In the last installment of the 2011 Project, we talked about the Springfield Prodigy, arguably one of the most important entry-level 2011-style pistols to come to market. This article looks at one of the most popular Turkish imports, the MAC 9 DS Comp.
As a refresher, the 2011 handgun style has dominated the industry. It seems every manufacturer is producing one. And it’s a broadly inclusive market. This includes budget-friendly models made in Turkey, custom pieces from brands like Nighthawk, and intermediate options from VKTR and Watchtower Firearms. But STI, now known as Staccato, brought the 2011 to the mainstream.
To understand the history of the 2011, Staccato, and the rise of this pistol classification, check out “Party Like It’s 2011: Staccato and the 2011 Revolution,” which tells the origin story. That article lays the groundwork for what follows, and this is meant to give you honest opinions on this growing market.
Unlike other trends that come and go, this one has staying power. But unlike other trends, pistols in this class can cost thousands of dollars. The goal here is to give you an unbiased opinion on how these models stack up and help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
Thank you to SDS ARMS for providing a sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Previously in the 2011 Project:
- What is the 2011 Project?
- Party Like it’s 2011: Staccato and the 2011 Revolution
- The Springfield Prodigy 4.25” Comp: The 2011 Project
MAC 9 DS COMP — Key Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.25″ |
| Weight | 30 oz. |
| Optic Cut | AOS Plate System |
| Frame | Forged Steel |
| Price | $1,103.00 |
FEATURES
The MAC 9 DS Comp modernizes the proven 1911 platform with a performance-focused design while keeping costs on the more affordable end.
The pistol is chambered in 9mm and pairs a forged-steel frame and slide with a 4.25-inch target-crowned bull barrel that has an integrated single-port compensator to reduce muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots.
Fully machined internals, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, and oversized, extended controls further enhance handling while maintaining the typical feel of a 1911, albeit a double-stack version.
The pistol is optics-ready through the Agency AOS Plate System and includes an Agency Arms RMR optic plate, with iron sights that co-witness with most optics. Built around a 17+1 capacity, the MAC 9 DS Comp also features QPQ Tenifer finishes on the frame, slide, and barrel for added durability.
Fortunately, the MAC 9 DS is compatible with 70 Series Colt and STI 2011 components, giving the user options to upgrade (similar to the Prodigy). Two magazines, a case, a cleaning kit, and an owner’s manual round out a package designed for value.
SETUP
Like the Prodigy (and all other 2011s in this series), the setup is simple. I’m running a Vortex Defender-ST in tan—because that’s what I had on hand. Unfortunately, SDS doesn’t include additional plates with the package, nor does it list any on its website. Fortunately, it uses the same AOS system as the Prodigy, so I purchased an extra plate from Springfield.
I’ve also added a Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X to run with a holster. This proven light offers good value. The best part is that it is multi-fuel compatible and delivers about 1,500 lumens and 20,000 Candelas. Depending on where you are shopping, this light hovers around $220.
And as I am throughout this series, I’m otherwise running this pistol stock. That keeps things on an even playing field. For a holster, I’m using the Safariland 6354RDSO – ALS Holster w/ QLS19 Fork and a mid-ride QLS adapter. This is my go-to setup for any kind of “tactical” shooting or training. Since I’m not in law enforcement, I’ve removed the hood for easier access. This is mounted on the Safariland BASELINE MOLLE Belt, which I’ve grown to like quite a bit.
Now, let’s head to the range.
AT THE RANGE
A note on ammo. All “range ammo” is Blazer Brass 115-gr FMJ (5200). For accuracy testing, I used Hornady American Gunner 115-gr XTP. I picked up all the ammo for testing from Ammunition Depot.
Let’s get into the drills and accuracy testing.
Bill Drills
I like to run Bill Drills to get warmed up and get things moving. Just like an athlete before a game or match, you need to warm up and do a stretching routine to perform at your best.
