Why the Derya DY9 Island is a Game-Changer for Women Shooters

Shooting sports and self-defense are for everyone, but finding a firearm that fits your needs can make all the difference. The Derya DY9 Island 9mm Pistol, with its classic Island Barrel Design—once an expensive feature exclusive to competition firearms—empowers women shooters with unmatched comfort, control, and precision. Now available as an affordable pistol and an interchangeable Complete Upper, the DY9 Island transforms the shooting experience for women. Here’s why it stands out and how it was made to do so.

Why the DY9 Island Stands Out for Women

Ergonomic Design for Comfort

The DY9 Island features a polymer frame with changeable backstraps (Small, Medium, Large, XL), allowing a customized grip that fits smaller hand sizes, a common need for many women. Its slimmer profile and balanced 26 oz weight reduce fatigue, making it ideal for extended range sessions or high-pressure scenarios. The DY9 Island feels like an extension of your hand, enhancing confidence and control.

Reduced Recoil for Effortless Shooting

Recoil can be a barrier for some women, especially those with smaller frames. The DY9 Island’s Island Barrel Design, a classic feature now within reach, shifts mass to the barrel and uses four top-mounted gas ports to reduce muzzle rise by approximately 25% and recoil by about 12%. This means less felt recoil, faster follow-up shots, and a smoother experience, allowing women to focus on technique.

Customizable for Every Shooter

The DY9 Island offers versatility with its RMR-cut slide and compatibility with frames for DY9 and frames for Glock 19 Gen 4 (for the Complete Upper). Changeable backstraps ensure a personalized fit, while the removable magwell enhances versatility. This modularity lets women tailor the pistol to their preferences, ensuring comfort and accuracy.

Empowering Confidence and Skill Development

A firearm designed with women in mind fosters confidence. The DY9 Island’s intuitive handling, significant recoil reduction, and Truglo fiber optic sights (red front, green rear) make it easier for beginners to learn and for experienced shooters to refine their skills. Its fixed front sight keeps aim steady during rapid-fire, helping women build precision.

Safety and Control

The DY9 Island’s enhanced recoil management, firing pin block, and anti-drop trigger block deliver superior control and safety, crucial for self-defense or competition. Women can shoot with assurance, knowing the pistol is engineered for stability and reliability.

How the DY9 Island Was Made

The DY9 Island was born from a vision to make a classic, competition-grade design accessible to all. The Island Barrel, historically reserved for high-end firearms, was reimagined by Derya Arms to balance performance and affordability. Using forged 4140 steel for the slide and 4140 annealed extruded steel for the barrel, the team achieved an estimated 25% muzzle rise reduction and 12% recoil reduction. The premium polymer frame, dyed for consistent color, ensures durability and comfort. Advanced manufacturing techniques, overseen by Harry Burleigh, VP of Manufacturing, integrated this elite feature into a pistol and interchangeable upper without inflating costs. The Melonite (Nitride) finish, with optional Cerakote, enhances durability, delivering a firearm tailored for inclusivity, particularly for women seeking comfort and control.

Join the Movement

The DY9 Island isn’t just a firearm—it’s a step toward inclusivity in shooting sports and self-defense. Women shooters are finding a supportive community around this pistol, sharing tips, mentorship, and camaraderie. Whether you’re protecting your home, hitting the range, or competing, the DY9 Island empowers you to shoot with precision and confidence.

Ready to experience a classic redefined? Explore the DY9 Island 9mm Pistol and Complete Upper at www.derya.us or your local dealer.