Below are questions and answers we get regarding our DS Series Pistols:

Grip

Question: What is the thread pitch in our mag catch for a mag release button? –  4-40 Thread. This is a common thread pitch for many aftermarket mag release buttons.

Question: What is the difference between the #2 and #3 grip as far as aggressiveness?
The #2 (S2 or A2) is the most popular grip texture. Its aggressive, but not so sharp that you feel as though its too aggressive. The #3 (S3 or A3) is hyper aggressive. You just might draw blood after extended range sessions. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Question: Can we provide multi-color grips on our Stainless material ? – No. The multi-color options are anodized, which only works on aluminum. For our Stainless grips, the options are black or matte silver. For the aluminum grips, we can provide silver/black, red/black, blue/black and gold/black.

Question: Do we sell our grips as an aftermarket accessory? – At this time, we no longer sell our grip modules as an accessory. The manufacturing process on Stainless and Aluminum Grips is very long and difficult. We have multiple machines dedicated to this process and simply can’t keep up with both pistol needs and those that would be sold as an accessory. This may change in the future, but not for now.

Question: Do other companies magwells fit your grips? – There are so many aftermarket magwells on the market we could never test them all to see if they will work with our grips we do recommend sticking with MPA magwells.

Pistol Colors:

Question: If I want a color scheme that is not shown on the website, is it available? – Most likely. Here are the colors we offer that can be used in just about any combination. Just reach out to use to inquire:

• Frame and Slide (Black)
• Aluminum Grips (Black, Red/Black, Silver/Black, Blue/Black, Gold/Black)
• Stainless Grips (Black and Matte Silver). Control Parts (Black, Polished Silver, Gold, Blue)
• Trigger Shoe and Magwell (Red, Blue, Black, Silver, Gold)

Springs:

Question: What are the spring weights of our main springs for the various models:

• DS9 Hybrid 9mm – 17lb ISMI
• DS9 LOC/LOC V2 – 17lb ISMI Minus 3 coils
• DS Open (38SC and 9mm) – 17lb ISMI Minus 3 coils
• DS Open Steel Challenge – 17lb ISMI  Minus 3 coils
• DS40 – 17lb ISMI
• Commander – 17lb ISMI
• We DO NOT recommend using 15lb main springs

Question: What are the spring weights of our recoil springs for the various models:

• DS9 Hybrid 9mm – 8lb ISMI
• DS9 LOC/LOC V2 – 8lb ISMI
• DS Open (38SC and 9mm) – 7lb ISMI
• DS Open Steel Challenge – 6lb variable Wolff
• DS40 – 12lb ISMI
• Commander – 9lb variable (commander length) Wolff

Aftermarket Part Compatibility:

Question: Can I install a Dawson or Atlas Tool Less Guide Rod in my DS9 Hybrid? – Yes, The SKU: 026-055 and the Atlas 5in toolless guide rod  can be installed easily with no issues. We recommend using the MPA provided reverse plug with both of these.

Question: Can I install a Tungsten Guide Rod in my DS9 Hybrid? – Yes. SKU:10402 from EGW can be installed easily with no issues. We recommend using the MPA provided reverse plug with both of these.

Magazine Related Questions:

Question: If I live in a state with magazine capacity restrictions, can I still purchase a DS9 Hybrid? – If the only restriction in a state is the magazine capacity, then yes. We can provide dedicated MBX magazines in either 10 or 15 round capacities. These mags have bodies that are debossed in a location to limit the mag capacity. If you order off the website, in the notes section, please let us know the state you live in and mag capacity restrictions. The pistol will be shipped to your FFL with those mags.

Question: I realize the DS9 Hybrids come with 1 each of the 126mm and 141mm magazines. Can I chose to get both mags in the same size/capacity? – Yes. In the notes section at checkout, simply state that you want both mags in 126mm (or 141mm).

Question: Can I get my mags with in either a “Lock back” or “Non Lock Back” configuration? – Yes. We can provide the mags in either configuration. The standard mags on our Hybrids are “Lock Back”. The standard mags on any of our competition mags are “Non Lock Back.” If you want something different than our standard, please let us know in the comments section at checkout.

