I recently acquired my first DS9, but not the Open variety. I picked up the Flush Fit in NOV for my EDC. Close to 2000 rounds on it and it is amazing. The guys at MPA are quick to respond, have masterful hospitality, and are more helpful than I could have imagined. MPA is awesome.
I picked up one in May/24. Same experience with the guide rod and shock buff, so I replaced the aluminum shock buff with the Dawson rubber type with the same results after a couple hundred rounds, then installed a Dawson toolless guide rod with no shock buffer and the gun runs amazing. Little over 2000 rounds on that set up with no issues to report.
I’ve never had a good experience with shock buffs. I’ve seen reliable pistols become unreliable, even Wilson Combat pistols designed with the buff in mind.
@Murphy82nd i hear more negative reviews about them then positive, I'm just worried about high round count without it and what it's going to hurt later on. But it's not reliable in this pistol.
@@willy4869 Two different things here....shock buffs that happen to shred after some wear (which doesnt commonly happen inside of several thousand rounds with any rubber one Ive used) but in the case of 2011s, possible with short stroking the action
I had a similar issue, but I had just received my DS9 and only have about 130 rounds through it. I sent and email, sent a pic of the guide rod and a new one is on the way. In the meantime I cleaned and oiled the gun really well. I haven't had the issue since but I will change out the guide rod when it arrives. I can't say enough good things about the great customer service and the tightness of the groups, oh man it's nice!
This is not the type of gun I want to own, but I enjoyed your presentation and detailed information. It makes me think of the simile of driving a Ferrari and dealing with the problems inherent in a high end exotic. Sorry you had such a miserable experience during a match. MPA does make great firearms and problems like this should be rare.
My DS9 hybrid came with crazy play in the trigger shoe (up, down, left,right). I emailed them, they asked for a video. Sent them the video and they said it appeased to be in spec. Ended up stripping the bolt trying to change the front sight. Requested a replacement screw and they offered to RMA the pistol and change the sight for me. Figured I’d upgrade to the shielded safeties while they had it and added a not to see if they’ll tighten up the trigger. Beside the trigger play I LOVED the pistol. Still waiting for it to be sent back to me. The slide to frame fit made my Bul armory feel like a PDP in comparison. Thing was super well fitted. Thanks for the content man, and happy new year
I received mine first quarter of 2023. I had the exact same thing happen to me 2 weeks before nationals. The slide would just randomly bind mid match, end of the guide rod and aluminum shock buff was all distorted and damaged, also the reverse plug would get stuck in the slide when trying to disassemble the gun. A buddy gave me an infinity stubby guide rod eliminator that I ran at nationals with no issues. When I got home from nationals a few weeks later I installed a cheely guide rod, and noticed the compensator was coming loose, I didn't see witness marks on the comp suggesting it was binding on the guide rod. I removed the comp and reinstalled with better thread locker. Have shot about 2-3k rounds reliably since. Overall I am happy with the gun, sucks that it happened to several people. Im fortunate to be around a very high level open shooter with lots of knowledge, I was able to get the gun running without contacting MPA, or sending the gun back.
The wife and I both have DS9 Open guns. The wife got hers in Oct/22 and I got mine Nov/23. Her gun has north of 7,500 rounds and mine has maybe 3-4,000. Both have been dead-nuts reliable and great shooters. Doesn't hurt that these are bargains in an admittedly very expensive division. It does sound though like both of our guns may be built prior to the upgrade. Also, rule number one in USPSA is that if your gun is going to choke it will do it at a major, particularly if it is one that cost you a lot and you had to travel to. :-) Sorry though, that really had to suck.
David Lyell is a great guy. I can’t say enough good things about him and about the DS9 Hybrid I have. I’ve got serial number 1020 and they had some transition issues in the 1000 range also. He took it back and fixed the problem. Had the gun back in less than a week. Then when the LO series came out, he met me at a match and took it back to GA and upgraded it for me, I just paid the difference. Had it back within 10 days with a nice handwritten note, and ammo recommendations. Great company, great people, great guns!
Nice breakdown and explanation of your experience with the new blaster. Enjoyed the video and learning about the race gun- hope it continues to work for you in future matches 🙏
David, the exact same thing happened to me a few years ago with another renowned brand and I was fighting for the first place, I don’t know where to start, but these things happen even with the most refined firearms. For me, the most important issue now is the mental game-being able to trust the pistol again and not constantly expecting it to fail at any moment, whether for this reason or a different one. This will be the most difficult part.
My DS9 Open was delivered last quarter of 2023. I had stove pipe and other ejection issues. I had to switch to EGW HD extractor and an extended ejector. I see a mark on the comp suggesting some contact with the guide rod and the comp seems very slightly canted but no issue there so far. I have tried several guide rods and one of those might have made contact. I load to 1.160 OAL as 1.180 caused feeding issues with Precision Deltas. Since then I have had no issues with 13.5k rounds in 2024. It is hard to reach them by email in my experience but if you see them in person they are super friendly and helpful. Lyell just gave me an optics mount on the spot at a match one day since the original didn’t fit the Sig Romeo Max.
This was my hunch too. What extended ejector did you use? Did it require lots of fitting? Did you need to fit a new firing pin stop for that extractor swap?
Got one of the new ones on order so glad to hear those are good to go. This review actually makes me excited about the cs which to me is one of the most important things about an opening company.
