Gun Of The Week: Rost Martin RM1S

by
posted on June 20, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Texas-based Rost Martin is the new guy on the block, as far as firearm manufacturers are concerned, with the company emerging into existence and debuting its first product, the RM1C, at the beginning of 2024. At the time, Rost Martin promised it would be rolling out additional models within a year, and true to their word, the gunmaker announced the launch of several new pistols at the beginning of 2025, including the diminutive RM1S. Watch the video above to see the RM1S in use on the range.

Rost Martin RM1S handgun pistol closeup of left-side steel slide markings

Compared to the company’s first handgun, the new RM1S is shorter in both length and height, reducing both its barrel length and magazine capacity in the interests of concealability. Ultimately, the RM1S measures 6.78” long and 4.4” high, just over half an inch shorter in height and just under half an inch shorter in length when compared to the original RM1C. Barrel length measures 3.6” on the RM1S as compared to the 4” barrel on the RM1C. These tech specs are notable, because while the RM1S is carry-ready, it still features a slightly longer barrel than many micro-compacts on the market, providing some added sight radius and capability without significantly impeding its concealability.

Due to the shorter grip frame, the RM1S uses a 12-round, flush-fit magazine, and each gun also ships with a single 15-round extended magazine. On the original RM1C, the 15-round magazine is used in a flush-fit configuration, and there is a 17-round extended magazine. To make up for its slightly reduced dimensions, Rost Martin added more aggressive texturing to the grip frame of the RM1S and also increased the amount of area covered by the grip texture in an effort to anchor the gun more firmly in a shooter’s hand.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN GUN OF THE WEEK text Rost Martin RM1S pistol tiles mosaic arrangement 9 images guns man shooting closeup details pistol

One of the stand-out features of the RM1S, which is borrowed from the earlier RM1C, is the fully ambidextrous control layout of the gun. Not only are the slide-stop levers mirrored on either side of the grip frame, but the push-button magazine release is also mirrored and requires no reversal, making it immediately accessible to both left- and right-handed shooters. The top of the slide is also cut for red-dot optics, and each RM1S ships with a Trijicon RMR-compatible adapter plate. Additional plates are available for other optic footprints. The dovetailed sights are also compatible with all Springfield XD or XDM aftermarket sights.

It’s a bold move for any manufacturer to enter the hugely competitive market of concealed-carry handguns, let alone a new one. But Rost Martin’s RM1S proved itself during our range experience, running reliably and shooting well for a small, 9 mm Luger-chambered defensive pistol. It’s clear that every contour of this carry pistol has been well-thought-out, very literally in the case of its smooth, dehorned exterior that reduces snag points. And despite its size, the gun’s design enables it to be shot comfortably, so those extended practice sessions won’t be a chore. For those who are looking to run against the grain and dare to be different in their handgun selection, the Rost Martin RM1S is a solid choice.

Rost Martin RM1S Specifications
Manufacturer: Rost Martin
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.6" hammer-forged steel
Frame: black polymer
Magazine: 12- and 15-round detachable box
Sights: serrated u-notch rear, white-dot post front
Trigger: striker-fired
Overall Length: 6.72"
Height: 4.4" (with 12-round magazine)
Width: 1.1"
Weight: 19.76 ozs. (with 12-round magazine)
MSRP: $469

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.