2011 Showdown - Watchtower Apache, Venom Custom, Jacob Grey

[@evernhamanderson]

EVERYONE wants to compare the Jacob Grey to Staccato. After all, the Staccato is sort of the benchmark, isn't it? The reality is that the JG is a 4.25" EDC gun. From one perspective, I guess that means the Jacob Grey is actually punching above it's weight class. Pretty darn good for a company that has almost exactly one year as a 2011-type manufacturer. Can't wait to see the new models that will be debuting at SHOT. Great review! Thanks for all the info.

[@BrianKern2121]

Tonight on 1911 Syndicate: 3 2011 that cost more than a Divorce Lawyer appears, Finn is more suited for cold weather than Crispy, and even The Weather hates Jake.....

[@Chrisblau]

😂😂😂😂

[@jhugle8106]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Therapewtic]

I recently bought a Venom and have been fortunate enough to communicate with Don directly, what a stand up guy. I have the 5" Hard Chrome/DLC non ported version, since I plan to compete in Limited Optics with it (ports and comps not allowed in that division). The gun is phenomenal, truly a work of art. Yes it uses Atlas parts but Don puts substantially more time and attention to the fit and finish. The slide to frame fit is the tightest I've felt on a pistol. I posted a few photos and videos of it on 1911addicts and reddit under the same username.

[@willa1975]

Awesome! I have one on order. Great to hear superlatives!

[@WestPat23]

Nate eats what?!?😮😂😂

[@DDEVITIS]

Great review as always, only downside is that these are Kovert modified and not factory. JG is 4.25 where others are 5. The Kovert JG is much more than $3,200.

[@handroids1981]

Helll yeah, 1911 Syndicate is 2011ing again. I'm genuinely loving the variety of videos. Thanks everyone.

[@Chrisblau]

Thanks brother. Hope all is well 👊🏼👊🏼

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

As a left handed Northern Irish 🇬🇧 retired police officer and firearms instructor I feel your pain! Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@Chrisblau]

You and Jake have to be related in some way 😂😂😂 thanks for watching from Belfast

[@Pupp4Kick3R]

You swearing at that magazine spring made my day. Thank you for brightening my day sir.

[@Chrisblau]

😂😂😂😂 he gets angry easily

[@1911syndicate]

That spring was stupid and a jerk

[@jakenieten]

I need an old school calendar with these 2011s!

[@TommyRibs]

Great Video Jake and Crispy. This is the best channel on KZbin. For the money, the Jacob Grey may be the best value for the money out there. They have a new model, the TWC Black which has much better grip panels.

[@kckbxr19]

Love the review sir! I put my order in for the kovert Apache back at the beginning of May… the only info I had at the time was the pew views Apache to kind of base it off of, I liked the upgrades that were being mentioned in the site but it wasn’t until your video, 2a n la’s, and another that I really got to see much about it… I’m pumped and excited to get it in! Thank you again for your honesty on it and keep up the great work!

[@captainohsowavy]

Got mine ordered as well They supposedly popping them out mid Dec

[@johnnixon2504]

19:56 the gun eats everything like nate eats a........ The writing is on the wall.

[@1776andCo]

Glad I'm not the only one

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done. I'm a fellow, frustrated, Southpaw. I get all the arguments about aluminum grips and comps vs ports, but it's just got to be Southpaw friendly at these price points.

[@jeffkaminski6404]

I vote we get Nate on the show. He sounds fun

[@IvIidnight]

You've never done a Truck Pop? HEY! THIS GUY HAS NEVER DONE A TRUCK POP!

[@1911syndicate]

Hahahaja

[@MrShooter03]

Nice message about Nate over your left shoulder…….. Side note: I really like that Venom pistol. (Message is on the wall as you’re shooting.)

[@marzcapone9939]

They should have left Nate's number....

[@petesheppard1709]

Remember 'Trump' on the wall in earlier videos??

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the video I do agree 2011's are really good. Ever since I bought my STI DVC Tactical 5.0 that has been my designated Monday gun.