That's a story that illustrates a philosophy I learned through some stuff when I was really young ... you can screw up great in the pursuit of perfect. I don't care what your interest is, guns, whatever, equipment can and will fail or not be what was expected and reliable and predictable is way better than state of the art. I play a lot of golf as well, if you're chasing the perfect driver, irons, wedges, putter, you'll never focus on the real problem, the swing. I am at a stage of golfing where I don't give a crap what clubs I have in the bag. I'm not there yet with guns, I'm still tweaking because I'm newer to the competitive type of shooting.
How is that gun? I've had my eye on it for awhile now. It certainly is one of the best _looking_ guns out there, is it high quality? Tight fitting? What rating would you give it?
@ He did a review of it with the updated features not so long ago. I haven’t shot other higher end 2011s so I don’t know how it is in comparison but I am thoroughly pleased with it; It feels great to me and shoots smooth. It was the most amount money I was willing to spend on a pistol and I have no regrets.
Bought July 2024. just over 3k rounds. gun ran okay out of the box. dawson tool lees guide rod and aftec extractor at about 2k and it runs amazing. no issues. any issue was ammo related.
David, both my DS 9 steel challenge pistols are very similar to your DS9 Open.. different comp and Aluminum vs Steel Grip.. my older one (Red/Black) has over 5000 rds no issues.. my newer one 2023 (Silver/Blue) locked up as well.. comp binding on guide rod.. must be same build generation as yours. No set set screw in comp.. MPA sent me pickup ticket and it's there now.. Totally confident it will be fixed.. my DS9 iHybrid pistols have been flawless as has my older comp'd steel challenge.. Sorry this happened.. Keep the faith !
I have two ds9 open guns and both have had the issue. One is the newer style with set screw on comp, and t hat did the binding issue inside of 500 rounds. They sent me a new guide rod for that one. The other one did the binding issue after about 6000 rounds, and that is the older style comp mounting without set screw
I picked up the ds9 open in may of 2024 second hand from jared fox that never shot the gun. So, basically brand new. I know jared and Caleb from MPA are buddies. do with that what you will. About 3k rounds in, I notice the same marks and mangling on the back end of the guide rod that you showed in the video. I took a diamond file to the burrs and knocked down the sided of the round part so the issue would not get worse. Now I am over 10k on the gun and have had no major issues. On occasion, I will get the tap into battery but that is definitely from me doing something like not cleaning my chamber, over tightening my extractor, high primer, or loading my ammo a little too long. I have had my comp come loose at about the 6-7k mark but I do shoot the gun a LOT. Took it off, cleaned the threads, and reattached it with 620 retaining compound. 3ish k later, it is starting to get a little wiggle again. This is a pretty common problem with thread on comps that get a lot of use. Over all, I love the gun and I am seriously thinking about getting a twin sister.
When my DS9Open runs, its the best. Flattest most accurate. Manufactured maybe 2 years ago. Had repeat problems with comp clocking out, and had to send back multiple times. MPA was highly responsive with fixing every time and the last time they installed with redesigned barrel and comp fittings. Will put the rebuilt pistol through paces this week/month. Problems, yes, Good customer service also yes.
Interesting story. Sorry to hear how it affected your competitions. After that first competition, I think I would’ve played it safe and competed with the bul armory pistol for the second competition. But hindsight is always 2020.
Never owned one, i run infinitys, and they took like a year in competition before they ran reliable, and i also only shoot 38Sc not very much into the 9 major! but review was a master piece as always! i had to do the pun, but what happened to all the dads in the audience eh ? :)
Honestly i couldn't care less about race guns, i watch and appreciate your vids because you are one of the few that reads and comments on comments. You've commented on several of my comments (all on correctly) and I appreciate the level of input you give, still a fan and keep doing what you do
Hyder comes up to Detroit to shoot as a couple of our matches every year, he's a good dude. Travis Tomasie comes up to teach a class every year or so as well.
I had the EXACT same issue with mine and I just received mine a couple weeks ago on December 13th 2024. Mine actually locked up like this the first time within 40 rounds and did so a total of 4 times in the first 300-400 rounds before I reached out to MPA. To MPA’s credit, their communication was great when I reached out and they had a replacement guide rod and bushing in my hand within a week. Haven’t had the issue since, but I haven’t had too many rounds in it since the guide rod replacement
Update this comment when you get more time on the gun? I have two of them, one older production without the set screw on the comp, and another produced in late 2024. Both have done it. In fact, the newest gun did it inside of 400 rounds. They just sent the newer guide rod but....I am apprehensive. I have multiple majors planned this year too. BTW, are you the one that posted on benos about it?
@ Yep, that’s was me on Enos posting about this. I absolutely will update as I get more rounds on the new parts. I am heading to shoot the Florida State Championship this weekend with it, so I guess we will see here pretty quick how effective the updates are. I just don’t get how there are new parts that should remedy the issue and they weren’t included in my gun when it left the factory 2 weeks before
That's so frustrating! I love my DS9 Hybrid. No issues at all. Great fit. Great trigger. My DS9 Commander has a bit of disconnector hitch when racking the slide, which my full sized Hybrid doesn't have. I've got a DS9 LOC V2 (sight block model) on order. We'll see what happens...🤞🏼
I recently purchased a never used STI DVC Steel “blackout” pistol for the original MSRP (no collector’s markup nonsense) through my local shop. Didn’t even intend on buying anything when I went into the shop that day, but I just couldn’t pass up that opportunity! It came with two standard length magazines and a frame mounted RTS2. The shop owner also sold me two original STI branded big stick magazines. Can’t wait to use it in competitions!
