Rifleman Review: Remington RP45

by
posted on December 30, 2020
** 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. **
Remington is probably best known for its Model 700 rifle actions, 870 shotguns and 1911 style handguns, but it has also worked towards getting more involved in the polymer-framed duty pistol category as well. Remington released the striker-fired RP9, chambered in 9 mm, in 2016 as its entry into this category. Remington continues the trend with a new .45 ACP chambered version of its polymer-framed design, the RP45

A disassembled view of the Remington RP45.
A disassembled view of the Remington RP45.

The Remington RP45 is a large duty-sized striker-fired handgun with a 4.5" barrel. The overall length of the RP45 is 7.9" with a height of 5.5". Despite the size, the RP45 has a weight of just 26.4 ozs. unloaded. The standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds fed from a double-stack magazine which also features an enlarged polymer base plate that also acts as a grip retainer.

A perspective of the RP45's size.
A perspective of the RP45's size.

The grip frame features a subdued texturing that is not rough on bare hands and a slight undercut is designed into the bottom of the trigger guard to allow comfortable purchase of a high grip without crowding. There is also a slight beavertail at the rear of the frame to prevent the possibility of slide bite. To fit a variety of hand sizes, the back straps are interchangeable with three different sizes that come in the box.

The subdued grip texturing on the RP45 and back strap area.
The subdued grip texturing on the RP45 and back strap area.

The RP45 features standard controls found on other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns, including an ambidextrous slide catch and a reversible magazine release button. A takedown lever is located above the trigger on the left side of the frame. The RP45 has cocking serrations machined into the front and rear of the slide to aid in manipulation. There is also a cut-out chamber indicator at the rear of the chamber to allow the user to see if the chamber is loaded.

The slide serrations on the slide and Picatinny rail segment on the dust cover.
The slide serrations on the slide and Picatinny rail segment on the dust cover.

Sights on the RP45 are a standard white three-dot pattern, with both the front and the rear sights dovetailed into the slide and interchangeable with aftermarket choices. On the dust cover of the frame, there is a three-slot Picatinny rail segment for the attachment of accessories. The striker-fired trigger is single stage with a pull weight of 5 lbs. 8 ozs. The trigger shoe features a safety tab that must be depressed in order to fire.         

For more information on the Remington RP45 visit remington.com.     
 

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Armed Citizen Podcast Grey Team F
Armed Citizen Podcast Grey Team F

A Memorial Day Conversation With Grey Team

Grey Team was founded to help armed services members and veterans with the physiological impacts traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and more.

42 New Handguns for 2026

Within the entire firearm marketplace, handguns continue to be some of the most popular offerings, and for good reason.

The Armed Citizen® May 25, 2026

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

President’s Column | Hope Is Not a Strategy

It was great meeting so many enthusiastic and supportive NRA members at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston. Your words of encouragement and suggestions are propelling your NRA 2.0 forward.

Data Centers Planned for Remington’s Legendary Factory Site

The historic Ilion, N.Y., factory that produced Remington firearms and parts for nearly 200 years may soon become the site of a 200-megawatt data center.

6 New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026

While the AR-pattern design continues to be the most popular and prolific semi-automatic rifle platform in America, don't think that means that there aren't other great, new options emerging on the market.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.