I have enjoyed good results with Rost Martin pistols. The RM1C has proven reliable, and the ported RM1S is an especially good shooter. The newest Rost Martin, the RM1F, is a departure from those previous pistols.
The RM1F is a full-size, polymer-frame, striker-fired 9 mm pistol similar in size to the Glock 17, Walther PDP and other service-size handguns. The RM1F adds a full-size pistol to Rost Martin’s lineup that previously consisted of compact and subcompact models.
For this review, I tested the RM1F Tactical. The Tactical model adds a threaded barrel and raised suppressor-ready sights, making it well suited to a suppressor as well as a red-dot optic. I tested the pistol in both configurations
Let’s take a closer look at what the RM1F Tactical offers.
Rost Martin RM1F Tactical 9mm Specifications
Sights: Raised, suppressor-ready/co-witness
Height: 5.2 inches
Barrel length: 4.5 inches
Weight: 23 ounces, unloaded
Length: 7.69 inches / 8.2 inches (Tactical)
Height: 5.1 inches / 5.2 inches (Tactical)
Width: 1.25 inches
Action: Striker-fired
Magazines: One 17- and one 24-round supplied
MSRP: $469 / $519 (Tactical)
RM1F vs. RM1F Tactical: What’s the Difference?
The differences between the standard RM1F and RM1F Tactical are simple. The Tactical model adds a threaded barrel and raised suppressor-ready sights for an additional $50. Other than the barrel and sights, the two pistols are identical.
In my opinion, that additional $50 is a bargain.
The threaded barrel makes the Tactical ready for suppressor use. Even if you don’t intend to use a suppressor, the raised sights are useful for co-witnessing with a red-dot optic.
Rost Martin RM1F Features and Ergonomics
The RM1F features forward cocking serrations, a useful addition for mounting an optic. The slide lock and magazine release are ambidextrous. The magazine catch is not reversible but operates from either side with equal efficiency. I like that feature a great deal.
The grip offers a good balance of adhesion and abrasion. Interchangeable grip inserts allow the shooter to improve hand fit, and shooters with larger hands will benefit most from the larger insert.
A modest bevel in the magazine well helps with rapid magazine changes. The pistol also features the usual striker block and trigger-lever safety.
Trigger
The trigger action is smooth, with minimal take-up and a clean trigger break. Reset is rapid.
Although the RM1F is longer than previous Rost Martin handguns, the trigger action, handling and overall operation remain similar.
Sights and Optics
Both the RM1F and RM1F Tactical are optics ready. The pistol is supplied with an RMR-pattern plate, though the slide accepts a number of mounting plates available from Rost Martin.
A serrated section runs between the sights. The front sight features a white dot insert, while the rear sight features a U-notch and serrated rear face.
Disassembly and Maintenance
Takedown differs somewhat from other striker-fired handguns. After confirming the pistol is unloaded, lock the slide to the rear. Press the dual Glock-style takedown tabs downward, then pull the slide upward and forward.
Reassembly is similar. Done correctly, this system is fast and secure.
If the slide becomes hung up, which may happen if muscle memory from other handguns interferes with the process, depress the trigger-bar lever to release it.
The Tactical model has one additional step. The barrel thread protector must be removed before the barrel can be taken out of the slide.
Rost Martin RM1F Range Performance
Two advantages stand out immediately when firing the RM1F Tactical. Rost Martin’s Responsive Grip Texture provides a secure firing grip during rapid-fire work, and the trigger is smooth with a clean break and fast reset.
Although the pistol is relatively light, hand fit is good and balance is excellent. Combat accuracy is good and the pistol is easy to control.
Reliability has also been excellent. I have owned this pistol for several months and fired a little more than 600 cartridges of mixed types through it. During that time, the RM1F has proven dependable.
Accuracy Testing
Absolute accuracy was better than expected. In that regard, the RM1F compares favorably with pistols such as the Walther PDP.
From a solid benchrest at 25 yards, the RM1F produced 2- to 2.5-inch five-shot groups. With loads it particularly liked, the pistol turned in 1.5-inch groups.
Every load tested produced acceptable accuracy, but the heavier 147- to 150-grain loads performed especially well. Combined with the pistol’s controllability and trigger action, that level of accuracy gives the RM1F potential for competition use as well as defensive shooting.
Shooting the RM1F With a Red Dot
During the evaluation, I fitted the pistol with a Holosun 507 using the supplied RMR-pattern plate.
As expected, speed improved somewhat and practical combat accuracy improved with the optic. The RM1F’s forward cocking serrations are also particularly useful with a red dot installed, giving the shooter another area of the slide to grasp without working around the optic.
The combination worked well and made good use of the pistol’s inherent accuracy.
Shooting the RM1F Tactical Suppressed
The Tactical model’s threaded barrel also gave me the opportunity to test the pistol with a suppressor. Suppressors have become such a large part of today’s market that I felt it was important to make certain the RM1F Tactical performed properly with a can attached.
I tested the pistol with a Dead Air Mojave 45 suppressor.
All went well. The pistol functioned properly and the suppressed firing experience was pleasant. Combined with the Tactical model’s raised sights and threaded barrel, this gives the pistol another useful role without changing its basic handling qualities.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F Good for Concealed Carry?