I did a czechmate build and it’s great, just be aware there are going to be some additional costs if you want to set it up to run longer length rounds and JHP. You will want mbx mags the oem mags have issues with nose dives, and can’t really handle rounds above 1.14. Ream the barrels and between that and the mbx mags you can run JHP out to 1.165 without any issue’s. Lastly, optional of course, I put two popples in the barrel and a Sebo titanium comp which really helped smoothing out the shots and making it not quite so nose heavy with the factory comp. Very good way to get into open for about $3500(can purchase new for $2500 shipped from family firearms)
Hey, id be interested in seeing a review of the yankee thunder straight shooter laser training system from you, it looks like a good budget dryfire enhancement system, but im not expert enough to know if its really a good system or not.
Feels like one of those trust things: do you really trust the gun is going to work reliably moving forward. To me, mentally I wouldn't feel comfortable about risking the time, effort, and cost of a match on it. Would love to see a video if you have a steel challenge version of this.
I hate that you had those problems, especially during matches. But, MPA does indeed have excellent customer service. It is one of the things they are known for.
Thanks for reviewing the gun bro! Sorry that happened to you at two of the biggest matches of the year. I swear there's a little uspsa devil out there that gives you all the gear issues in the world right before the biggest matches; I've definitely been an uncanny victim to that, across multiple platforms. I know one guy near me who's had the same issue you had. He purchased it maybe one year ago, but he got a new guide rod and the issue's been resolved. Hopefully you're good to go from here man. -Mike Hwang
I have the Steel Challenge version (factory 9mm) for 3 gun, picked it up in January 2024, after waiting 7 months for it and it has been flawless! Not sure where that puts it in the new/old generations. That is horrible timing for those issues to creep up though. I will admit that I HATE the 'make your own paperclip disassembly tool' when you are spending that much on a custom pistol, but with all the engineering that have put into it, I'm not going to just throw some "upgraded" rod it thinking it will be better. Worst part is loosing that little tiny paperclip tool when you need it!
Ever thought of doing a video on training with the family. My daughter is getting to the age where range trips are in the not too distant future. It would be great to have the benefit of your insight.
I own two DS9 opens and a BUL SASII. Your ballistics numbers in terms of the difference in power factor with same load in both guns is precisely the same as mine…..50-60 fps slower out of the DS9. However, I’m not getting an appreciable spread/deviation in my major loads. I’m using 7.1 grains of TrueBlue powder in the Bul and have to bump it up to 7.3 to make PF in the DS9 which is once again identical to your results. Just no extreme spread even with mixed brass. BTW TrueBlue is non existent in the market place anymore. And, the folks at MPA are top tier….especially Dave Lyell.
Why wouldn’t they reach out to the handful of customers that bought this gun with the old guide and just send them out a new one? I’m assuming it’s no more than a couple hundred people at absolute most who are buying an MPA open gun in a two orthree month timeframe.
I have one with just over 500 rnds and no issues yet. I do have the same issue with the guide rod end not fitting into the frame. I notice after the first time out. I sent MPA a picture and they said it was normal?? Would love your feed back. Btw I own other MPA’s and all have been fantastic and the customer service has also been great.
As w competitive shooter, this was so stressful to watch! 😅 I also own a DS9 Hybrid though and I know it's exceptional and MPA makes outstanding products. Sorry to see you had such bad luck with this example!
Thanks for the video. I'd say next! You spent all that time and money getting ready for and shooting major matches to have those issues, next. Leaving the shock buffer in during a major match was on you. My old CK Arms isn't fancy but it's extremely reliable and flat shooting. Never understood these SVI shooters with their $10K guns who can't afford a backup. Sounds like the Bul Armory is a good option.
Pay attention to brass sizing, specifically if you use range pick up for anything at all. They're barrels are excellent but much tighter than SAAMI spec. A Lee undersize die just barely sizes it down enough and your case gauges could be irrelevant. I had ammo pass in two of my gauges and one from an MPA employee that would not fire in their pistol.
Do not have their pistols but their precision rifles are rock solid and sorry you had issues. They are pretty good about fixing things. Just not quick.
Depends how many charlies you shoot. I would estimate about a 4-5% disadvantage based just on score - plus whatever penalty you get for time - I don't think the open gun really presents a massive advantage for speed but there is still some. .
I want to build my own open gun.. 5” before the comp.. can’t decide on major or minor.. That kind of guide rod bottom damage.. I would be concerned about the frame being beat also.
I personally think Open guns look silly, but I agree that it is cool to see just how good of a shooter you can develop from a given platform. The CZ 75 Czechmate Parrot interests me more than a 2011-style pistol, though.
I thought CZ discontinued the Czechmate. I have 2 of them... and both needed work to get running, but not they run great.. The big thing is mag tuning of the factory mags and ream the chamber; it's short. But MBX Large Frame CZ mags work great and work out of the box.. no tuning needed. I've recently gone to shooting 2011s and I swapped the grip on the frankenstein one I picked up used to a Cheely E2 which is more of a CZ grip angle that I'm used to. Having a lot of fun. CZ Custom at last year Shot Show showed off a Open gun they built on the A01 platform. I keep waiting to see if I can order one. I should go by there some time.