[@1911syndicate]

Hell yes

[@-RONNIE]

@1911syndicate The reason I put that as my Monday gun is because on Sunday I use my 1911 Sig Extreme they're basically the same platforms & so the rest of the week I don't have to worry about safeties

[@QuantumTactical]

I’d say that you missed the mark with your selections but I understand hat they came from Kovert. The XP Pro is now the entry level 2011 gun. I love the Apache and think it does compete with the XC. As for the Venom it’s essentially an Atlas and I don’t understand why unless you want something unique you’d buy it over an atlas

[@d-HG_KOBE]

Current owner TWC9 purchased from Kovert shot 1250 rounds. Front sight fell off and having extraction issues shooting 115 grain. Sent to Jacob Grey today hopefully they fix issue.

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

They are good guys at JG. Todd N. Should take care of you.

[@d-HG_KOBE]

@ I hope so. The gun itself its very nice. Fast and accurate when working properly.

[@Misterrrvarra]

sounds a bit like the issues with cosaint arms

[@Perkuhlerk]

Out of curiosity what kind of ammo you been running? Really isn’t any excuse for the front sight falling off tho 😂

[@d-HG_KOBE]

@@Perkuhlerk fiocchi jam. Winchester white box ok. Lax ammo reman jam. Blazer 1 time jam. Belloit? Ok. Federal jam. Freedom ammo ok. There’s one more I can’t remember that jammed. Remington jam

[@8301TheJMan]

Sorry, loved the look of the Apache's

[@michaelhenninger5287]

As a lefty that shoots rt handed guns except for a ambi thumb safety I feel your pain. Great to see more 2011s made. Great video

[@Perkuhlerk]

The plastic on a water bottle popped right @7:21 and I bout died thinking he desk popped his truck after triple checking the chamber, scared the shit out of me 😂

[@petesheppard1709]

While that cold blowing snow may be miserable, it makes for nice imagery of the pistols!

[@1911syndicate]

Right haha. The irony of it all

[@petesheppard1709]

@@1911syndicate The sacrifices you make for we viewers...

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

Make 2011 Great Again 🇺🇸

[@barnacanbull]

GODDAMN ITS ABOUT TIME WE GET OFF THE HK NUTSACK AND BACK TO BUSINESS!!!! 👏🏼

[@BrianKern2121]

You're the reason why H&K won't sell a civilian legal MP-7........😂

[@barnacanbull]

@@BrianKern2121 i wouldn’t buy that corny shit anyways, all yours, dick rider!!!

[@Chrisblau]

@@BrianKern2121this guys an angry little elf isn’t he? 😂😂

[@ryangalvin4701]

Well said

[@Perkuhlerk]

Someone had to say it.. we can’t even get their cool shit anyway.

[@RetARMYjohn]

The one time polymer grips would be nice! Too cold for me brother!

[@johnniefranchize2701]

Waiting on the Tac Pro 5 inch review!!!

[@OReely444]

lol at the left hand freakout 🤣

[@jp71889]

That Venom Custom.

[@RetARMYjohn]

I envy the pistols but, I do not envy being in that frigid hell!

[@1911syndicate]

Chilly

[@texasranger24]

I would love to see you make a video about the differences in 2011s. Some 2011s have external extractors, most have internal ones. Which is better? Most 2011s use the 2011 pattern magazine, but nut BUL (and the Platypus Glock mag). Which is better, and which 2011 magazines are good? What is the difference between steel and aluminium frames, steel or alu or polymer grips? Weight, durability, how much does polymer flex absorb recoil? DLC vs PVD vs Ceracote surface finish, how long do they last and how smooth are part with the finish moving? Who does red dots the right way?

[@slb_clip]

It would be cool if you could give a tutorial on options for ambi/lefty controls on 2011’s and what are the options and companies on the market. I heard there are some companies doing Ambi reversible mag releases like MDJ or Miller Precision so comparison of these various options and how well they work would be great.

[@1911syndicate]

Truthfully all you really need is an ambi safety. Everything else is manageable. Reverse mag catch would be ideal

[@brossovitch]

Curious about the .45acp Kimber 2k11 honestly..

[@dustinmatthews387]

So far, sooch, colion noir and the humble Marksman have put up reviews.

[@Perkuhlerk]

I just got my first 2011, the new Staccato C. Maybe one day I’ll own one of these you review. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down, but don’t want the price tag. An Atlas or Sandhawk.

