The Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 does have some GLOCK-like cues. Namely, the use of GLOCK magazines, striker-fired operation, and a Browning short-recoil system. However, from there things deviate a bit.
For one, the frame is metal, not polymer. Second, the gun takes some radical deviations from the Austrian norm, the most notable being the use of a roller locking block.
When I hear roller anything, I think roller-delayed, but that’s not the case here. Rather, it’s a roller locking block on a Browning short recoil system. The use of a roller locking block over a standard static metal shelf gives the pistol a few benefits.
The Waltz 9
The roller locking block should create a more consistent and tighter barrel lockup. Consistency, after all, is the key to success. The idea is to have the barrel return to a consistent vertical and horizontal position between shots and to minimize shot-to-shot variation.
Standard lockup systems can degrade over time. This isn’t something a lot of us will notice, but for those high-volume shooters — top-level competitors — this gives you a longer-lasting gun that remains consistent in its lockup. Additionally, it reduces friction which reduces wear and makes for less variation on your recoil impulse which makes tracking the dot easier as it has a more predictable path.
I’m taking Zermatt Arms’ word for it because I’ve never shot one gun enough to wear the locking shelf out. I’m probably not a good enough shot to notice if I did. It’s certainly not made for me, but I’m sure some of those Grandmasters out there will appreciate the function.
What Else?
Besides the roller locking block, the gun has a 1911-like trigger that’s a straight pull design. The trigger comes in at about 2.25 pounds. That’s crazy light and quite nice.
It’s available with three trigger profile options, including short flat, medium curved, and large flat. The gun comes with standard and oversized magwells. Users can swap the magazine release for a standard right or left side option, or an oversized option for competition.
The grip panels can be swapped for a standard aggressive grip texture or a pair of panels designed to accommodate added grip tape. The slide controls are ambidextrous and quite large. I don’t know about you folks, but the recent trend of using the smallest slide release possible has grown to annoy my full-sized hands and me.
There are two single-piece barrel options. We have the standard and a comped option. Barrels are made of 416R stainless steel and made by Proof.
For competition shooters, that can change which class you compete in, so options are nice to have. The gun uses a Beretta 92 recoil spring, so it can be easily tuned. It’s optics-ready with a system that accommodates RMR, Delta Point Pro, and Acro footprints.
So Much to Cover
I feel like I must have missed something, because there’s a lot going on with this gun. Ultimately, it appears that Zermatt is aiming to create the 2011 in a striker-fired platform. Something that’s highly shootable, easy to manage recoil, and fast.
Oh…it weighs a hefty 42 ounces. How much does it cost? That’s yet to be revealed. I imagine it’s roughly used Honda pricing, but that remains to be seen.