@@trmentry A staffer at CZ Customs told me last month they have a few out doing demo but no real timeline. Guess lots of R&D and engineering on the longer ported/comped barrels. Also he ball parked 8 to 10k price range if they do get to a point they want to release them. A CZ Team shooter, Edcel, mentioned CZ is working on a new Czechmate no release time frame discussed, but maybe after him and Grauffel run them at the World Shoot match we shall see.
The Czechmate is a great gun to dip your toes into open division. They are discontinued but there are some new old stock ones floating around, my LGS has one for sale now
I'm more than halfway through my wait for the DS9 Open. This makes me nervous. I guess it's good that they got it all resolved, but ugh. I wonder if I will get my money's worth.
Would you be willing to try a video of comp vs basically the same thing but with only a hole for the bore? ie a muzzle weight I know someone that insists comps do nothing, and it's just the weight. I want to see if they're right.
Masterpiece arms….. Speaking from first experience. A gun manufacturer that is all about them and not the customer who pays. The good thing is that there are plenty of other options that are significantly better in quality and cheaper.
Yup gun would be for sale after being repaired and id be back to my bul ur or spitfire in your case. Nothing like having major issues at 2 major matches. Gun/equipment issues at matches really screws your mental game up in a quick hurry!
Received my 2nd MPA DS9 last week after having bought the first one 2 years ago, but have never had one of their open guns, so can't relate to those issues.
So, the main issue I’m seeing is that there’s obviously not enough gold on the gun. More gold = more reliability. It’s also in 9 Major… ew. All jokes aside, I put around 14k through my good DS38 this last year, with the only malfunction being a brand new mag that was out of spec. The new DS38 has about 2500 on it & has also been flawless. I did have a lot of extraction issues out of my LOC though b
Sounds like when I was new to gun world I put together guns from a bunch of companies lol I won’t do that and with Glocks I stick with a few great companies that I’m familiar with a company that is putting a gun on market that can’t seem to get a guid rod in spec hey innovation comes with trial and error so cheers to that
thank you David!! It looks like its BUL for me. Customer service sucks!! been battling a grip issue for over 6 months. Granted its only a grip, which I love, but one bad out of three, and their "DONT GIVE A SHIT because its only a grip!
Just sold a NightHawk & was flush with cash. Looked at MPA but stories like these were ringin' in me head. For that kinda dinero it should fookin WORK. Sunk my hard-earned cash into an XC instead. C'mon MPA- More Cowbell!!!!
I was looking at masterpiece or vudoo and because of many qc issues I see in Reddit posts or reviews about masterpiece. I think I may be leaning towards voodoo.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Major 9...the gunsmith's eternal employment guarantee.
38SC... the eternal hell of scrounging around a range filled with 9 brass looking for your SC. Been there, done that, hated it! :-)
I recently acquired my first DS9, but not the Open variety. I picked up the Flush Fit in NOV for my EDC. Close to 2000 rounds on it and it is amazing.
The guys at MPA are quick to respond, have masterful hospitality, and are more helpful than I could have imagined. MPA is awesome.
I picked up one in May/24. Same experience with the guide rod and shock buff, so I replaced the aluminum shock buff with the Dawson rubber type with the same results after a couple hundred rounds, then installed a Dawson toolless guide rod with no shock buffer and the gun runs amazing. Little over 2000 rounds on that set up with no issues to report.
I’ve never had a good experience with shock buffs. I’ve seen reliable pistols become unreliable, even Wilson Combat pistols designed with the buff in mind.
@Murphy82nd i hear more negative reviews about them then positive, I'm just worried about high round count without it and what it's going to hurt later on. But it's not reliable in this pistol.
Yep. My TS2 orange shut down in about 400 rounds after the shock buff shredded at a match.
@@willy4869 Two different things here....shock buffs that happen to shred after some wear (which doesnt commonly happen inside of several thousand rounds with any rubber one Ive used) but in the case of 2011s, possible with short stroking the action
Do you think that the shock buff could have contributed to short stroking the action? I have two DS9 open guns and both have had ejection issues
I had a similar issue, but I had just received my DS9 and only have about 130 rounds through it. I sent and email, sent a pic of the guide rod and a new one is on the way. In the meantime I cleaned and oiled the gun really well. I haven't had the issue since but I will change out the guide rod when it arrives. I can't say enough good things about the great customer service and the tightness of the groups, oh man it's nice!
This is not the type of gun I want to own, but I enjoyed your presentation and detailed information. It makes me think of the simile of driving a Ferrari and dealing with the problems inherent in a high end exotic. Sorry you had such a miserable experience during a match. MPA does make great firearms and problems like this should be rare.
It’s truly addictive. Basically drag racing with a pistol. Squeezing the trigger is like clicking a mouse.
@@johnjones8774 I know myself well enough to not even shoot one.
