Derya DY9Z – A Budget-Friendly Micro-Compact with Big Potential

Every once in a while a firearm lands on the bench that genuinely surprises you—not because of hype, but because of value. The Derya DY9Z is one of those pistols. Derya was kind enough to send this over for review, and after spending time handling it, dry firing it, and prepping for range testing, I can already tell this is going to be a strong contender in the budget-friendly EDC space.

First Impressions

The DY9Z sits in that sweet spot between ultra-compact concealability and practical shootability. Right out of the box, the ergonomics feel familiar—especially if you’ve spent time with Glock-pattern pistols. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it refines what already works and packages it at a very approachable price point.

Core Specs & Features

While final range impressions will be covered in my full video review, here’s a quick look at what stands out on paper and in hand:

• Caliber: 9mm

• Frame: Polymer

• Capacity: Micro-compact class (G26 / G43X size influence)

• Optic-Ready Slide: Yes

• Accessory Rail: Compact rail for lights/lasers

• Striker-Fired Platform

• Glock-Pattern Compatibility: Supports many Glock internal parts and accessories

The optic-ready slide is a huge win here. In today’s market, red dots are becoming the norm—not the exception. Having that capability out of the box, especially at this price tier, adds serious value and future-proofs the pistol for newer shooters entering the red-dot world.

Optic Setup – Gideon Judge XL

To really lean into the optic-ready capability, I outfitted my DY9Z with the Gideon Optics Judge XL, which fits the RMSc footprint perfectly. The pairing feels natural on this platform and keeps the overall profile slim while still giving a generous window for fast target acquisition.

If you’re looking at a similar setup, you can use code JAYWETH with Gideon Optics. It’s a clean, functional combo that matches the DY9Z’s value-meets-performance theme.

Glock DNA – Familiar but Distinct

One of the most interesting aspects of the DY9Z is how it feels like a blend between a Glock 26 and a Glock 43X.

• From the G26, you get that thicker, confident grip feel and controllability.

• From the G43X, you get slimmer concealability and modern carry proportions.

On top of that, the ability to support Glock-pattern parts is a practical bonus. For shooters who already have spare triggers, sights, or internal components—or simply like the idea of easy aftermarket support—this is a strong advantage. It lowers the barrier to customization and long-term maintenance.

Price Point & Value Proposition

This is where the DY9Z really starts to shine. It’s positioned as a budget-friendly pistol, but it doesn’t feel cheap. There’s a difference between affordable and cut corners, and Derya seems to have focused on the former.

You’re getting:

• Optic-cut slide

• Accessory rail

• Familiar Glock-style ecosystem

• Solid ergonomics

• Modern aesthetics

For new gun owners, this can be an excellent entry point. For experienced shooters, it’s a viable secondary carry option or range project gun that doesn’t demand a premium price tag.

Pros, Cons & Honest Expectations

No firearm is perfect, and the DY9Z is no exception. There are definitely pros and cons, and I’ll be highlighting those in detail in my full video review. Spoiler alert: one thing I immediately noticed is that I wish the grip texture was more aggressive—it’s a little slick in the hands compared to some competitors. That’s not a deal breaker, but it’s something worth noting for shooters who prioritize grip traction, especially in hotter climates or longer range sessions.

Range Testing Coming Soon

I’ll be putting the DY9Z through its paces on the range very soon, and a full video review will be dropping on my YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/jayweth2.0

That video will cover recoil impulse, accuracy, reliability, optic mounting, and how it performs across different ammo types.

Speaking of ammo—huge shoutout to Brownells for helping support my reviews. I picked up ammo through them using code BOP10, which definitely helps keep these evaluations rolling. And hey… if an ammo sponsor ever wants to jump in and make life easier for testing… I wouldn’t complain. 😉

Final Thoughts (For Now)

The Derya DY9Z looks to be a promising option in the micro-compact space—especially for shooters who want modern features without stretching the wallet. It carries familiar Glock influences, offers real upgrade potential, and arrives optic-ready out of the box. That combination is hard to ignore.

A sincere thank you to Derya for the opportunity to review this pistol and share it with my audience. I’m looking forward to putting more rounds through it and giving everyone a full breakdown soon.

Stay tuned, stay safe, and keep training.