[@gair1944]

I am perfectly happy with my Stacatto XC and I'd probably buy it again over the Kovert Apache. Guessing resale would be possibly be better with an XC down the line if I wanted to flip it to upgrade to something like an Atlas Erebus, Venom or Infinity.

[@RetARMYjohn]

Exactly brother! I just ordered the Staccato XC with their new aluminum flat trigger and cannot wait! I got lucky as they sold out of their flat triggers 10 minutes after I bought mine.

[@bobbioook5612]

Venom vs NHC SandHawk please

[@jacobgardner3101]

I second this!

[@ACGBLR]

Watchtower some questionable qc from owners. Sad for the price point.

[@DaveandDebe]

Definitely

[@H3y45]

Yeah kovert has a trend of taking questionable guns and just blacking them out and thinking people will forget about the company’s shitty QC.

[@DaveandDebe]

@H3y45 🤣

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

To watch towers defense; there original Pew’s were only $3,500 so they are essentially an XC and were coming in $700 less. There QC sucked in the first 250 or so. Then they upgraded the grip module and they were much better. I think Kovert actually helped them a bit on there version but the price went up $1K and not sure I see it in the same light.

[@ACGBLR]

@@jeffreyzeiszler8845I have seen Kovert talking about them, tired of seeing him being the used car salesman. Since it is priced above an XC….I don’t seen a contest XC hands down IMO.

[@DaveandDebe]

I would take the XC hands down,, better company, better gun. 👍

[@standjos25]

The xc isn’t near as nice as the venom.

[@DaveandDebe]

@standjos25 the XC shoots every bit as flat, if not flatter and costs $3000 less. Venum is not worth the money. My friend has one and it's more looks than cooks.

[@standjos25]

It may shoot as flat but it’s not nearly as nice of fit and finish. Its diminishing returns with 2011’s once you pass mid tear your paying for the way its finished. I like the xc but its not in the same class.

[@DaveandDebe]

@standjos25 not true dude. You have 0 experience. Shoot an Atlas. Tell me it's diminished returns with an Atlas. The Venom itself is diminished returns because I have experience with the specific gun. Keep talking 😱

[@standjos25]

@@DaveandDebe I do have experience and I would say the venom is better fit and finish than most atlas, It basically is an atlas being finished at another shop. 🙄

[@standjos25]

You should look at miller percision 2011 grip modules. They have a ambidextrous mag release.

[@js2009-g9f]

For Venom… first of all the price is 7900… and also it’s more expensive than most of the Infinity offering as it does not come with an optic. Infinity’s price include an SRO for example. Not to say it’s a bad gun just factors to consider

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

Tonight Jake hates on guns that are not all blacked out!! lol- it’s ok to have a little flavor on your shooter 😉. Rough pitch on the artist work on the F-1’s which I don’t think were ever supposed to be tactical. But the anodizing and full 7075 Aluminum and the cut work is actually impressive from just appreciating metal work and creative finishes. Art work guns more than tools we can say.

[@1911syndicate]

Dang it. I barfed again at the thought of it

[@MrZhaokuo1225]

what frustrates me is not the price, it’s the wait time for these some of high end 2011. I was told even for a Hayes cobra the lead time is a year. Insane. I m gonna stick with Atlas

[@H3y45]

Keep a lookout on 1911addicts. Always good things popping up on there. I will most likely be posting my new Hayes

[@whatsamcgee]

So they should be more expensive to drive down demand and free up supply?

[@iTz_FLAwL3zZ]

I’m pretty sure the lead time on Atlas guns if you order direct from them is well over a year as well.

[@WillHansen-xp4qn]

How does the ported Venom Customs compare to the Atlas Apollo you purchased a while ago?

[@jknewb6276]

I have to say, your a champ Jake....I'm a couple hundred miles North of you and the only way I'd be giddy about shooting in that weather is 3- 2011's and that's a stretch.... Come February I won't be able to drive down in the range much less bare the cold for even 30 minutes. I always say it will be my time to "stock up" but I end up buying another gun or something. I need better ammo buying discipline.... also who makes that steel with the side plates?

[@WestPat23]

Winter is Coming

[@johnnixon2504]

At 18:51 Who is Nate?

[@CobraP1989]

I'm big fan of you an all the 1911 you show an those 2011s are beautiful I hope you do review on the new Kimber 2k11s they are beautiful

[@NJ88210]

What optic are you running? I have a Holosun 507Comp on mine and it wont adjust down enough. Holosun told me it’s the gun.