The RM1F Tactical is a full-sized pistol, but it is relatively thin for a striker-fired handgun. Most shooters will probably choose a compact pistol for concealed carry, but some of us prefer a larger handgun.
The RM1F Tactical is not a burden to carry. With a suitable optic and well-designed holster, it is not too large for my tastes.
Concealed Carry Setup
I don’t like to mismatch holsters, but I had a Wright Leather Works Marshal strong-side, optics-ready holster on hand that was molded for the Glock 17. The RM1F proved to be a close fit.
The Marshal rides close to the body and offers a good draw angle. Combined with the RM1F’s balance, it made the full-size pistol comfortable to carry. The RM1F is only slightly heavier than the Glock 19 or Glock M45, so I did not find it burdensome despite its greater overall size.
There is also a trade-off worth considering when choosing to carry the RM1F concealed. A larger 9mm such as the RM1F is more comfortable to fire than a subcompact, and practical accuracy ranges from good to excellent. It is somewhat larger for daily carry, but that extra size brings advantages when the pistol is actually fired.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F Good for Home Defense?
I think the RM1F Tactical is best suited to home defense or area-defense use.
In that role, the 9mm offers a good reserve of ammunition, modest recoil and a high probability of accurate hits. When you need a home-defense handgun, chances are the ammunition already in the pistol is all you will have available. With the 24-round magazine, the RM1F offers a substantial ammunition reserve.
Home-Defense Setup and Reliability
For home-defense use, I loaded the RM1F with the 24-round magazine and fitted a Streamlight TLR-8.
I make a point of test-firing a home-defense handgun with the weapon light attached. It is rare, but the added weight of a combat light can sometimes change firing harmonics enough to cause a malfunction. The RM1F setup remained reliable with both the weapon light and 24-round magazine installed.
The 24-round magazines are very stiff to load beyond 22 rounds. That strong spring, however, contributes to reliable feeding. A high-capacity magazine must feed reliably from heavy spring compression all the way down to very little compression. These magazines proved reliable throughout testing.
Who Is the RM1F Tactical Best For?
The RM1F fills both the concealed carry and home-defense roles well. It is somewhat large for concealed carry, very well suited to home defense and capable of serving in some forms of competition.
A quality red-dot sight and compact weapon light make the most of the platform. The RM1F is light enough to remain practical for concealed carry, although a heavier metal-frame pistol may be more comfortable during sustained rapid fire in a home-defense role.
A screw-on muzzle brake could make the pistol more competitive in weekend matches.
In other words, the RM1F Tactical is a versatile handgun that can serve well in several different roles.
Final Verdict
During the evaluation, the Rost Martin RM1F Tactical experienced no failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject. Practical accuracy in rapid defensive shooting was good to very good, and absolute accuracy was equally impressive.
The main trade-off is size. The RM1F is somewhat large for daily concealed carry, but lighter options such as the RM1C are available. Still, the RM1F fills a useful middle ground for someone who wants a handgun that can serve well for concealed carry while also providing a formidable home-defense option.
It also has enough accuracy and controllability to serve as an entry-level pistol for several types of shooting competition.
For the shooter looking for that kind of versatility, the Rost Martin RM1F Tactical is a good value.
Rost Martin RM1F Tactical Pros and Cons
Pros
- No failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject during more than 600 rounds of mixed ammunition
- Good to very good practical accuracy (1.5-inch best groups at 25 yards)
- Good balance and hand fit
- Responsive Grip Texture provides a secure firing grip
- Smooth trigger with a clean break and fast reset
- Ambidextrous slide lock and magazine release
- Optics ready with an RMR-pattern plate supplied
- Tactical model includes a threaded barrel and suppressor-height sights
- 24-round magazine provides a substantial ammunition reserve
- Useful for concealed carry, home defense and beginners in competitive shooting
Cons and Considerations
- Somewhat large for daily concealed carry
- 24-round magazines become difficult to load beyond 22 rounds
- Tactical model requires the thread protector to be removed before the barrel can be removed during disassembly
Rost Martin RM1F Tactical FAQs
What is the Rost Martin RM1F Tactical?
The RM1F Tactical is a full-size, polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm pistol. It adds a threaded barrel and raised suppressor-ready sights to the standard RM1F.
What is the difference between the RM1F and RM1F Tactical?
The Tactical model adds a threaded barrel and suppressor-ready sights for an additional $50. Otherwise, Bob reports that the two models are identical.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F reliable?
Yes, with more than 600 cartridges of mixed types through the RM1F there were no failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject.
How accurate is the Rost Martin RM1F?
From a solid benchrest at 25 yards, the pistol generally produced 2- to 2.5-inch five-shot groups. With the loads it preferred, groups were as small as 1.5 inches.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F optics ready?
The slide accepts mounting plates available from Rost Martin and comes with an RMR-pattern plate.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F good for concealed carry?
The RM1F Tactical is relatively thin for a full-size striker-fired handgun and comfortable to carry with a suitable holster. While somewhat large for daily carry, it is not burdensome.
Is the Rost Martin RM1F good for home defense?
Home defense or area defense would be one of the RM1F Tactical’s strongest roles. It offers modest recoil, good practical accuracy and a 24-round magazine option. The test setup remained reliable with both the extended magazine and a Streamlight TLR-8 attached.
