The original Hex served as a significant entry for Jacob Grey Firearms into the premium handgun market, but with the announcement of Hex Pro, it is more of a deliberate curriculum vitae. It marks a transition from a promising newcomer to a manufacturer that understands the nuances of long-term performance. This new iteration is not a radical departure from the brand's aesthetic, but it is a disciplined progression that seeks to answer the technical questions raised by its predecessors.

Much of this development can be traced back to the Nox 9 program. Developing a new firearm often reveals manufacturing bottlenecks and ergonomic opportunities that only become apparent once a platform has been tested in the hands of the public. By applying these lessons to the Hex Pro, the engineering team has refined tolerances and streamlined assembly processes. It is a "sophomore effort" that benefits from the scars and successes of the first release.

The foundation of the Hex Pro is a fully CNC-machined billet 4140 pre-hardened steel frame. While aluminum frames are often chosen for their weight savings, steel provides a specific set of advantages regarding balance and long-term wear. The frame is finished in a Black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating—a treatment that acts like a tuxedo capable of surviving a sandstorm—which enhances the slide-to-frame fit and ensures the pistol remains functional through high round counts.

Moving to the grip module, Jacob Grey has utilized 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, hard-coat anodized for durability. While the material is familiar, the geometry has undergone a significant transformation. It now adopts the ergonomic contours of the Nox 9, a design choice based on feedback regarding hand-size versatility. It turns out that most shooters prefer a grip that acknowledges the actual shape of a human hand rather than requiring the hand to adapt to the metal.

The 4.6-inch slide and barrel assembly introduces what the company calls chunk porting. In an industry where some ports seem more concerned with looking aggressive on a display stand than managing physics, this design focuses on reducing muzzle rise while maintaining a clean profile. The porting is functional and restrained, allowing for more control during rapid strings of fire without compromising the reliability of the cycling action.

Inside the slide, the Armored Billet ignition components take center stage. The hammer, sear, disconnector, and safeties are all CNC-machined from tool steel rather than being cast or molded. These parts are finished with a PVD coating in a signature Carbon Grey. It is the kind of internal attention to detail that rarely gets the limelight at a gun counter but becomes quite apparent after several thousand trigger pulls.

The interface between the shooter and the machine is defined by a 2.5 lb Controlled Radius Trigger. It features an over-travel adjustment and enhanced engagement surfaces intended to provide a predictable, crisp break. At this weight, the trigger rewards a disciplined finger, offering a level of tactile feedback that is often lost in more mass-produced, polymer-framed alternatives.

For the modern shooter, the optic-ready slide is a standard requirement. The Hex Pro utilizes an RMR footprint plate positioned rearward of the ejection port. This placement is intended to keep the optic lens clear of gas and debris during operation. This is paired with a patented ejector design unique to the Jacob Grey platform, ensuring that spent brass follows a predictable exit path rather than taking a sudden interest in the shooter’s face.

As the Hex Pro makes its public debut at SHOT Show 2026, it serves as a marker for the brand’s current trajectory. The company has moved beyond the initial excitement of its launch, focusing now on the realities of scaling production and refining engineering. For those walking the aisles in Las Vegas, the handgun represents a calculated next chapter for a lineage that is quickly finding its own distinct voice in a crowded field.