Getting your foot in the door as a brand-new firearms manufacturer is difficult. Compound that by jumping into what is arguably the most competitive segment of the firearms market, the world of striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm Luger handguns. But that’s exactly what "the newest American-made firearms manufacturing company," Texas-based Rost Martin, is attempting to do with its new-for-2024 RM1C.
The basic dimensions of the RM1C fall into the “compact” size category. Its hammer-forged barrel is 4” long, with an overall length of 7.1” and a height of 5” with a flush magazine. The grip width measures 1.1”. Weight is 21.1 ozs.
The RM1C is a brand-new pistol from a brand-new manufacturer that seeks to be, in the company’s own words, "an innovative approach in supplying the most desirable features for the most competitive price." Image courtesy of Rost Martin.
The matte Tenifer nitrocarburized steel slide has front and rear cocking serrations, as well as top serrations to reduce glare along the sighting plane. Sights are a front white dot on a post and a serrated rear notch. The slide is also cut for optics mounting with the use of a plate system. An RMR footprint plate is included and other optics plates will be available as accessories.
The polymer frame is offered in black, flat dark earth or stone gray colors. It features interchangeable backstraps to customize the grip size and has a laser stippling texture called “Rost Martin Responsive Grip Texturing” (RGT) and a three-slot Picatinny rail on its dust cover for mounting accessories. The magazine release and slide release are bilateral for full ambidexterity.
The RM1C will be available with three different frame colors. Image courtesy of Rost Martin.
As a newbie, Rost Martin has worked hard to assuage that common fear of new guns from new manufacturers through parts and accessory availability and compatibility. Magazines are compatible with the CZ P10C series, and one 15-round flush fit and one 17-round extended magazine are included with each pistol. Sights use the same dovetail as Springfield’s XD series. To ensure that holsters would be available at the RM1C launch, Rost Martin partnered with companies like ANR Design, Blackpoint Tactical, CrossBreed, DeSantis and We The People.
The company also assures its customers that it will stand behind its product. The RM1C is backed with a lifetime warranty, based on Rost Martin’s 50,000-round durability and mud, sand, ice and dirt, and drop tests of the design. According to Rost Martin, the RM1C is "supplying the most desirable features for the most competitive price." The pistol has an MSRP of $459. For more information, visit rostmartin.com.