Note: Mags from MPA are only available with silver tubes and black baseplates. Other color variations can be ordered directly from MBX.

Question: Are other 2011 magazines produced by other manufacturers than MBX compatible with our DS Series Pistols? – Most manufactures magazines should work with the exception of BUL Armory mags. All others are most likely compatible but may require tuning. (STI, Staccato, Atlas, SV, Checkmate, etc) Note: Some manufactures baseplates may not work with our magwell.

Optic Plate/Optic Mounting Questions:

Question: What optic mount do I need for my Holosun 507 COMP?–  The 507 Comp uses the Trijicon mounting plate and you will need to shorten the screws to .340″ for the Accuracy x optic plate. For the open mount there is no modification required.

Question: What optic mount do I need for my Vortex Defender XL/ST?– The new Vortex Defender XL and ST takes the Leupold DPP optic mount. Please use the screws labeled M4x0.7 that are 9.8mm’s long that come with the defender XL/ST for the Accuracy X optic plates. For the Open gun mounts please use the screws that come installed in the dot when it comes from the factory that attach it to the picatinny rail adapter. For the Vortex Defender ST enclosed you will need to use the M4x0.7 that are 11mm long. You will have to shorten these by a thread or two.

Question: What is the proper torque spec to mount the optic plate to the slide of my DS9 Hybrid?– To mount the plate to the slide of your DS9 Hybrid we recommend torquing the screws to 20in/lbs with clean screws and blue loctite.

Question: What is the proper torque spec to mount the optic to the optic plate on my DS9 Hybrid?- We recommend following the manufacturer of the dots recommended torque spec.

Question: What screws should I use to mount my optic to the optic plate on my DS9 Hybrid? – You should use the screws that came with your DS9 to mount the optic to the plate(Trijicon/Holosun and C-more/Sig Romeo). Some optic plates we offer do not come with screws if you receive one of these plates make sure the screws you use to mount the optic are the correct thread pitch and length(Vortex, Shield, Leupold DPP)

Question: I can’t get my screws out of my sights so I can replace them with the optic plate I purchased. What do I do?– All of the screws in the slide that hold the sights and optic plates on are installed with blue loctite. We recommend using a soldering iron to heat up the screws so the loctite will loosen its grip.

Question: How do I shorten my optic plate screws to work with the Holosun 507 comp dot?– Accuracy X has put together this great video on how to properly shorten screws.

General Questions:

Question: If I want to remove my front sight blade and install a blank, can I do so? – Yes, here is the link to the product page: https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/accuracy-x-front-sight-blank/

Question: How do I mount a Sig Romeo 3 Max or XL to my DS9? – Even though the Sig Romeo 3 dots are the same mounting pattern as the C-more dots they will not bolt up to the plate unless the slide is clearanced. If you would like for your slide to have this clearance cut done after you already purchased your DS9 please Email caleb@masterpiecearms.com and he will get the process started.

FFL Transfer Questions:

Question: When I checkout on the website, do I input the FFL’s address in the shipping address section? – No. Input your personal address. When you receive your order confirmation, there will be information on how to get us the information on the FFL you want to use for the transfer.

Question: Can I choose which FFL to use for the transfer? – Yes. When picking an FFL for the transfer, just call around to firearms dealers in your area. Verify they perform FFL transfers and find out the cost. Then pick which one you want to use.

Lead Times:

Question: How accurate are the lead times on our website? – The lead times are updated on a frequent basis and are as up to date as we can provide/predict. However, the lead times are estimates. Sometimes the actual time for the firearm or chassis to be completed is shorter or longer than the time on the site. We are building a precision related product, these are not production oriented processes. They are hand built and take time. Also, there are occasions when circumstances outside our control will delay the build time. We do our best to hit these times, but they are not guaranteed.