I start at a low ready, and the target is about 7 yards away. The goal: six A-zone hits in 1.25 seconds or less. My average time over six attempts was 1.17 seconds. First shots were around .45, while follow-ups hovered in the .15 range.
Accuracy was okay. A lot of low hits early on. I’ve found that when shooting a shorter, comped gun, I tend to overdrive it. Meaning I’m putting more downward pressure with my support hand, which, coupled with comp, is pushing the pistol’s muzzle lower than normal. It’s something I need to work on.
10 & 25-yard accuracy testing with Hornady 115-gr American Gunner
For this portion, I’m shooting off a pistol rest that mounts to a tripod. This keeps things as stable as possible and really showcases the pistol’s capability.
At 10 yards, the MAC 9 DS accuracy was good — two little clusters about an inch apart. However, things fared worse at 25 yards. I had a nice three-round cluster. However, two shots were inexplicably thrown. I think there’s potential here, but some work needs to be done.
1-and-1 Drills
This is my favorite drill to run. I start the same way I do for Bill Drills, then 1 shot fired, slide lock, reload, 1 shot.
This is where the MAC 9 DS really shines—its oversized controls. I have small hands, which can make shooting 2011-style pistols interesting. While I’ll always have to break my grip during a reload, I didn’t have to roll the pistol as far as I normally would. I also use my support hand to hit the slide release before returning to position. The extended slide release gives me more area to engage it (or avoid missing), which is a benefit.
My average over six attempts was 3.32 seconds. As I became more comfortable with the reload, the time fell to 3 seconds or less. The first couple were rough.
The Humbler
This is a good finisher I picked up from James Williamson of HK. It’s a 10-second par time. Either start with the pistol holster or on a bench. 10 shots into the A-Zone, reload, 2 shots into the head A-Zone. My time was 9.89, and I pulled one shot in each section. So close. This drill gives you really good insight into what you need to work on.
If you’ve heard of “The Humbler” before, it’s likely the 70-round, 700-point aggregate drill popularized by Larry Vickers and associated with Delta Force training. This is not that drill — it’s a different, shorter exercise that happens to share the same nickname.
Sizing Up the MAC 9 DS Comp
Where the MAC 9 DS Comp Delivers
As already mentioned, I really like the controls of this one. The extended slide release and magazine release are huge benefits and features I wish more manufacturers would add.
Also, while I had to source the correct base, I really like the AOS optic system. I’ve shot a number of 1911s and 2011s with this style of mount, and it’s as rock-solid as it gets. I wish more would go this route. Oh, and the magwell worked well. It’s a great size. Not too obtrusive, but not so small that it’s ineffective.
Mixed Results Here
The overall fit and finish are what you’d expect from a pistol you can find for under a grand on the street. Nothing about it will wow you, but nothing is “bad” per se, either.
The pistol has swappable trigger shoes so you can change the length, which is great. But actually doing the swap isn’t as easy. You have to use a tiny Allen wrench with only about 50 degrees of movement to loosen a screw set in the trigger shoe. I wish SDS had an access hole through the trigger guard for easier access.
The trigger pull felt serviceable. Nothing exceptional. A little take-up and grit, but a relatively clean break and an audible reset. My feelings on the comp are the same as with the Prodigy. On a 4.25” gun, I feel the comp is driving too much. Maybe that’s just me, but I don’t see the hype yet.
Where It Falls Short
I am not a fan of the grip texture or the lack thereof. My example feels more slick than anything. You can tell that the grip module is where many manufacturers look to save on affordable 2011-style pistols. And I get it. But the texturing should be improved.
Zooming Out
Overall, I was pleased with the MAC 9 DS Comp. Its controls, especially if you have smaller hands, and its price point are huge benefits. Perhaps some more accuracy testing will yield better results—it’s hard to say.
Next up in the 2011 Project, we return to the United States to check out the Kimber DS Warrior, a pistol that’s received a lot of online hype, especially at its price point. Let’s see if the internet is correct (and yes, I’m fully aware you are reading this article on the internet).
