An Affordable Micro-Compact: The Derya Arms DY9Z

by
posted on December 24, 2025
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Derya DY9Z 01
Image courtesy of Derya USA.

As practical, concealable handguns get smaller and smaller, we’ve had to start adding modifiers, like “sub” and “micro,” to describe “compact” pistols. The new Derya Arms DY9Z not only fits into the “micro” class, it adds another adjective: affordable.

 

Right side of the Derya Arms DY9Z pistol.
The Derya DY9Z is a micro-compact version of the company’s compact DY9.

 

The term “micro-compact” loosely denotes a small handgun chambered in 9 mm Luger that still holds 10+ rounds in the magazine. The DY9Z fits the bill. It is a semi-automatic, polymer frame, striker-fired handgun based on the company’s compact-sized DY9. The pistol uses metal-bodied magazines that hold 15 rounds (10-round magazines are available) that are compatible with the Glock 43X and 48 series, as well as the PSA Dagger Micro. Magazines have an MSRP of $29.

Left side of the Derya Arms DY9Z micro-compact pistol.
The DY9Z is a micro-compact pistol that comes with many enhanced features at an affordable price.

Other features of the DY9Z include a slide that is optics cut with an RMSc footprint, Glock Slimline-compatible sights, interchangeable backstraps (three are included), an accessory rail on the frame’s dustcover and a reversible magazine release. The slide has a black nitride finish and the frame is available in ten different colors — black, purple, blue, pink, black cherry, Barrett brown, midnight bronze, gray, flat dark earth (FDE), and olive drab green (ODG). With a 3.5-inch barrel, the pistol is 1.1 inches wide, has an overall length of 6.5 inches, a height of 5 inches, and weighs 20 ozs.

Optic mounted at the rear of the Derya Arms DY9Z handgun slide.
The DY9Z is optics-ready and comes from the factory with the slide cut with a RMSc footprint.
Three interchangeable backstraps positioned next to the Derya Arms DY9Z pistol's frame.
The DY9Z has interchangeable backstraps and three sizes are supplied with each pistol.

The DY9Z comes in a hard case with a cleaning kit and tools. And the most micro thing about the pistol? Its price. The pistol has an MSRP of $299. For more information, see the company’s website.

A Derya Arms DY9Z shown inside of a hard, plastic case, next to a magazine, cleaning supplies and other accessories.
Each DY9Z comes in a hard case with a cleaning kit.

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