Did the internet over hype this? Military Armament Corp DS 9: a critical review

Roger Barrera of QVO Tactical provides an expert overview of the Zermätt Arms Waltz 9 at SHOT Show 2026. This 9mm striker-fired pistol features a 2011-style design, Glock 17 magazine compatibility, and interchangeable magwells. Key highlights include a unique straight-pull trigger, a versatile optic mounting system supporting multiple footprints, and customization options like integral compensators and adjustable iron sight placement. Manufactured from 416 billet steel with no MIM parts, it is slated for a Q3 2026 release with an MSRP of approximately $4,900.

The video provides an enthusiastic overview of the Kimber 2K11 series, specifically highlighting the Comp version. The speaker, identified with the channel '2WiLD Guns', expresses excitement about Kimber's strategy of releasing multiple variants, like the Pro and Comp, simultaneously. The visual evidence showcases key features such as the optic-ready slide with a Holosun red dot and the integrated compensator.

Tim Ferriss receives a new SIG Sauer P211-GTO, SIG's entry into the 2011-style pistol market, as a gift. He plans to use it as a replacement for his Smith & Wesson M&P 45. The P211-GTO is an optic-ready, semi-automatic pistol with an accessory rail, marking a significant new offering from SIG Sauer.

This comprehensive review of the Live Free Armory Apollo 11, an American-made sub-$1000 2011-style pistol, details a 1000-round reliability test. The firearm exhibits several issues, including a broken slide stop, inconsistent slide lock-backs, erratic ejection, and failures to feed. The review highlights the prevalence of Metal Injection Molded (MIM) parts, suggesting potential upgrades for improved reliability. Despite its affordable price point, the Apollo 11 appears to require significant tuning and potential part replacement to achieve optimal performance, placing it in a category similar to the Springfield Armory Prodigy in terms of needing post-purchase attention.

This review compares a $300 used Glock 19 against a $3,000 Jacob Grey TWC 9 for practical accuracy at 10 yards. Both pistols produced nearly identical group sizes, suggesting that for close-range, practical accuracy, the significant price difference may not translate to a performance advantage. The host emphasizes that budget-friendly options can perform comparably to high-end firearms in certain scenarios.

The BUL Armory SAS 2 TAC 4.25" is presented as a high-value, double-stack 1911 pistol, offering 2011-style performance at a more accessible price point. The review highlights its smooth operation, good trigger, and surprising concealability for a full-sized duty pistol. Despite a minor reliability issue attributed to break-in and magazine loading, the pistol demonstrates accuracy and capability at extended distances.

This video debunks the myth that an AR-15 round would 'blow off' an ear by conducting a practical experiment with pig ears. The results show that even high-velocity rounds like 5.56mm and .223 Remington, as well as heavier calibers like 45-70 and 8.6 Blackout, create small, clean holes through thin tissue, similar to a hole punch. The host explains this is because the tissue is too thin for the bullet to transfer enough energy for catastrophic cavitation, unlike in ballistics gel.

This short showcases high-performance 'Space Guns' from the Open Division at the Double Tap Championship. It highlights custom 2011-style pistols, specialized race holsters from brands like Safariland and Double Alpha Academy, and features a first-person view of a shooter using a frame-mounted red dot optic during a stage. The video emphasizes the advanced technology and customization involved in top-tier competition handguns.

Tim Herron, a USPSA Grand Master, explains efficient iron sight usage by contrasting traditional front sight focus with a target-oriented approach. He advocates using the rear sight for gross aiming and the front sight for fine-tuning, likening it to a backhoe vs. spade. Training with red dots can improve iron sight performance by fostering target focus.

This review compares the Staccato P, Springfield Armory Prodigy, and Bul Armory Tac 4.25, focusing on manufacturing, ergonomics, trigger, and shooting dynamics. The Bul Armory Tac 4.25 demonstrated superior reliability with tested ammunition and offered the crispest trigger. The Prodigy was the softest shooting but had a noticeable grip safety gap and feeding issues. The Staccato P offered a good balance but was also susceptible to feeding issues with certain ammo.