@@johnjones8774that’s actually a super good analogy, never really thought of it that way. I always thought open guns were just funky expensive 2011’s
My DS9 hybrid came with crazy play in the trigger shoe (up, down, left,right). I emailed them, they asked for a video. Sent them the video and they said it appeased to be in spec. Ended up stripping the bolt trying to change the front sight. Requested a replacement screw and they offered to RMA the pistol and change the sight for me. Figured I’d upgrade to the shielded safeties while they had it and added a not to see if they’ll tighten up the trigger. Beside the trigger play I LOVED the pistol. Still waiting for it to be sent back to me. The slide to frame fit made my Bul armory feel like a PDP in comparison. Thing was super well fitted. Thanks for the content man, and happy new year
I received mine first quarter of 2023. I had the exact same thing happen to me 2 weeks before nationals. The slide would just randomly bind mid match, end of the guide rod and aluminum shock buff was all distorted and damaged, also the reverse plug would get stuck in the slide when trying to disassemble the gun. A buddy gave me an infinity stubby guide rod eliminator that I ran at nationals with no issues. When I got home from nationals a few weeks later I installed a cheely guide rod, and noticed the compensator was coming loose, I didn't see witness marks on the comp suggesting it was binding on the guide rod. I removed the comp and reinstalled with better thread locker. Have shot about 2-3k rounds reliably since. Overall I am happy with the gun, sucks that it happened to several people. Im fortunate to be around a very high level open shooter with lots of knowledge, I was able to get the gun running without contacting MPA, or sending the gun back.
The wife and I both have DS9 Open guns. The wife got hers in Oct/22 and I got mine Nov/23. Her gun has north of 7,500 rounds and mine has maybe 3-4,000. Both have been dead-nuts reliable and great shooters. Doesn't hurt that these are bargains in an admittedly very expensive division. It does sound though like both of our guns may be built prior to the upgrade. Also, rule number one in USPSA is that if your gun is going to choke it will do it at a major, particularly if it is one that cost you a lot and you had to travel to. :-) Sorry though, that really had to suck.
it is disturbing to see multiple reports of people in the comments having the same issue. Definitely puts this on my avoid list.
Lol did you not watch the entire video??
David Lyell is a great guy. I can’t say enough good things about him and about the DS9 Hybrid I have. I’ve got serial number 1020 and they had some transition issues in the 1000 range also. He took it back and fixed the problem. Had the gun back in less than a week. Then when the LO series came out, he met me at a match and took it back to GA and upgraded it for me, I just paid the difference.
Had it back within 10 days with a nice handwritten note, and ammo recommendations. Great company, great people, great guns!
Nice breakdown and explanation of your experience with the new blaster. Enjoyed the video and learning about the race gun- hope it continues to work for you in future matches 🙏
David, the exact same thing happened to me a few years ago with another renowned brand and I was fighting for the first place, I don’t know where to start, but these things happen even with the most refined firearms. For me, the most important issue now is the mental game-being able to trust the pistol again and not constantly expecting it to fail at any moment, whether for this reason or a different one. This will be the most difficult part.
My DS9 Open was delivered last quarter of 2023. I had stove pipe and other ejection issues. I had to switch to EGW HD extractor and an extended ejector. I see a mark on the comp suggesting some contact with the guide rod and the comp seems very slightly canted but no issue there so far. I have tried several guide rods and one of those might have made contact. I load to 1.160 OAL as 1.180 caused feeding issues with Precision Deltas. Since then I have had no issues with 13.5k rounds in 2024. It is hard to reach them by email in my experience but if you see them in person they are super friendly and helpful. Lyell just gave me an optics mount on the spot at a match one day since the original didn’t fit the Sig Romeo Max.
This was my hunch too. What extended ejector did you use? Did it require lots of fitting? Did you need to fit a new firing pin stop for that extractor swap?
@ Nighthawk and it needed a lot of fitting. Same firing pin stop. I heard EGW ejectors installs easier.
Got one of the new ones on order so glad to hear those are good to go. This review actually makes me excited about the cs which to me is one of the most important things about an opening company.
That's a story that illustrates a philosophy I learned through some stuff when I was really young ... you can screw up great in the pursuit of perfect. I don't care what your interest is, guns, whatever, equipment can and will fail or not be what was expected and reliable and predictable is way better than state of the art. I play a lot of golf as well, if you're chasing the perfect driver, irons, wedges, putter, you'll never focus on the real problem, the swing. I am at a stage of golfing where I don't give a crap what clubs I have in the bag. I'm not there yet with guns, I'm still tweaking because I'm newer to the competitive type of shooting.
Thanks for the content brutal experiences! Seems like MPA is on it and stands behind them at least.
“Makes shooting telepathic” that’s what I feel with my Platypus sometimes
How is that gun? I've had my eye on it for awhile now. It certainly is one of the best _looking_ guns out there, is it high quality? Tight fitting? What rating would you give it?
@ He did a review of it with the updated features not so long ago. I haven’t shot other higher end 2011s so I don’t know how it is in comparison but I am thoroughly pleased with it; It feels great to me and shoots smooth. It was the most amount money I was willing to spend on a pistol and I have no regrets.
Bought July 2024. just over 3k rounds. gun ran okay out of the box. dawson tool lees guide rod and aftec extractor at about 2k and it runs amazing. no issues. any issue was ammo related.
