Empowered 2A is proud to announce that the Derya DY9Z has been named as the 2026 Empowered 2A Gun of the Year, recognizing its innovation, reliability, and appeal to today's diverse community of firearm owners—especially women seeking performance, confidence, and style in their defensive tools.
Manufactured by Derya Arms, the DY9Z is a striker-fired 9mm semi-automatic pistol that blends dependable performance with thoughtful design. Its compact profile, 15+1 capacity, and optics-ready slide make it a practical choice for personal defense, concealed carry, and range use. Additional features, such as a reversible magazine catch and an integrated accessory rail, provide versatility for shooters of all experience levels.
What truly sets the DY9Z apart is its unique blend of performance and personalization. The pistol is available in a variety of vibrant color options—each designed to reflect individual style while maintaining the same high standard of reliability and function.
Suk Smith, Chair of Empowered 2A stated: "We are honored to have Derya Arms named Empowered 2A Gun of the Year by Gun Owners Foundation— a recognition of innovation and performance, and a powerful nod to women everywhere who are stepping forward with confidence, skill, and independence. This honor reflects a growing movement of women who train, lead, protect their families, and shape the future of responsible ownership with strength and purpose."
The Empowered 2A Gun of the Year Award recognizes firearms that deliver exceptional quality, innovation, and accessibility to the modern gun owner. With its thoughtful engineering and distinctive design options, the DY9Z represents a new generation of firearms that empower responsible gun ownership.
GOF spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on education and litigation and is the sister organization of Gun Owners of America, a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization representing over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA's Press Center.