In the early 2000s, reliable defensive handguns were generally offered at prices well over $500 and came with few options or upgrades. In the 2010s, the prices did not move much, but more offerings came with rails for mounting lights and/or lasers, optic readiness, custom triggers, and night sights. However, in the 2020s, more companies are offering reliable defensive handguns with more options at more affordable prices, falling well under $500.
The newest entry into the striker-fired polymer-frame market is the Rost Martin RM1C. Officially released in early 2024, the RM1C has been in the works since 2020 and is the first and currently only firearm being produced by Rost Martin in Texas.
Rost Martin
Rost Martin is relatively new to the scene, and though new, the company has roots in the firearms industry that reach back further than 2024.
The company was co-founded by Chris and Stefany Toomer, with the public first seeing the RM1C handgun at SHOT Show in January. Chris Toomer, formerly of Springfield Armory, is a Marine with a background in finance. Stefany, also formerly of Springfield Armory, has a background in marketing and is the granddaughter of Robert R. Reese, the founder of Springfield Armory, Inc., building off the linage and legacy of the historic original Springfield Armory (1777-1968).
Although the RM1C is currently their only product, Rost Martin’s multiple-year roadmap includes additional caliber options, varying sizes, and other accessories.
The RM1C is American-made and was constructed in collaboration with Arex (the makers of the Delta). The gun utilizes CZ P10 magazines, and the sights are compatible with Springfield’s XD sights, making aftermarket options readily available. Additionally, holster options are available from companies such as Crossbreed, We the People, and DeSantis. When asked who the target market for this new firearm was, Stefany responded enthusiastically, “Everyone.” Their goal was to make an American-made, totally reliable, and attractive firearm with a wide appeal at a more affordable price point.
RM1C: The Objective
Rost Martin chose to bring a carry compact to the market as their first release in the RM1C. This medium-sized, polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatic handgun comes with 15- and 17-round magazines chambered in 9mm. It comes with a 4-inch barrel, is 7.1 inches long, 5 inches high (with a 15-round magazine), and weighs 21.1 oz. This makes it just a smidge smaller and lighter than the Glock 19. It comes optic-ready from the factory and has ambidextrous slide locks and magazine releases on both sides of the firearm.
The stock iron sights feature a black U-notched rear sight and a front white dot sight, and they are compatible with Springfield XD/XDM sights for aftermarket options. The only thing that, on paper, could have made this gun more attractive would be the standard night sights included in the stock model. The grip is moderately textured on the sides, front, and back, and it ships with two optional grip extensions to adjust the grip size as needed.
The Trigger and Other Features
When chambered, a trigger safety is engaged, preventing an accidental discharge without firmly engaging the front of the flat trigger face. Additionally, once chambered, a red chamber pin is visible at the slide’s backplate. The trigger is listed as a 5-pound pull (my Lyman trigger pull scale had it closer to 4 pounds), and the trigger break is crisp and consistent. The reset is very noticeable and consistently 1/4-inch forward of the break.
The RM1C also features three-slot Picatinny rails. Finally, the trigger guard is enlarged, allowing for gloved shooting. The gun’s breakdown for field stripping is easy and toolless. Overall, there is a lot to like on paper with the RM1C, especially considering its price point of under $500.
RM1C: The Subjective
Beyond what can be said about the RM1C on paper, there is the experience of shooting it. Shooting is a subjective experience from the trigger to the sights, to the balance and feel, to the felt recoil. All of these factors are subjective and are the result of many factors, including the shooter’s experience, the fit of the gun with the hands, the shooting style of the shooter, and even the stance and grip. This is all to say that any review of a gun’s functional shooting is subjectively bound by who is doing the shooting. One shooter’s favorite gun can easily be disliked by another.
As advertised, the trigger has a consistent and clean pull. Also, the trigger reset is clearly identifiable and consistently occurs at the same point as the trigger is released from a break. During slow dryfire presses and releases to reset, there is a little clunkiness (compared to a smooth constant pressure moving the trigger to break and back).
However, this is not unexpected, and I am personally more focused on a consistent break and reset every time. Additionally, once I moved from slow, purposeful dryfire testing of the trigger to live-fire defensive shooting, I did not notice this issue at all.
Overall Thoughts
I ran a little over 500 rounds of Blazer Brass 115-grain 9mm ball ammo through the RM1C and enjoyed shooting this gun from the first shot to the last. There was no recoil fatigue after running drills for about 2 hours across the 500 rounds, and there were no feeding issues, malfunctions, or misfires. The sights were easy to use, and the anti-glare serrations were appreciated, especially when shooting in full sunlight. As far as balance and presentation, I found the RM1C to be well-balanced for its size and easy to remain on target when rapidly shooting targets at 30 to 45 feet.
The magazine release is contoured within the frame and does require a purposeful inward push to engage. The advantage to the stiffer release and contouring is that you are unlikely to accidentally engage the magazine release; the potential disadvantage is that it may be difficult for those with grip strength issues to engage. The magazines cleanly and easily fell from the gun when the magazine release was depressed.
I only worked the RM1C using the stock iron sights and without a grip extender installed. Overall, I was defensively accurate with this gun out of the box. I would expect my shooting to improve with the addition of a red dot sight and the thicker grip module, as my hands tend to fit larger-frame guns better.
Overall, I was impressed with the trigger, reliability, and accuracy of this gun and am looking forward to Rost Martin’s continued expansion of offerings. Rost Martin has produced a very competitive though still affordable carry gun with pretty much the majority of options you could want at a price much lower than many comparable guns.
