When I invested in a left-handed MPA 9 Major Open Gun nearly two years ago, I wanted to develop my 2011 springs and followers. What I didn’t expect was how exceptional the gun’s performance would be—flawlessly for the most part. On the rare occasions it hasn’t performed perfectly, it’s been due to self-inflicted mishaps, like neglecting to case gauge my ammo or failing to clean the gun after pulling it out of the safe for a match. I’ll admit that gun maintenance isn’t my strong suit, especially since I frequently switch platforms.
Even with my sporadic care routine, my MPA DS9 has taken everything I’ve thrown at it. I’ve put around 20,000 rounds through it, using everything from 115gr and 124gr rounds, RN heavy plate, PD versions 1 & 2, Everglades, and Montana Golds. Every brand has performed beautifully when I’ve made the effort to produce quality ammo.
The gun itself has undergone a few changes to suit my needs. I swapped between the stainless steel standard aggressive grip and the extra aggressive grip, primarily because of a muscle injury in my right hand. The added mechanical grip provides extra support when needed, and honestly, I prefer the extra grip texture—it suits my shooting style.
Performance and Features One of the standout features of the MPA DS9 is its flatness. MPA has clearly taken feedback from competitive shooters to enhance this aspect, and the results are tangible. Listening to those who actively use the guns in the sport has led to meaningful improvements that cater directly to the target audience.
Interestingly, when transitioning to a setup with four popples in the barrel and one through the compensator—plus three progressively larger vertical ports—I found that it didn’t require nearly as much powder as I initially thought to feed the popples effectively. This efficiency was an unexpected bonus, and it made the overall load development process smoother than anticipated.
This gun has also turned me into a firm believer in the power of ports, even beyond competition firearms. The enhanced recoil management and smoother shooting experience they provide have convinced me of their place in everyday carry (EDC) guns as well, like the Micro Dagger. The balance of efficiency and performance is hard to ignore.
Accessories and Optics Over the years, I’ve tried several optics on my Open Gun, and the one currently in use is a Romeo3Max from the SIG P320MAX. And just to clarify—my firearms are always kept unloaded when not in use.
Closing Thoughts The MPA DS9 Open Gun has proven itself to be an exceptional investment. Its performance, adaptability, and thoughtful design refinements make it a standout choice for competitive shooters. Whether you’re new to the world of 2011 Open Guns or an experienced competitor, the MPA DS9 offers reliability and innovation that won’t disappoint.
