During NRA Annual Convention this year I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the owners of Rost-Martin. I had never heard of this company, must less ever dreamed they would be made in the state of Texas. I found it only fitting to bring one of their handguns in for testing and give an evaluation of the pistol to our audience.
The Rost-Martin RM1C is a compact 9mm pistol that stands out in the crowded market of striker-fired handguns. Manufactured by Rost-Martin, a company based in Dallas, Texas, the RM1C offers a blend of innovative design, premium features, and competitive pricing. I want to dive into the specifics of the RM1C, highlighting its design, features, and performance.
The Rost Martin RM1C Not Only Looks Good, but is a Solid Performer for under $500
The RM1C is designed to be a versatile, all-purpose firearm suitable for a variety of uses including personal defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting. Obviously from an LE perspective the firearm would have to be approved, but I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be. The compact size, with a length of 7.1 inches and a height of 5.0 inches (with the flush magazine), makes it easy to carry and conceal. I found the RM1C to fit nicely in my Simply Rugged Holster. The Holster was originally made for a Glock 19, but actually fit the RM1C well.
The RM1C In Simply Rugged OWB Holster
One of the standout features of the RM1C is its ergonomically advanced grip. The Rost Martin Responsive Grip Texturing (RGT) is a proprietary graduated laser stippling designed to respond to the grip pressure exerted by the shooter. The texture was not overdone, and I do like this because I feel like the RM1C is more of a carry gun and don’t want a harsh texture snagging or rubbing on things, making it annoying. This provides a nice comfortable hold, ensuring that the pistol stays firmly in hand even during rapid fire. The backstrap that comes on the grip is the medium version. Personally for me, switch it out to the largest backstrap they offer, and it really makes the RM1C feel amazing in the hand.
A Nice Stimpling on the Grip, with adjustable backstraps
Weighing in at just 21.1 ounces with the flush magazine, the RM1C is lightweight without sacrificing durability. This is achieved through the use of a black polymer frame paired with a nitrocarburized steel slide, providing a balance of strength and reduced weight.
The RM1C features a 4-inch hammer-forged barrel. The low bore axis design enhances control and reduces muzzle flip, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. The pistol’s slide has aggressive front and rear serrations for easy manipulation, and the non-glare top serrations help reduce eye fatigue, aiding in quicker sight acquisition.
The trigger of the RM1C is another highlight, with a smooth, light five-pound pull. This double action striker-fired (DAS) mechanism offers a clean break and a short reset, characteristics that are usually found in higher-end, custom pistols. This makes the RM1C suitable for both novice and experienced shooters. I loved the wide base of the trigger. This enabled me to feel the break much better.
I really liked the full flat faced trigger on the RM1C. It seemed wide and helped feel the break better.
The RM1C comes optics-ready, which is a significant advantage in the current market where red dot sights are becoming increasingly popular. It includes a metal RMR plate for enhanced durability and ease of target acquisition. Additionally, the RM1C is compatible with other popular optic footprints, with additional metal plates available for purchase on the Rost-Martin website.
The standard sights include a black serrated rear sight and a white dot front sight, providing a clear and quick sight picture right out of the box. These sights are designed to be robust and reliable, suitable for various lighting conditions.
The RM1C offers impressive magazine capacities for a compact pistol. It comes with both a 15-round flush magazine and a 17-round extended magazine. This versatility allows users to choose between a more compact setup for concealed carry and a higher capacity setup for situations where more rounds are beneficial.
The slide of the RM1C is treated with Tenifer®, a process that provides superior anti-corrosion properties and enhances the overall durability of the firearm. This makes the RM1C a reliable choice in various environmental conditions, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of everyday carry and use.
I liked the slide serrations on the front and rear of the slide. Not overly aggressive, but enough to get a solid grip!
Rost-Martin backs the RM1C with a lifetime warranty, demonstrating their confidence in the product’s durability and reliability. This warranty provides peace of mind to owners, knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
One of the most compelling aspects of the RM1C is its pricing. At an MSRP of $459, it offers features and performance that rival more expensive, custom pistols. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who do not want to compromise on quality or performance. I have to say, for a $450 gun, the Rost Martin is one heck of a buy.
In addition to the pistol itself, the RM1C package includes the optics plate and two magazines, providing a comprehensive setup that is ready to go out of the box. This adds to the overall value, making the RM1C a great investment for both new and experienced shooters.
Various Color Options on the RM1C all Made in Texas!
The Rost-Martin RM1C is a formidable entry in the compact pistol market, offering a combination of innovative features, ergonomic design, and robust performance. Its advanced grip texturing, precision engineering, optics readiness, and competitive pricing make it a standout choice for a wide range of users. Whether for personal defense, law enforcement, or recreational shooting, the RM1C delivers on all fronts, representing the next generation of compact firearms from Rost-Martin.
For more information on the RM1C and other Rost-Martin firearms, visit their official website.
