Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re looking at the Rost Martin RM1S 9 mm pistol and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this setup:
Firearm: Rost Martin RM1s (MSRP: $469)
We’re revisiting the Rost Martin RM1s 9 mm subcompact pistol in this week’s kit for a few reasons. First off, it represents an exceptional value for those looking for a subcompact-size, striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm pistol. At an MSRP well below $500, and with “off-the-shelf” prices hovering around $400, it’s significantly less expensive than a number of competitors. However, don’t take this to mean corners have been cut—it performs quite well on the range, and is not lacking in “extras” either.
Sizewise, the RM1s has a 3.6-inch barrel, overall length of 6.7 inches, 4.4-inch height, 1.1-inch width and weighs 19.7 ounces with the empty flush-fit magazine. It’s larger than micro-compact double-stack 9 mm pistols like the SIG P365 or Springfield Hellcat, but smaller than Compact models like the Glock G19 or Smith & Wesson M&P Compact. A 12-round magazine comes standard, and fits in a grip that will accommodate a full, three-finger firing grip for most average-size hands. A slightly extended, 15-round magazine also comes with the RM1s, giving an extra three rounds for capacity as well as more grip real estate for folks with larger hands.
Modern pistols are expected to come with some form of optics-ready capability, and the RM1s offers a plate system, with a plate for the RMR optic footprint coming standard. Plates for Docter, DeltaPoint Pro and other footprints are available separately, too. This setup is similar to pistols like the Glock MOS series, and requires that the plate be secured to the slide, then the optic secured to the plate. While I’d prefer a native cut for one of the more popular footprints, like RMR or RMSc, and plates for others, as the expression goes, it is what it is. The standard iron sights are a serrated black rear and a white-dot front, with a fiber-optic front sight available separately.
On the range is the most pleasant of surprises—the RM1s doesn’t feel like an entry-level pistol at all. The trigger guard is undercut for a higher grip, texturing is moderate and plentiful, cocking serrations are present both fore and aft and the magazine release is truly ambidextrous. It feels solid in the hand, shoots well and didn’t have any hiccups in testing. It’s unremarkable, and I mean that as a compliment – nothing sticks out as being problematic. The RM1s is easy to shoot, doesn’t exhibit any problems and does what you want it to. That’s about all you can ask for in your everyday pistol.
Holster: KSG Armory Lexington (MSRP: $80 standard, $88 as configured)
We’ve opted for the Lexington holster from KSG Armory for the RM1s in today’s kit, because we’ve used KSG Armory in the past and have been super impressed with the company’s offerings. The Lexington is designed for inside-the-waistband and appendix carry, coming standard with a Modwing claw to help tuck the grip into the body to reduce printing. We’ve opted for the high sweatguard for maximum comfort and the gray color to help the holster stand out in a sea of black kydex, which adds $3 and $5 to the cost, respectively.
I want to call out the belt attachment options, which for the Lexington are rather impressive. There’s the DCC monoblock we have on this holster, pull-the-dot loops, tuckable DCC clips and the UltiClip UltiTuck minimalist clip. Absent any belt-attachment choice, the Lexington is optimized for use with PHLster’s Enigma deep-concealment option. The DCC Monoblock come standard, which works for me, as that’s my preferred method, coming in as the thinnest option for the least amount of printing. Your experience may vary, and there are plenty of options.
Accessory: CRKT Overland knife (MSRP: $60)
Rounding out today’s kit is the Columbia River Knife & Tool Overland pocketknife. A 3-inch, 8Cr13MoV steel reverse-tanto blade with stonewash finish is easy to sharpen and has jimping on the back to steady the hand when used for cutting tasks. The Overland has stainless steel on the pocket side for scales and G10 on the reverse, giving it a good mix of purchase and ease of drawing from the pocket. An ambidextrous thumbstud opens the blade, while a frame lock holds the blade open when in use.
What really ties the Overland in with the RM1s and Lexington is that it’s an affordable option that definitely punches above its weight class. It’s comfortable, easy to use, stays sharp and has an MSRP of $60. While I’m generally not a fan of liner or frame locks due to the requirement that one put their finger or thumb in the way of a closing blade, that’s about the only negative thing I can say about the Overland. And that’s a personal-preference point, so take it with a grain of salt.
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