Brandon Flores

I grew up around 1911’s. I got very familiar with them. So much so, that I can’t shoot anything striker fired to save my life. (We can probably chalk that up to user error.) After a ~10-year hiatus from being able to shoot pistol, my buddy talked me in to shooting my first USPSA match in December of ’24.

I was instantly hooked – the adrenaline, the frustration, the stage planning – it was all a blast to me and I knew that I would be doing this more than once. That’s where the fine folks at Jacob Grey stepped in. They offered to loan me a TWC9 to compete with for USPSA, as well as my first Tactical games event.

Until this point, I didn’t know too much about Jacob Grey, other than the fact that they were rolling out custom 1911’s, and that they had stepped into the DS 9mm arena. I was intrigued that they had an all metal platform at the price point of other companies that were still doing polymer grips.

Upon receiving the TWC9, I was impressed at the tolerances and how balanced it felt. It felt natural dry firing and cycling it, it was like it was designed for my hands. I was unsure how the slick side grips would hold up during extreme use, but I can appreciate how much more comfortable the design of those grips are for conceal carry. (It would save so many undershirts, and/or belly skin)

My first time putting rounds through the TWC9 was during a USPSA match. It was my third match, and I had co witnessed the red dot, because that’s what I was used to doing. I was impressed with how natural it felt to shoot. It was almost like cheating, it does all of the work for you, and it really humbled me with how much practice I needed – my shots went exactly where they were supposed to, which was usually low and left – I still hadn’t dry fired out the habit of anticipating. It was a me issue though, the trigger on the TWC9 is solid and crisp, it feels like its sprung just right and returns exactly to point of aim, and its got the right balance of weight so that it didn’t feel too heavy.

I went back to the drawing board and started dry firing and practicing with it without live ammo. My next few matches went noticeably better. My scores were going up, and the TWC9 continue to perform. Up to this point, the slick side grips had not been as much of a concern as I had initially considered. There was still enough bite that I could confidently shoot without worrying about having to re-establish my grip.

The Tactical Games consisted of two days of fitness and shooting. I’m talking crawling on the ground in dirt, up and over obstacles, dirt, sweat, probably some tears, constantly in and out of the holster. Not once did the TWC9 fail to feed or fire. It was reliable in the worst conditions I could have put it through, and it allowed me to finish 26th out of 144 overall.

I’ve used the TWC9 for about 6 months now and have about 6k rounds through it. It continues to impress me every time I take it to the range, and it continues to stand up to the abuse and training I’ve put it through. It feeds reliably with every DS magazine I’ve tried (Atlas, prodigy, checkmate, Staccato), as well as with every type of ammo I’ve fed it. (mostly 115gr tmj, but its also been reliable with a few different types of carry ammo, as well as +p HP’s)

I believe that in this price range, you can’t really beat the TWC9. Other competitors have similarly priced models, but they all have polymer grips which can’t compare to the more balanced and sturdier feel of the metal grip module. 

To be honest, what has impressed me as much as the performance of the TWC9, is the customer service from Jacob Grey. I felt like family the first time I talked to them, and they continue to impress me every time I talk with them. They are quick to respond, personable, and it feels like you’re talking to a long-time friend. They have continued to innovate and listen to their customers and have since produced the TWC Black, as well as the HEX. I can’t wait to watch Jacob Grey grow into a more household name and see what else they bring to the table to improve the DS 1911 market.