Arguing about overpriced guns

Published on May 22, 2026
Duration: 27:16

This video provides a pre-review of the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9, a high-end striker-fired pistol, by firearms instructor Ben Stoeger. The discussion delves into viewer comments regarding the pistol's price, design, and performance, offering insights into its potential in competitive shooting and its unique features like the optic mounting system and trigger. Stoeger emphasizes the importance of extensive testing and personal experience over initial impressions, while also addressing common criticisms and comparisons to other firearms in its class.

Quick Summary

The Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 is a high-end, striker-fired pistol designed for competitive shooting, featuring a unique optic mounting system and a trigger that mimics single-action feel. While expensive, its premium build quality and innovative features appeal to enthusiasts. Reliability with lighter ammunition may require spring tuning, but a planned 'chop-down' version aims to increase accessibility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 Pre-Review
  2. 00:39Viewer Comments: 10,000 Rounds vs. 1,000 Rounds Reviews
  3. 00:55The Reality of Gun Reviews and First Impressions
  4. 01:11Price and 'Glock is Just as Good' Comments
  5. 01:54Desire to Open the Trigger Pack: A Tinkerer's Dilemma
  6. 02:35Variety in the Firearm Space and Price Sentiments
  7. 03:04The Ubiquity of Atlas Pistols and Market Segments
  8. 04:14Thumb Safety: A Love/Hate Relationship
  9. 04:52Competitive Shooting Advantage: No Thumb Safety
  10. 05:35Sneak Peek and Early Impressions of the Waltz 9
  11. 06:18Raffle Experience and Zermatt Booth at Belt Match
  12. 06:48Potential for Larger Manufacturers to Adopt Similar Triggers
  13. 07:25Aesthetics: Distinct vs. Plain
  14. 07:57Flat Shooting and Sweet Shooter Impressions
  15. 08:33Traveling with the Waltz 9 and Worth Checking Out
  16. 09:15Question: Different Sizes for Competition?
  17. 09:25Zermatt's Plans: Chop-Down Version and Heavier Trigger Pack
  18. 10:06First Impressions: Most Interesting Pistol Ever Shot
  19. 10:49The 'Toy' Aspect and Fun Factor
  20. 11:08Grip Panels, Roller, Precision: Key Features
  21. 11:30Roller System: An Unexpectedly Desired Feature
  22. 11:50Justifying the Purchase: Steel Frame PDPs as Holdover
  23. 12:09Price, Build Quality, and Premium Exclusivity
  24. 12:34Pre-Zeroed Sight Plate System for Backup Optics
  25. 12:50Optic Mounting System: Attaching Plates Behind Back Plate
  26. 13:10Battlestar Galactica Aesthetics and Affordability Concerns
  27. 13:35Iowa Meetup and Bringing the Waltz 9
  28. 13:48Novelty of Such Firearms and Joel's Waltz 9
  29. 13:58Heavier Trigger vs. Current Trigger Weight and Balance
  30. 14:15Closer Look at the Optic Mounting System
  31. 14:30Spring Weights and Reciprocation with Light Ammo
  32. 14:58Slide Weight, Spring Weight, and Physics Problems
  33. 15:15Lighter Recoil Spring and Functionality Issues
  34. 15:35Duty Ammo vs. Lighter Ammo Reliability
  35. 15:48Drill Supercut and Travel Schedule
  36. 16:07Grip Angle Comparison: Waltz 9 vs. 2011
  37. 16:27Trigger Comparison: Waltz 9 vs. Trigger Tech Ace
  38. 16:45Barrel Length and Comp Sight Block
  39. 17:09Forming Opinions Slowly: The Review Process
  40. 17:28Waltz 9 vs. 2011 Comparison Video ETA
  41. 17:49Training Up and Tuning Up for Fair Comparisons
  42. 18:03CO/LO Competition: Glock vs. Waltz 9 Potential
  43. 18:18Front and Top Heavy Concerns
  44. 18:47Limited Optics vs. Carry Optics Division Suitability
  45. 19:01Unique Engineering of the Striker Fire Trigger
  46. 19:15Glock 47 vs. Waltz 9: Price and Preference
  47. 19:27Culture Issue: Arguing Value vs. Cheaper Alternatives
  48. 19:45Valuing Access to the Gun Over Money
  49. 20:06Increasing Clearance vs. Loosening Tolerances
  50. 20:17Shooting as Good as Ben Looks: A Compliment
  51. 20:21ETA on Availability and Ordering Process
