The Journey of the DY9 Island

The Derya DY9 Island 9mm Pistol and Complete Upper represent more than a product launch—they mark a milestone in redefining precision, accessibility, and inclusivity in the firearms industry. By bringing a classic, competition-grade feature—the Island Barrel Design—within reach of every shooter, Derya Arms has transformed an elite, historically expensive add-on into an affordable, interchangeable solution. Here’s the story of how the DY9 Island came to be, told through the voices of those who brought it to life.

The DY9 Island began with a bold vision: to democratize the elite performance of the Island Barrel Design, a feature long prized in high-cost competition firearms. “We saw an opportunity to make a classic accessible,” says Abdullah Celer, President of Derya Arms. “The Island Barrel, with its ability to reduce muzzle rise by approximately 25% and recoil by about 12%, had untapped potential. We wanted to bring this game-changing technology to home defenders, range enthusiasts, and competitors alike, in a pistol and upper that can be easily interchanged.”

This vision drove Derya’s team to reimagine a time-tested design for modern shooters. The Island Barrel, which shifts mass to the barrel and uses four top-mounted gas ports, became the cornerstone of the DY9 Island’s identity, delivering flatter shooting and faster follow-up shots at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Crafting a classic design at an accessible price was no small feat. Harry Burleigh, VP of Manufacturing, explains: “Our challenge was to integrate the Island Barrel—historically an expensive competition feature—into a pistol and standalone upper without compromising precision or affordability. By using forged 4140 steel for the slide and heat-treated 4140 annealed extruded steel for the barrel, we achieved elite performance, with an estimated 25% reduction in muzzle rise and 12% reduction in recoil, making the DY9 Island intuitive for all shooters.”

The result is a lighter slide with an RMR cut for optic compatibility, a fixed front sight for steady aim, and enhanced recoil management. The premium polymer frame with changeable backstraps (Small, Medium, Large, XL) ensures a comfortable fit, while the Melonite (Nitride) finish, with optional Cerakote, enhances durability. The Complete Upper, compatible with frames for DY9 and frames for Glock 19 Gen 4, extends this classic innovation to those upgrading existing pistols, offering seamless interchangeability.

Market research shaped the DY9 Island’s design to meet diverse needs. “We listened to our community—men, women, beginners, and pros,” says Dustin Jones, Derya. “The DY9 Island’s ergonomic grip, significant recoil reduction, and removable magwell make it a standout, especially for women and those seeking comfort and control. It’s a firearm that adapts to the shooter, not the other way around.”

The DY9 Island, available in 10-round and 15-round configurations, and its standalone Complete Upper are now available through www.derya.us and Derya’s dealer network, with distributors Lipsey’s, RSR Group, and Sports South serving dealers nationwide. This launch makes a classic design accessible, empowering shooters with a pistol and interchangeable upper that deliver competition-grade performance.

“The DY9 Island proves that elite features can be inclusive,” says Abdullah Celer. “We’re proud to deliver a firearm that empowers every shooter to unleash their potential.”

Harry Burleigh adds, “This isn’t just about building a pistol—it’s about building trust. Every DY9 Island is crafted to perform when it matters most.”

Dustin Jones concludes, “The feedback from shooters has been incredible. The DY9 Island isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner in their journey to mastery.”

Join us in celebrating the DY9 Island era. Visit www.derya.us to experience a classic redefined.