Ammunition Recommendations :

Question: What ammunition should I use in my DS9-Hybrid, DS9-Steel Challenge or DS9-LOC?– We recommend using brass cased ammunition from one of the major ammunition companies for example Federal, CCI, Remington, S&B, Magtech, Blazer, Fiocchi, Hornady, Aguila, and PMC. Grain weight is personal preference and your DS9 should function with any of the standard grain weights.(115, 124, 147)

Question: What ammunition should I use in my DS9- Comp Open?- These firearms are designed for 9mm Major and will not properly function with standard 9mm ammo. We recommend using the load listed below that the firearm was designed around.

124/125gn projectile
9.8gn Accurate No.7 powder
1.180″ oal
Small Pistol Magnum/Small Rifle Primer
Produces 171-172pf

Question: What ammunition should I use in my DS9 Comp Open?- We recommend using Trace Ammunition 9MM Major 124gr.

https://traceammo.com/product/9mm-major-124g-jhp-v2/

Question: What ammunition should I use in my DS38-SC Open?- We recommend using the ELEY Action .38 super comp Major 124gr.

action 38 super comp major 124gr

Ammunition/Recoil Spring Configurations For LOC-V2, DS9-TC, DS9-IDPA-V2:

All of these models ship with a standard ISMI 8LB Government length recoil spring. We recommend this spring weight to be used with factory loaded 115 grain, 124 grain, or 147 Grain ammunition. 

If you are using 124 grain or 147 grain ammunition loaded between 130PF-135PF we recommend changing the recoil spring to a 7LB ISMI Government length with a shockbuff (EGW, or Wilson Combat). 

Cleaning and Maintenance Questions:

Question: What cleaning products should I use on my DS9?- We recommend using Hoppes Black High-Performance gun cleaner on our products. It does a great job of removing build up without hurting our black nitride finish. For cleaning compensator ports and compensators, we recommend using a heavy duty plastic punch to remove extra built up of  carbon. Please refrain from submerging your slide and or compensated barrel in an ultrasonic cleaner as this can compromise the Loctite.

Question: How often should I change out my springs in my DS9?- We recommend changing the recoil spring (and buffer for DS9-Opens) every 3000-5000 rounds. Mainsprings should be changed every 10,000 rounds.

Question: How often should I clean my DS9?- We recommend field stripping, wiping out debris and relubricating the firearm every 500 rounds. We recommend a deep clean every 1500-2000 rounds. This includes removing the extractor and testing the tension of the extractor and cleaning it (video link on how to do this below). This is the time to deep clean the firearm and inspect all critical moving parts (sear, hammer, slide stop, firing pin, firing pin spring, guide rod and safeties).

Question: What lubricant should I use on my firearm?- We recommend using Gun Butter gun oil on our firearms.

Question: What cleaners should I not use on my firearm?-   Cleaning Product Warning: You should avoid solvent immersion and prolonged ultrasonic cleaning of your firearm. Never use cleaning products with Trichloroethylene, ammoniated solvents, rubbing alcohol or strong alkaline solvents. Discoloration and Damage to the coating/finish can occur if these cautions are ignored. Use of these type cleaners will void the warranty on the finish of the pistol.

Question: What are the torque specs for the grip bushing screws, and trigger guard screws? – The grip bushing screws are 25 IN LB, and the trigger guard screws are 5 IN LB. We recommend the use of Blue Loctite at these torque specs.

Holster Questions:

Question: What holster should I use for my DS9-OPEN or DS38-OPEN?- There are a lot of quality race holsters on the market here are a few that we recommend.

DAA Alpha X – (you will need the Phoenix Trinity block for this holster)

Black Scorpion Gear – Pro Heavy Duty Competition Speed Holster

Ghost – The One EVO

Question: What holster should I use for my DS9-LOC ,DS9-LOC V2 and DS9-Hybrid?- There are a lot of quality holsters on the market here are a few that we recommend:

GX Products- A great kydex holster if you would like to run the firearm without the Nitro Fin.

MPA Competition Holster (Big Dog Steel) – This holster is a great combination of a race holster with the stability of a kydex holster. Works with most slide stop thumb rests.

Sul-Tac- A great custom kydex holster if you would like to run the firearm without the Nitro Fin. Check out Mark’s FB page and contact him there:

https://www.facebook.com/SulTac

All of the race holsters listed above will work as well.