  52. 20:39Range Toy and Competition Toy: Expertise 500
  53. 20:54USPCA Carry Optics Legal: Heavy Pistol with Short Trigger Travel
  54. 21:12Limited Optics vs. Carry Optics: Similar Divisions
  55. 21:18Shadow 2 as CO King and Lack of Care
  56. 21:37USPSA Restrictions and Equipment Choices
  57. 21:55Reliability Concerns: Blazer Ammo and Dirt Tolerance
  58. 22:13Ammo Choice for Matches and Gun Maintenance
  59. 22:25Hard Pass for Basic Functionality Under Moderate Use
  60. 22:34Tuning the Gun to Shoot Specific Ammo
  61. 22:45Slide Weight, Spring Weight, and Physics
  62. 22:55Experience with Lighter Ammo and Spring Tuning
  63. 23:08Out-of-the-Box Experience and Hot Ammo vs. Duty Ammo
  64. 23:22Matching Spring to Ammo: A Hint for Reliability
  65. 23:32Condescending Dick vs. Trying Springs
  66. 23:50Physics Problem: Slide Weight vs. Spring Weight
  67. 24:03Lighter Spring, Still Didn't Like Function
  68. 24:10Running Lighter Stuff Better Now
  69. 24:18Nine Major Capability and Comparison to CZ Tac Sport 3 Orange
  70. 24:35CZ Build Quality vs. Zermatt Build Quality
  71. 24:45Hot Ammo vs. Power Factor (130 PF)
  72. 25:00Justifying a $5,000 Pistol Purchase
  73. 25:15Compelling Features: No Thumb Safety
  74. 25:27Positioning: Above Staccato, Below Atlas?
  75. 25:37Machining and Build Quality: Staccato vs. Waltz 9
  76. 25:50Pricing Structure and Sales Logic
  77. 26:13Small Company, Solid Engineering, Great Build Quality
  78. 26:24Magazines and Holster Compatibility
  79. 26:37Glock Magazines and Bespoke Holster
  80. 26:45Marketing Tool: Heavy Pistols and Championships
  81. 27:01Fitted Parts, Tight Tolerance, Special Lube Concerns
  82. 27:11Glock 17 Gen 6 vs. Waltz 9: Price and Value
  83. 27:23Shadow Systems DR920P/L vs. Waltz 9
  84. 27:35Not for You If You Care About the $5,000 Price Tag
  85. 27:53Unseating CZ as Carry Optics King?
  86. 28:04Grip Contour: CZ vs. Waltz 9
  87. 28:18Top Guys and Gun Choice: Does it Matter?
  88. 28:28Budget Model and Traction in Carry Optics
  89. 28:45Most Pistols Sold Are Not Shot in USPSA Matches
  90. 29:00$5,000 for a Pistol: Get the Fuck Out
  91. 29:08Shadow 2 Shooters Tired of DA/SA
  92. 29:15Not a Heavy Single Action Gun
  93. 29:24Including Both Barrels at $5,000 Price Point
  94. 29:35LMAO 5k for a Striker Fired Gun
  95. 29:45The Gun Feels Different to Shoot
  96. 29:58Striker Fired vs. Single Action Feel
  97. 30:08Conclusion: Helpful Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9?

The Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 is a high-end, striker-fired pistol designed with competitive shooting in mind. It features a unique optic mounting system, a trigger that feels similar to a single-action, and a premium build quality, positioning it as a niche product for enthusiasts.

How does the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 compare to other competition pistols?

The Waltz 9 is considered better machined and built than a Staccato and offers a distinct trigger feel compared to traditional 2011s. Its lack of a thumb safety is a key advantage for some competitive shooters. While expensive, its unique features and build quality aim to justify its price point in the market.

What are the main concerns regarding the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9's reliability?

A primary concern is its reliability with lighter ammunition, which may require careful tuning of recoil springs. Some users have noted that the gun needs to be clean and may not tolerate dirt as well as other firearms, and its performance with very light loads has been a point of discussion.

Are there plans for different versions of the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9?

Yes, Zermatt Arms is reportedly planning a 'chop-down' version of the Waltz 9. This variant is expected to be lighter and substantially cheaper, potentially making it more accessible to a wider range of shooters and competitors.

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