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.
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.
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