David, both my DS 9 steel challenge pistols are very similar to your DS9 Open.. different comp and Aluminum vs Steel Grip.. my older one (Red/Black) has over 5000 rds no issues.. my newer one 2023 (Silver/Blue) locked up as well.. comp binding on guide rod.. must be same build generation as yours. No set set screw in comp.. MPA sent me pickup ticket and it's there now.. Totally confident it will be fixed.. my DS9 iHybrid pistols have been flawless as has my older comp'd steel challenge.. Sorry this happened.. Keep the faith !
I have two ds9 open guns and both have had the issue. One is the newer style with set screw on comp, and t hat did the binding issue inside of 500 rounds. They sent me a new guide rod for that one. The other one did the binding issue after about 6000 rounds, and that is the older style comp mounting without set screw
I picked up the ds9 open in may of 2024 second hand from jared fox that never shot the gun. So, basically brand new. I know jared and Caleb from MPA are buddies. do with that what you will. About 3k rounds in, I notice the same marks and mangling on the back end of the guide rod that you showed in the video. I took a diamond file to the burrs and knocked down the sided of the round part so the issue would not get worse. Now I am over 10k on the gun and have had no major issues. On occasion, I will get the tap into battery but that is definitely from me doing something like not cleaning my chamber, over tightening my extractor, high primer, or loading my ammo a little too long. I have had my comp come loose at about the 6-7k mark but I do shoot the gun a LOT. Took it off, cleaned the threads, and reattached it with 620 retaining compound. 3ish k later, it is starting to get a little wiggle again. This is a pretty common problem with thread on comps that get a lot of use. Over all, I love the gun and I am seriously thinking about getting a twin sister.
When my DS9Open runs, its the best. Flattest most accurate. Manufactured maybe 2 years ago. Had repeat problems with comp clocking out, and had to send back multiple times. MPA was highly responsive with fixing every time and the last time they installed with redesigned barrel and comp fittings. Will put the rebuilt pistol through paces this week/month. Problems, yes, Good customer service also yes.
Sorry to hear about the issues. During a match is terrible timing.
Interesting story. Sorry to hear how it affected your competitions. After that first competition, I think I would’ve played it safe and competed with the bul armory pistol for the second competition. But hindsight is always 2020.
The ammo was mailed at that point
That’s rough that a gun so expensive had so many issues. Once you get these ironed out hopefully you win some matches and it kinda makes up for it
Welcome to open! Akai shooter here
Never owned one, i run infinitys, and they took like a year in competition before they ran reliable, and i also only shoot 38Sc not very much into the 9 major! but review was a master piece as always! i had to do the pun, but what happened to all the dads in the audience eh ? :)
Open seems like going back to an abusive relationship.
I was waiting for this video let’s go
Honestly i couldn't care less about race guns, i watch and appreciate your vids because you are one of the few that reads and comments on comments. You've commented on several of my comments (all on correctly) and I appreciate the level of input you give, still a fan and keep doing what you do
Hyder comes up to Detroit to shoot as a couple of our matches every year, he's a good dude. Travis Tomasie comes up to teach a class every year or so as well.
What matches are you shooting, I've been thinking of getting into IDPA and IPSC
@@Kynyrd Steel Challenge and USPSA at our club. Just the monthly matches.
I had the EXACT same issue with mine and I just received mine a couple weeks ago on December 13th 2024. Mine actually locked up like this the first time within 40 rounds and did so a total of 4 times in the first 300-400 rounds before I reached out to MPA. To MPA’s credit, their communication was great when I reached out and they had a replacement guide rod and bushing in my hand within a week. Haven’t had the issue since, but I haven’t had too many rounds in it since the guide rod replacement
Update this comment when you get more time on the gun? I have two of them, one older production without the set screw on the comp, and another produced in late 2024. Both have done it. In fact, the newest gun did it inside of 400 rounds. They just sent the newer guide rod but....I am apprehensive. I have multiple majors planned this year too. BTW, are you the one that posted on benos about it?
@ Yep, that’s was me on Enos posting about this. I absolutely will update as I get more rounds on the new parts. I am heading to shoot the Florida State Championship this weekend with it, so I guess we will see here pretty quick how effective the updates are. I just don’t get how there are new parts that should remedy the issue and they weren’t included in my gun when it left the factory 2 weeks before
glad andrew was there -he is one of my best friends and i great guy.
That's so frustrating! I love my DS9 Hybrid. No issues at all. Great fit. Great trigger. My DS9 Commander has a bit of disconnector hitch when racking the slide, which my full sized Hybrid doesn't have. I've got a DS9 LOC V2 (sight block model) on order. We'll see what happens...🤞🏼
Hate that you experienced those issues. That reminds me exactly as to why I got rid of all of my open guns.
I recently purchased a never used STI DVC Steel “blackout” pistol for the original MSRP (no collector’s markup nonsense) through my local shop. Didn’t even intend on buying anything when I went into the shop that day, but I just couldn’t pass up that opportunity! It came with two standard length magazines and a frame mounted RTS2. The shop owner also sold me two original STI branded big stick magazines. Can’t wait to use it in competitions!
I bought DS 9 open, August 2024.
I experienced the same issues, at times failure to feed.
I’ve always wanted a race gun. I was a huge fan of the CZ Czechmate. I really liked the parrot version.
