In the latest episode of The Gun Collective News, host John Patton highlighted a surge of new firearms announcements, kicking off with Zerat Arms’ ambitious Waltz 9 pistol. Traditionally known for bolt-action rifles, Zerat has entered the handgun market with this premium 9mm striker-fired design, blending elements of a 2011 platform with Glock compatibility. “It looks like a 2011 that’s been mated with a Glock sort of,” Patton noted, praising its clean aesthetics and innovative features. Evolving from a partnership with David Petta of DC Precision and the DC9, the Waltz 9 boasts a hefty 42 oz weight from its stainless steel slide and frame paired with an aluminum grip module, a patent-pending roller locking block system, and barrels crafted by Proof Research.
Waltz 9 Specifications and Features
- Caliber: 9mm with 5-inch barrel
- Magazine: Glock-pattern
- Ignition: Striker-fired
- Weight: 42 oz
- Options: Multiple trigger profiles, mag wells, optics mounting, comp or weight on muzzle, toolless field strip, containerized trigger group
- MSRP: $4,900
Patton expressed optimism despite the high price, stating, “I hope for their sake that this thing is as good as it looks because hot damn, it looks good.” He contrasted it with past metal-framed striker guns, calling it “not a metal Glock clone, but rather a 2011 that has been turned into a striker fired gun and has been made to take Glock mags.”
Other Notable Releases
The episode blasted through over a dozen additional products in rapid-fire fashion, reflecting the seasonal rush of announcements. Highlights included Franklin Armory’s Prevail bolt-action rifles with TRC (Total Round Control) feeding system and carbon ceramic or stainless fluted barrels; Barrett’s compact MRAD Covert in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor promising sub-0.85 MOA groups; Dark Storm Industries’ DS-25 MFR, an AR-15-sized 6.5 Creedmoor rifle claiming superior performance to 20-inch .308s; and Mossberg’s new 590R and RM shotguns with folding stocks. Budget-friendly options like Dura Arms’ TM22 Flash .22LR semi-auto for $250 rounded out the mix, alongside suppressors, optics, and ammo news. Patton questioned the “trickle down gun economy,” asking viewers if high-end innovations like the Waltz 9 will lead to better pistols for all.
Industry updates noted a decline in December NICS checks to 2.3 million (down 460,000 from prior year), with 2025 totaling 26.1 million—the lowest since 2018—signaling a cooling market trend.
