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Jacob Grey is a newer firearms company but one that is making a big splash with its high-end AR-15s and the 2011 Jacob Grey TWC 9.
Ever since I got to handle the TWC9 at Shot Show 2024, I’ve been wanting to put the TWC9 to the test on the range and see if the fantastic feel of the gun in the hand translated to actually shooting the gun.
The TWC 9 is up against some stiff competition with the likes of the Staccato P and other modern 2011 platform pistols. So how do the features stack up against its rivals?
Let’s dive in.
One of the major draws to a 2011 pistol for me is the overall grip and ergonomics, which is why I think Lone Wolf Arms made the Dusk 19.
The front and back of the grip frame are well-textured with a diamond design, and the backstrap has a very abrasive texture cut into the metal. While it is abrasive, it’s not overbearing and makes the gun feel more stable in the hand.
My one criticism of the grip is the lack of texture on the grip sides. While this is very aesthetically pleasing, I like a bit more texture on the grips so that when I establish my grip, the pistol doesn’t move while shooting.
I didn’t notice any movement of my grip while shooting, so this is probably more of a personal preference than an “issue.”
The pistol’s ergonomics overall are at the next level, and I can’t find anything I dislike about them. I even like the thicker frame that runs the full length of the gun and gives my trigger finger somewhere to rest when it’s not on the trigger.
Many people think the magazine well is an inconsequential piece of the pistol. But I think it’s actually a big deal, and I think it’s finally getting the attention it deserves from firearms and aftermarket manufacturers.
The TWC9 mag well is tastefully done for a carry pistol, and it’s not flamboyantly large to where it’s obnoxious and digging into you while you carry.
It’s flared enough to serve its intended purpose: funnel magazines into the gun.
Magazine releases tend to be extremely boring and I tend to agree, they aren’t very flashy or interesting.
The TWC9 magazine release sits where the trigger guard meets the grip frame. It’s a simple control that’s just a circular button that sticks up about a quarter inch.
It has some texture that’s very similar to the backstrap of the grip frame. I find it very easy to reach without moving my right hand from the master grip, which is a must for ease of use reasons.
The only issue I can find, If you want to call it that, is that this is not an ambidextrous control.
Hammer design is another often overlooked feature of guns because they aren’t used very often in terms of direct interaction.
Most people typically only notice the hammer because it cocks when the slide is racked.
However, the design of the TWC9 hammer is sleek and functions well. It sticks out enough to where if you need to manually cock it, you can.
The three-position hammer is smooth and has solid resistance on pull back.
I always preface safety sections because I don’t like manual safeties on pistols (forgive me I’m a Glock degenerate).
But I always give them their fair shake in my reviews because I believe they do have a place and serve a useful purpose on some guns, this pistol is one of them.
The manual thumb safety on this gun in about as good as it gets, while it’s not unique in this category (other 2011 pistols I’ve shot have has similar safeties) it’s good to see when something works it isn’t changed for the sake of being different.
This safety naturally contours the thumb and locks in with a flick of the thumb and putting the gun back on fire is just as easy.
No modification of my grip or normal shooting grip has to be made to use this safety.
First, the slide lock look is 💯 it really looks great because it sits recessed into the frame of the pistol.
Its function is good but if you have smaller hands, like me, you’ll need to adjust your grip to use it or you will need to use your support hand to operate the slide lock/release lever.
But I can’t be mad at the design because my hands are small. I do like its overall function, though—it’s very smooth and easy to use.
Stock sights can be a crap-shoot and sights preferences vary wildly from person to person.
So I’ll not only show them to you so you can make your own decisions but tell you what I think about them.
I like the sight design overall but the front sight dot is a bit large for my personal preference. However, it is a night sight and is fantastic in low/dark light settings.
The TWC9 comes with an optics cut slide. So, that means I won’t be using these sights anyway because I’ll be putting a pistol red dot sight on the gun.
This trigger will be a love or hate control for most people. I love this trigger, there is no take up and the break is clean and crisp.
The reset is back to the wall and the pull is a clean straight back linear pull.
The trigger pull is impressively light, clocking in as low as 1 lb 6.8 oz and maxing at 3 lb 6.2 oz out of five pulls.
I would be doing you a huge disservice if I didn’t recommend one of our awesome range bags to go with this gun.
It does come with a soft case, but it won’t help you carry the rest of your range gear to and from the range.
Plus, you want to organize your gear to simplify your life.
I’d have to recommend the Concord for this gun simply because if you are a person of exquisite taste who buys a TWC9, you need the most popular medium-sized bags in our lineup.
My experience with the TWC9 is that it will shoot whatever you throw at it. I shot both 124 GR AAC FMJ and 115 GR Blazer Brass ammo, and both ran without a single flaw.
We keep a running list of ammo in stock from trusted retailers. Check them out below.
It’s hard to go wrong with the Jacob Grey TWC9 in terms of overall looks and appearance.
If you want a fantastic-looking pistol, then you don’t have to look any further than this pistol.
The lines on the frame to the slide are just immaculate in execution. The combination of a touch of silver on the black is just the chef’s kiss.
You’ll be pulling out this gun to show your friends on every occasion that you can fathom.
The crowned barrel is also an extremely nice touch and the mix of soft and hard lines is truly gratifying.
I know what you’re thinking… all the above doesn’t matter if it doesn’t shoot well. Surely you don’t think Jacob Grey spent all this time and energy making such a dynamite looking pistol and were gonna let it not shoot well?!
Crazier things have happened, I guess. But the good news is this is a fantastic shooting gun. I like it better than the Staccato, and it is neck and neck with the Springfield Prodigy.
I like the recoil impulse of the TWC9 because it’s soft and rests right back to the target.
The weight of the gun helps contribute to the shootablity by reducing the perceived felt recoil while still not being an overly heavy pistol.
Is this pistol expensive? Yes. But is it worth the price?
This is a tough question to answer as everyone perceives value differently. I’m a big buy once cry once person.
So, if I’m looking for a high-end 2011/1911 to scratch the itch, I’m looking for something in the realm of the TWC 9. It is quality and is going to last forever, making it a family heirloom caliber firearm.
You have to ask yourself if you want something of this quality and caliber or if you are going to settle. After having shot a number of the “just as good” guns, I encourage you to save up your coins for this masterpiece of a pistol.
Jacob Grey Firearms are made in South Carolina, USA.
Many companies make double stack 1911 9mm pistols. In fact, it’s all the rage and Jacob Grey is one of many companies that are producing extremely high-end 2011/1911 double stack 9mm pistols.
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