I did a czechmate build and it’s great, just be aware there are going to be some additional costs if you want to set it up to run longer length rounds and JHP. You will want mbx mags the oem mags have issues with nose dives, and can’t really handle rounds above 1.14. Ream the barrels and between that and the mbx mags you can run JHP out to 1.165 without any issue’s. Lastly, optional of course, I put two popples in the barrel and a Sebo titanium comp which really helped smoothing out the shots and making it not quite so nose heavy with the factory comp. Very good way to get into open for about $3500(can purchase new for $2500 shipped from family firearms)
Hey, id be interested in seeing a review of the yankee thunder straight shooter laser training system from you, it looks like a good budget dryfire enhancement system, but im not expert enough to know if its really a good system or not.
Feels like one of those trust things: do you really trust the gun is going to work reliably moving forward. To me, mentally I wouldn't feel comfortable about risking the time, effort, and cost of a match on it. Would love to see a video if you have a steel challenge version of this.
I hate that you had those problems, especially during matches. But, MPA does indeed have excellent customer service. It is one of the things they are known for.
Oof, what a saga.
Thanks for reviewing the gun bro! Sorry that happened to you at two of the biggest matches of the year. I swear there's a little uspsa devil out there that gives you all the gear issues in the world right before the biggest matches; I've definitely been an uncanny victim to that, across multiple platforms.
I know one guy near me who's had the same issue you had. He purchased it maybe one year ago, but he got a new guide rod and the issue's been resolved. Hopefully you're good to go from here man.
-Mike Hwang
Fingers crossed!
I have the Steel Challenge version (factory 9mm) for 3 gun, picked it up in January 2024, after waiting 7 months for it and it has been flawless! Not sure where that puts it in the new/old generations. That is horrible timing for those issues to creep up though. I will admit that I HATE the 'make your own paperclip disassembly tool' when you are spending that much on a custom pistol, but with all the engineering that have put into it, I'm not going to just throw some "upgraded" rod it thinking it will be better. Worst part is loosing that little tiny paperclip tool when you need it!
good to know…so shock buffer out and 8lbs recoil spring?and new toolless guiderod?
I shot a gun just like this at the end of steel challenge match. It was easily my fastest round that day.
Ever thought of doing a video on training with the family. My daughter is getting to the age where range trips are in the not too distant future. It would be great to have the benefit of your insight.
I ordered mines beginning of January 2025, hoping to get it by June, if run into any problems I’ll definitely comment again.
Why are USPSA Open guns built to not stay open on last shot?
9 moa , that's a big ass dot :)
I have the same exact issues... I reached out to them and they will send me an updated guiderod...
I own two DS9 opens and a BUL SASII. Your ballistics numbers in terms of the difference in power factor with same load in both guns is precisely the same as mine…..50-60 fps slower out of the DS9. However, I’m not getting an appreciable spread/deviation in my major loads. I’m using 7.1 grains of TrueBlue powder in the Bul and have to bump it up to 7.3 to make PF in the DS9 which is once again identical to your results. Just no extreme spread even with mixed brass. BTW TrueBlue is non existent in the market place anymore. And, the folks at MPA are top tier….especially Dave Lyell.
Why wouldn’t they reach out to the handful of customers that bought this gun with the old guide and just send them out a new one? I’m assuming it’s no more than a couple hundred people at absolute most who are buying an MPA open gun in a two orthree month timeframe.
I have one with just over 500 rnds and no issues yet. I do have the same issue with the guide rod end not fitting into the frame. I notice after the first time out. I sent MPA a picture and they said it was normal?? Would love your feed back. Btw I own other MPA’s and all have been fantastic and the customer service has also been great.
As w competitive shooter, this was so stressful to watch! 😅
I also own a DS9 Hybrid though and I know it's exceptional and MPA makes outstanding products. Sorry to see you had such bad luck with this example!
I'm not having extraction issues, but I'm going to change it mid match....
How about getting one built by Sailer's builder?
Thanks for the video. I'd say next! You spent all that time and money getting ready for and shooting major matches to have those issues, next. Leaving the shock buffer in during a major match was on you. My old CK Arms isn't fancy but it's extremely reliable and flat shooting. Never understood these SVI shooters with their $10K guns who can't afford a backup. Sounds like the Bul Armory is a good option.
Pay attention to brass sizing, specifically if you use range pick up for anything at all. They're barrels are excellent but much tighter than SAAMI spec. A Lee undersize die just barely sizes it down enough and your case gauges could be irrelevant. I had ammo pass in two of my gauges and one from an MPA employee that would not fire in their pistol.
Do not have their pistols but their precision rifles are rock solid and sorry you had issues. They are pretty good about fixing things. Just not quick.
Bum deal and no fun, but thanks for sharing. Good to know they took care of you.
HK VP9 was the gun i was so in love with but it just didnt work. im gonna do it again when the new one comes out
Ouch That’s RUFF ! Hope it’s all set for ya.
So how much of a disadvantage would it be to shoot a Staccato XC in open?
Depends how many charlies you shoot. I would estimate about a 4-5% disadvantage based just on score - plus whatever penalty you get for time - I don't think the open gun really presents a massive advantage for speed but there is still some. .
Can you tell me what holsters you’re using with the open 2011’s?
I want to build my own open gun..
5” before the comp..
can’t decide on major or minor..
That kind of guide rod bottom damage.. I would be concerned about the frame being beat also.
