Editor’s Choice: Rock River Arms MRK 20

Rock River Arms, best known for its M1911s and AR-style rifles, is now in the semi-automatic striker-fired pistol business with its MRK 20 (pronounced Mark 20), a gun that takes some stylistic cues from Glock but has an anodized 7000-series aluminum frame with well-textured grip surfaces.

Rock River Arms' choice to go with an aluminum frame instead of the polymer grip frame often used for this style of gun means that there are some added benefits for the end user. Metal-frame pistols are more durable than polymer-frame pistols, allowing them to stand up to greater abuse.

Additionally, the hardened surface of the aluminum frame means that it can take different texturing patterns that aren't possible with a molded polymer frame, and Rock River Arms took advantage of that fact in the development of the MRK 20 by adding a unique, dimpled texture to the grip. The material also easily accepts durable finishes like Cerakote.

The gun, which has a grip angle more akin to an M1911, is 5" high and 7.25" in overall length. It comes with a threaded 4.5" stainless steel barrel with a 1:16" RH twist. Magazine capacity is 15 rounds, and its width is 1.35".

The stainless steel slide is nitrided with a black finish, and it comes out of the box optics-ready. While the MSRP of the new pistol is still to be determined, initial discussion suggested a price point of around $850.

Additionally, Rock River Arms has not indicated when the pistol will be available to consumers. Interested enthusiasts can keep an eye on rockriverarms.com for the latest information.