pleasure to shoot and a lift to my ego. I hold the threaded barrel on the gun full-time now as a result of I’m all the time reaching for a suppressor, and this Jacob Gray 2011 eats it up.
With the common handgun engagement being between 7 – 10 yards, I arrange on the latter and shot teams suppressed and unsuppressed, with the outcomes posted beneath. Each are 17-round teams as a result of why not? The unsuppressed group is on the left, and I’m not shy about displaying you the 2 embarrassing fliers. Don’t choose me! I tightened myself up for the suppressed group on the precise, maintaining issues fairly respectable.
The TWC Black is a foul affect on my group taking pictures as every little thing about it simply eggs me on to go sooner and sooner, virtually to the purpose of poking enjoyable at me after I take issues too simple. From the ample grip texture to the fantastic motion, recoil mitigation is easy, and though I’ve been taking pictures for years and prefer to suppose I’m fairly first rate, this gun made me really feel like I may run with Taran Butler, which I can let you know first hand I’m nowhere close to. Regardless, it was good to stroll away from the paper and go completely berserk on some metal. One phrase: liberating.
Reloads are fast and positive, due to the TWC Black’s flared journal effectively. I used to be compelled to do a few of my taking pictures sporting gloves due to the frigid winter temperatures throughout early testing which wasn’t an issue in any respect because the set off guard permits ample house.
Jacob Gray Firearms ships the TWC Black with two 17-round Test-Mate magazines, that means availability and compatibility are normal throughout different 2011 platforms, and magazines with much more capability are available. The TWC Black isn’t a cheap handgun, however the value is cheap relative to competing 2011s which can be manufactured with all metallic grip modules and comparable function units, to not point out the match and end. With the marketplace for 2011s seeing the saturation now we have in the intervening time, the Jacob Gray TWC Black strikes me as distinctive, not just for a few of its design elements but additionally for the gun’s aerospace pedigree. Base MSRP will hit you at $2999.99, and choices for a rose gold or threaded barrel can be found that may stretch that determine to $3149.99.
In the event you’ve made it this far, it in all probability comes as no shock to you that I’m maintaining the Jacob Gray TWC Black in my private assortment, which isn’t a lot of a “assortment” in any respect since I are likely to solely hold the weapons I need to carry and prepare with. For a gun author, you’d be shocked by how few firearms I personal, inserting this 2011 in good firm. Jacob Gray launched the subsequent evolution of the TWC earlier this 12 months, known as the HEX, with a redesigned and admittedly good-looking grip module. I’m positive that firearm is as good as my TWC Black, and I’m wanting ahead to no matter comes subsequent.
I’d love to listen to your ideas on the Jacob Gray Firearms TWC Black and the 2011 resurgence generally. Are you a fan? Do you might have a favourite? What do you search for in a 2011? Tell us within the feedback beneath and thanks for studying.
For extra details about Jacob Gray Firearms and all their merchandise, go to jacobgreyfirearms.com.
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