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

As an older gentleman the spyder son my firearm is a bit of a no go, hoping I can talk Don into one without, Charyn is what I am really trying to get but his books are closed until late 2025 I think, going to replace my atlas apollo with venom, Hayes but hopefully Charyn. Thanks for the video

[@zeropoopsgiven231]

I can do one with no spiders. That’s not a problem.

[@TheLazyLabrador]

The bestest most handsome co-host.

[@CompetitionChris]

If anybody wants a great mid-tier $4,000 2011 get the MPA DS9 LOC. It truly is an amazing gun. Everything's hand fitted and hand lapped. It is literally buttery smooth. And you can get them less than $4K

[@WestPat23]

I concur, MPA is fantastic, staff are great, and David Lyell is head of production and a M/GM level shooter. Great gun, great price, great people!

[@MajorHavocGunTalk]

@@WestPat23 100% agree. My 5th MPA is on order. Just hate the 28 week wait !

[@jacrispy9603]

The Venom Custom puts me in a wierd place. Is it better than an Atlas..... sure. Is it worth more than a similarly featured Hayes?....probably not. Is it super cool ...... absolutely haha

[@PaulyP_13]

Jake I asked you about comps vs ports in a patreon Q&A over a year ago and you blew me off. Now you are capitalizing on that question to make content?!? I demand royalties….

[@1911syndicate]

I’m a peacock you gotta let me fly

[@PaulyP_13]

@ subtract the pea, then you hit the nail on the head

[@robdunham7398]

$4,500 and you didn’t expect much from it???

[@PnP-td1mt]

My watchtower Apache pew view (nice to see the give KZbinrs the guns before the customers. Many have been waiting for a while know for their Kovert pistols). was an absolute pos when I got it. I am now being accused of personally attacking the owner 🤦‍♂️ I think the Jacob would be great if it didn’t have mim internals. I am not the biggest fan of Kovert either. I see them disappearing with people’s money sooner than later..

[@austinmurphy6359]

You lose very little velocity with ports smh. Been shown so many times

[@skoolerb8779]

Still waiting for my EG-11 haha.

[@Jack8_2011s]

Venom custom or atlas apollo?? Pick one. If you can only have one.. thanks

[@1911syndicate]

Venom

[@Tcgunner]

"Nate eats ass" 😂 lol nice backdrop

[@petesheppard1709]

It reminds me of 'Trump' on the wall in earlier videos...I wondered if it was a sneaky endorsement.

[@1911syndicate]

I’m sure he does

[@delewis4578]

Hi Sir, can you try to get your hands on the Fusion XP Pro to do a review on it?

[@dustinmatthews387]

Meanwhile, im here impressed with my wish 201...sorry, double stack 1911 from temu- live free armory apollo11!😂

[@1911syndicate]

Lol

[@kvnjmz6188]

Please do a video on a Vulcan eleven 😅

[@FightingTyrants]

Jake how do I get in contact with you? I wanna send you my 1911 that I inherited from my step dad for you to review. Love to hear what youd have to say about it.

[@andrewrodabaugh7161]

What jacket is jake wearing?

[@1911syndicate]

Sitka Arrowhead

[@64ig6kg0]

I actually think the watchtower pew view is the best looking gun ever lol.

[@henrylui6239]

Venom custom🫶🏻

[@dreknows]

What about infinity?

[@1911syndicate]

Infinity is the Mecca

[@billpear1]

Hey Jake, how about a staccato P v jacob-grey video?

[@1911syndicate]

Ehhhh probably not. But who knows

[@chuckclark6162]

I’ve been a 2011 apostle since the Para days. Nice to see the quality/reliability curve start to make more sense.

[@MajorHavocGunTalk]

I still have 2 of my 4 Para's.. the Grandfather of Double Stacks

[@PnP-td1mt]

My recently purchased XC won’t take Atlas or MBX mags. The frame is different and tighter at the mag cutout. Many try to say nothing changed. That is absolutely false! Any XC with serial number starting with 13,xxx will be different.

[@1911syndicate]

That’s interesting and odd. I didn’t know that about the XC

[@bowlinrl]

I can also confirm this. None of my Atlas mags will fit my XC purchased in summer 2024. Atlas even has a message on their website now mentioning Staccato changed their grip geometry and mags will no longer fit.

