Arguing with the internet about the waltz9

Published on April 28, 2026
Duration: 20:52

Ben Stoeger provides an in-depth review of the Walt's 9 prototype, discussing its performance, potential competition use, and comparisons to 2011-style pistols. He highlights its soft recoil impulse and user-friendly trigger, while also noting its weight and the need for proper maintenance. The video addresses availability, potential competition legalities, and its place in the high-end handgun market.

Quick Summary

The Walt's 9 requires consistent cleaning and lubrication to function reliably, especially with softer ammunition. Hotter rounds improve performance in dusty conditions. It's striker-fired, with a trigger that's different from a 2011 but manageable with practice. While offering soft recoil, its weight can hinder dynamic shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to the Walt's 9 Prototype
  2. 00:34Availability and Future Plans
  3. 00:51Reliability in Dusty Conditions
  4. 01:49Comparison to 2011 Triggers and Design
  5. 02:04Striker-Fired vs. Hammer-Fired Triggers
  6. 02:16Trigger Feel and Learning Curve
  7. 02:44Handling and Weight Considerations
  8. 03:01Carry Optics Division Eligibility
  9. 03:20Recoil Impulse and Ease of Use
  10. 03:31Downsides: Holster Work and Transitions
  11. 03:38Comparison to Shadow 2 and Glock
  12. 04:22Overall Assessment: Interesting but Not for Everyone
  13. 04:44Comparison to Atlas and MPA
  14. 04:59Sight Block vs. Compensator Options
  15. 05:36Carry Optics Qualification and Striker-Fired Nature
  16. 05:50Price Point and Competition with 2011s
  17. 06:04Head-to-Head Comparison with 2011s
  18. 06:23Bringing the Gun to Ohio
  19. 06:32Price Tag Comparison: Walt's 9 vs. Atlas vs. MPA
  20. 06:47Choosing Walt's 9 over Atlas/MPA
  21. 07:07First High-Dollar Race Gun Choice: Atlas vs. Walt's 9
  22. 07:34Recommendation Against Buying as a First Race Gun
  23. 07:57Slide Cuts and Weight Reduction
  24. 08:23Comparison to Nighthawk BDS 9
  25. 09:02Joel's Atlas for Head-to-Head
  26. 09:09Performance vs. Price for Non-Professional Shooters
  27. 09:19Guns that Punch Above Their Weight
  28. 09:39Impact of Shooter Skill on Perception
  29. 09:55Resemblance to Specific 2011 Models
  30. 10:04Comparison to Atlas Titan
  31. 10:23Glock Magazine Compatibility
  32. 10:34Build Quality vs. Staccato and Atlas
  33. 10:48Meaning of 'Trigger Sick'
  34. 10:56Preference vs. 2011 with Round Count
  35. 11:13Preference for Lighter Guns
  36. 11:15Impact of Bearing System on Recoil
  37. 11:34Roller System Functionality
  38. 12:07Soft 2011s and SIG P320 XFive Legion
  39. 12:21Comparison to PDP Steel Frame
  40. 12:51Reload Ammunition Compatibility
  41. 13:19Functionality with Tight Tolerances
  42. 13:27Staccato vs. Walt's 9 in Harsh Conditions
  43. 13:36Manual Safety Preference
  44. 13:52Uncommanded Discharge Risk
  45. 13:57Location in New Mexico
  46. 14:03Kimber DS Warrior 1911 Opinion
  47. 14:15Critique of Kimber DS Warrior Features
  48. 14:41Noticing Differences Between Walt's 9 and 2011s
  49. 14:50Design Differences: Manual Safety
  50. 15:00Grip Feel Comparison: Shadow 2
  51. 15:15Fittability Due to Single Trigger Mode
  52. 15:17Commentary on 'Shilling'
  53. 15:37Maintenance Schedule Comparison
  54. 16:32Comparison to Laugo Alien
  55. 16:41Commander Length Slide Impact
  56. 16:52Response to 'Shill' Comments
  57. 17:21MP 2.0 HD Price Comparison
  58. 17:27Target Audience: High-Dollar Precision Machine Enthusiasts
  59. 17:39Walt's 9 as an Expensive Toy
  60. 17:53Price vs. Reliability: Walt's 9 vs. Glock 34
  61. 18:08Ben's 'Worst Shill' Self-Assessment
  62. 18:18Recommendation for Glock over Walt's 9 for Budget-Conscious Buyers
  63. 18:30Walt's 9 vs. 2011/1911 Market Dominance
  64. 18:50Striker-Fired Advantage for Competition
  65. 19:02Overpriced and Reliability Concerns
  66. 19:11Quality and Shootability vs. CZ Shadow 2
  67. 19:40Conclusion: Interesting Gun, Continuing Shooting
  68. 19:50Addressing Hype and Strong Opinions
  69. 20:11Comparison to Other High-Dollar Guns
  70. 20:23Design vs. Build Quality
  71. 20:33Suggestion to Increase Price

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Walt's 9 perform in dusty conditions?

The Walt's 9 requires consistent cleaning and lubrication to function reliably. While it may not run well when dirty, shooting hotter ammunition can help it function even with dust present, as the increased slide velocity compensates for the grit.

Is the Walt's 9 suitable for competition shooting like Carry Optics?

Yes, the Walt's 9 is striker-fired and is intended for competition. To be legal for Carry Optics division in USPSA, it will likely require building 500 units and getting official approval, or simply removing the magwell.

How does the Walt's 9's trigger compare to a 2011?

The Walt's 9 is striker-fired, not hammer-fired, and its trigger does not feel like a traditional 2011 trigger. While not considered bad, it's described as different, with a light and shootable feel that can be managed with practice.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Walt's 9?

The Walt's 9 offers a very soft recoil impulse and an easy-to-use trigger, making it pleasant for static shooting. However, its significant weight can be a disadvantage during dynamic shooting, such as holster work and target transitions.

Should I buy the Walt's 9 as my first high-dollar race gun?

It is generally not recommended to buy the Walt's 9 as a first high-dollar race gun. Established options like Atlas Titan or Athena are known quantities with proven track records, making them a safer choice for a first investment.

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