When MasterPiece Arms (MPA) first announced the DS9 Limited Optics Comp V2 (LOC V2), it was clear the company had one goal in mind—to deliver a purpose-built, high-performance handgun that would dominate USPSA’s Limited Optics division. With its precision machining, superior fit and finish and feature set tailored to competition shooters, the LOC V2 stands as a testament to MPA’s commitment to excellence. Everyone at Parabellum Firearms and Indoor Range was checking out this beautiful black-on-black custom 2011 when I went to pick it up. Everyone was impressed with not only how the gun looked but how it felt with the aggressive texturing of the metal grip and how smooth the slide to frame felt when racking the slide.
The MasterPiece Arms DS9 LOC V2 is chambered in 9 mm Luger, the dominant caliber for competitive pistol shooting due to its low recoil and affordability. Limited Optics is scored minor only; one of the reasons the division has taken off in popularity is the lower cost of 9 mm, and the availability of off-the-shelf ammunition without the need to handload specific competition ammo. There are several companies like Eley that are making excellent match-ready 9 mm ammunition designed for competition shooters.
Threaded Bull Barrel
The heart of the DS9 LOC V2 is its 4.6-inch bull barrel crafted from 416R stainless steel. The barrel is vacuum heat-treated to enhance durability and maintain accuracy through extended firing sessions. Unlike a standard barrel, the bull barrel design provides additional weight at the muzzle, which helps mitigate muzzle rise.
A unique feature of this firearm is the integrated stainless-steel sight block. This sight block is machined as part of the barrel assembly, adding rigidity and eliminating the need for a traditional front sight post attached to the slide. This design keeps the muzzle flat during recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Shortened Slide
One of the standout design elements of the DS9 LOC V2 is its shortened 4¼-inch slide. By shortening the slide while maintaining a full-length barrel, MPA has optimized the reciprocating mass, which translates to smoother cycling and reduced recoil impulse. This design choice makes a noticeable difference during rapid fire sequences, as the gun stays level and tracks predictably.
Billet Steel Construction
Both the slide and frame are machined from billet steel, providing exceptional strength and precision. The full-length dust cover extends to the muzzle, increasing the overall weight of the firearm and further enhancing recoil control.
Stainless Steel Grip with Aggressive Texturing
The grip on the DS9 LOC V2 is a standout feature. Machined from stainless steel, it offers an aggressive texture that provides a secure hold even in high-pressure scenarios where sweat and dirt can compromise grip. The ergonomics of the grip have been meticulously designed to offer a natural point of aim and optimal hand placement.
The extremely large magwell comes installed on the frame. The magwell guides the magazine seamlessly into place, speeding up reloads and minimizing the chance of a fumbled magazine insertion.
Custom-Tuned Performance Trigger
A crisp, competition-grade trigger can make or break a performance. The DS9 LOC V2 comes equipped with a hand-tuned trigger that breaks cleanly with an approximate two-pound pull. This trigger is designed for precision and speed, the reset is short and sweet.
The minimal overtravel and rapid reset make it ideal for fast splits and consistent shot placement, especially during high-speed arrays commonly encountered in USPSA stages.
Ambidextrous & Shielded Safety
The ambidextrous thumb safety is another thoughtful feature. The shielded design prevents unintentional disengagement while still allowing for smooth and intuitive operation. This ensures that both right- and left-handed shooters can confidently manipulate the safety without compromising their grip.
Modular and Versatile Optics Mounting
A defining characteristic of USPSA Limited Optics division is the integration of red-dot optics. The DS9 LOC V2 features an optics plate system compatible with popular optics such as the Vortex Defender XL that was used for this review. The plate is machined to exacting tolerances, ensuring a secure fit that withstands the rigors of competition.
By allowing shooters to select their preferred optic, MPA has catered to a wide range of preferences. This versatility makes the DS9 LOC V2 adaptable to various sighting needs, from faster target acquisition to precision-focused engagements.
Competition-Ready Magwell
Speed reloads can make the difference between a winning run and a dropped stage. The DS9 LOC V2 features an oversized competition magazine well that guides the magazine smoothly into place, reducing the margin for error. The magazine well is machined from stainless steel and integrates seamlessly with the grip, maintaining a clean and cohesive look.
Magazines
The MPA DS9 LOC V2 comes with two MBX 141 mm 9 mm magazines. These competition-proven magazines are known for their reliability and capacity, holding up to 23 rounds while remaining USPSA-legal. The additional length makes it easier to grasp the magazine during reloads, further enhancing the shooter’s efficiency.
Additional Custom Options
For those who like to customize their setup, the DS9 LOC V2 frame is drilled and tapped for a thumb rest. Shooters can choose from a standard slide stop, thumb rest slide stop, or frame-mounted thumb rest, allowing for further refinement of their grip and recoil control.
At The Range
The MPA DS9 LOC V2’s performance is exactly what you would expect from a firearm that has been engineered with precision and attention to detail. The combination of the shortened slide and integrated sight block results in a gun that shoots flat and tracks predictably, making transitions between targets seamless. The hand-lapped frame-to-slide fit ensures a smooth, glass-like operation with minimal play.
During live-fire testing, the aggressive grip texture provided a firm hold, even after extended shooting sessions. The two-pound trigger pull was crisp and predictable, with a short reset that made double taps a breeze.
One of the standout moments during testing was executing rapid-fire drills with minimal muzzle movement. The recoil impulse was controlled and smooth, which made the red dot easy to track.
track. The introduction of Limited Optics division has given USPSA shooters an exciting new avenue for competition. The division allows for the popular 2011 platform with slide-mounted optics a place to compete. With minor scoring, there is no need for expensive specialized custom ammunition as in Open division. The DS9 LOC V2 has been purpose-built to dominate this division. MPA’s attention to detail—from the integrated sight block to the optics-ready slide and competition magazine well—demonstrates understanding of what USPSA shooters need.
This firearm isn’t just a modified semi-custom gun; it’s a complete system designed to provide a competitive edge. Every component, from the stainless-steel grip to the hand-tuned trigger, has been meticulously crafted to enhance performance.
The MasterPiece Arms DS9 Limited Optics Comp V2 sets a high bar for competition handguns. Its design is a master class in balancing precision, power and control. For shooters competing in the USPSA Limited Optics division, the DS9 LOC V2 offers a top-tier option that can take their performance to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to USPSA Limited Optics Division, the MasterPiece Arms DS9 LOC V2 deserves serious consideration. It’s more than just a pistol; it’s a statement of intent—to win. MSRP starts at $4,299. Go to masterpiecearms.com.
Article from the January/February 2025 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