I prefer the DAA Flex
Popple Hole. Is that a technical term?
yes
No, it's just a port in the bbl, but I'm still waiting for someone to give the correct answer as to where that name came from.
On my over to woooo you David 😭
Every time you post MPA, I'm hoping it'd be one of those MAC-10 clones. My life would be complete if you did one, even if it's an April Fool's joke.
I personally think Open guns look silly, but I agree that it is cool to see just how good of a shooter you can develop from a given platform. The CZ 75 Czechmate Parrot interests me more than a 2011-style pistol, though.
I thought CZ discontinued the Czechmate. I have 2 of them... and both needed work to get running, but not they run great.. The big thing is mag tuning of the factory mags and ream the chamber; it's short. But MBX Large Frame CZ mags work great and work out of the box.. no tuning needed.
I've recently gone to shooting 2011s and I swapped the grip on the frankenstein one I picked up used to a Cheely E2 which is more of a CZ grip angle that I'm used to. Having a lot of fun. CZ Custom at last year Shot Show showed off a Open gun they built on the A01 platform. I keep waiting to see if I can order one. I should go by there some time.
@@trmentry A staffer at CZ Customs told me last month they have a few out doing demo but no real timeline. Guess lots of R&D and engineering on the longer ported/comped barrels. Also he ball parked 8 to 10k price range if they do get to a point they want to release them. A CZ Team shooter, Edcel, mentioned CZ is working on a new Czechmate no release time frame discussed, but maybe after him and Grauffel run them at the World Shoot match we shall see.
@@LVbibby Thank for the info.
The Czechmate is a great gun to dip your toes into open division. They are discontinued but there are some new old stock ones floating around, my LGS has one for sale now
So I am currently shopping for an open gun. In your honest opinion, would you buy this or buy the BUL?
Looks like the slot cut in the comp is different sizes.
Just out of curiosity, what's the current hotness in powder and bullet weight for 9 major? Can you comment on what you use?
bullets - RMR or PD 124s are probably most popular - AA7 seems to be the go to powder.
What year is your gun?
2024
But how do I appendix concealed carry that?
I'm more than halfway through my wait for the DS9 Open. This makes me nervous. I guess it's good that they got it all resolved, but ugh. I wonder if I will get my money's worth.
Would you be willing to try a video of comp vs basically the same thing but with only a hole for the bore? ie a muzzle weight
I know someone that insists comps do nothing, and it's just the weight. I want to see if they're right.
And these cost how much?!
Masterpiece arms….. Speaking from first experience. A gun manufacturer that is all about them and not the customer who pays. The good thing is that there are plenty of other options that are significantly better in quality and cheaper.
Yup gun would be for sale after being repaired and id be back to my bul ur or spitfire in your case. Nothing like having major issues at 2 major matches. Gun/equipment issues at matches really screws your mental game up in a quick hurry!
Aaron Cowan from Sage Dynamics had a masterpiece arms give him a ton of issues. He has a youtube video about it.
Great review. No MPA for me. I would be so DISSAPOINTED if that happens on a match. MPA should not release a gun in middle of "upgrades".
That’s not good, I’m glad they got you fixed up.
Is that RO at 1.48 Gun Jesus or just a look alike?
Received my 2nd MPA DS9 last week after having bought the first one 2 years ago, but have never had one of their open guns, so can't relate to those issues.
So, the main issue I’m seeing is that there’s obviously not enough gold on the gun. More gold = more reliability. It’s also in 9 Major… ew.
All jokes aside, I put around 14k through my good DS38 this last year, with the only malfunction being a brand new mag that was out of spec. The new DS38 has about 2500 on it & has also been flawless.
I did have a lot of extraction issues out of my LOC though b
Sounds like when I was new to gun world I put together guns from a bunch of companies lol I won’t do that and with Glocks I stick with a few great companies that I’m familiar with a company that is putting a gun on market that can’t seem to get a guid rod in spec hey innovation comes with trial and error so cheers to that
Miss the Dad jokes 😢
thank you David!! It looks like its BUL for me. Customer service sucks!! been battling a grip issue for over 6 months. Granted its only a grip, which I love, but one bad out of three, and their "DONT GIVE A SHIT because its only a grip!
You have kids, kids are for picking up and sorting brass.😂
Mines a 24, little over 3k and no issues
I would have a hard time trusting that pistol again.
I would bet you never go to another major without a spare and ammo loaded for that spare
Just sold a NightHawk & was flush with cash. Looked at MPA but stories like these were ringin' in me head. For that kinda dinero it should fookin WORK. Sunk my hard-earned cash into an XC instead. C'mon MPA- More Cowbell!!!!
I was looking at masterpiece or vudoo and because of many qc issues I see in Reddit posts or reviews about masterpiece. I think I may be leaning towards voodoo.
I have purchased 2 MPA DS9 Hybrids over @ 3 years and the short story is....I WILL NEVER, EVER, EVER, BUY ANOTHER MPA PRODUCT!!!!!
Ruh roh. You dun tarnished MPA in my mind. Maybe a blaze is better than a LOC v2
The minor guns don’t have issues has been my experience
I have to say that looks like a nice flat shooter. Sucks you had these problems.
No, but one can certainly vaporize a heart.
Just buy a Rafferty open gun 😊
Get a Metrillo Open Gun - end of story.
That's a massive gas pedal. I thought you made fun of people who had those?
Average open gun experience