[@MajorHavocGunTalk]

@@1911syndicatedefinitely new frame dimensions.. January at Shot show the reason will reveal itself!

[@darjokturr]

Have you tried Atlas guns?

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

So you must not have watched like two videos back… lol it covers 3 Atlas. Google it or KZbin it… is that synonymous??

[@1911syndicate]

Yes. Recently

[@darjokturr]

@@jeffreyzeiszler8845 thanks

[@sapienblue6242]

I know there is a lot of guns out there that look like T R P if you guys can and willing check out devil dogs arms out of Geneva, Illinois maybe.

[@iamrick3821]

Shiet, I must be really poor if an Apache is expensive and a 5k pistol is considered mid tier 😢

[@SUPERCEDx31]

Nah… It’s just the market. Cost a lot to build these guns with the metals used. But don’t feel “poor”, just stay strapped and protected with whatever you can afford.

[@1911syndicate]

Yea it’s just how this segment of the pistol market is priced

[@Maelstrom8]

Crispy... you gotta balance those audio levels in a confined space. Try a limiter if there isn't an audio guy on site. this was almost unwatchable any time he fired the weapon from all the sound distortion and peaking.

[@almostontimehero5415]

I got my eye on a 2011 Platypus in Silver and Metal blue. I just need my wallet to catch up to my eyes.

[@jeffreyzeiszler8845]

Does Jake drop more mags or F-bombs on tonight’s episode? Take a shot for each and you won’t be standing 😂

[@1911syndicate]

You’re gonna need your stomach pumped

[@brivas3343]

They do make gloves for shooting in inclement weather

[@hyper8545]

😮

[@SalvadorFrieri]

Get this man a Kleenex!!!!

[@jefferybrown1806]

These guns cost more than FEMA gave me for hurricane Helene flood damage to my house

[@whatsamcgee]

Are you sure you dont want to just post another HK video???

[@Chrisblau]

First

[@BrianKern2121]

Fuck....... 😂

[@Chrisblau]

@@BrianKern2121😂😂😂

[@alessandrobutomi6579]

Left hand it's the evil hand.😂😂😂

[@smokiemoose1]

More grip on the Jacob Grey, you must have weak hands….

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

Do they ever make a non-black 1911/2011... Boring has hell.

[@iTz_FLAwL3zZ]

You can get the Venom in Hard Chrome.

[@zeropoopsgiven231]

Venom also does a wicked cool blue PVD as well as rose gold and TiN PVD.

[@1776andCo]

32:23 - me: oh cool it returns to zero. Also me: who is Nate and why as people spreading his eating habits?

[@Gun_Dork]

Anyone else upset about the dog hair?

[@kamroncain2380]

Hey Jake, what jacket is this? Thanks in advance mas puto. 🙏🏼

[@1911syndicate]

Sitka Arrowhead

[@TheMakeReadyRanch]

It's 2024 gang, let's move past the grip safety. Pin 'em, tape 'em, or otherwise disable 'em.

[@ACGBLR]

If you grip it properly it isn’t an issue.

[@2A-J.MAY08]

The pewview one at least looks better than the demo one. The demolition one is awful looking.

[@1911syndicate]

Yes

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

I believe in dragons .

[@Morinehtur]

I think some of your spital turned into a snowflake. ❄️

[@jimbobborg22]

One of the guys I used to shoot USPSA with went to a regional match and had his ammunition cronographed. His Open gun had a compensator and he had ports in his barrel. His "guaranteed Major" 9mm ammunition failed to make speed due to the ports. Dude was pissed, but like I pointed out to him, the ports basically shorten his effective barrel length.

[@andrewstarcher4894]

$7500 for a pistol it better swallow, as well as clean and cook breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.

[@danielvito3162]

Jacob Grey is charging too much for what they are. Staccato P is cheaper and superior.

[@take1one]

NATE

[@lynch6642]

Now how about making something in a caliber that'll do some damage ?😂

[@bp8023]

I don’t get the point of a full/large compact sized 2011 that isn’t purpose built for competition. You’re not going to carry these and when the Emus invade again you’re going to want a combat pistol like a Sig 226.