Best Carry and Conceal Weapons for Daily Use
You don’t carry a firearm because you expect trouble. You carry because if trouble ever comes, you refuse to be unprepared.
At Rost Martin, we built the RM1 Series around that reality. We’re a minority, Veteran, and female-owned company based in Dallas, Texas — in development since 2020 with a single goal: expand Second Amendment personal freedoms and rights to the next generation of gun owners and deliver a firearm that is best-in-class in reliability, ergonomics, and value.
This guide walks through what separates a great carry gun from a mediocre one, how to choose the right RM1 model for your specific situation, and everything you need to know before you carry.
What Makes a Great Concealed Carry Pistol
The best carry gun is the one you will actually carry every single day — and the one that works flawlessly when it matters. Here is the framework we used to engineer the RM1 Series.
Reliability
A carry gun must cycle every round, every time, in any conditions. Your life may depend on it. This means consistent performance with various ammunition types and across diverse environmental conditions. Every RM1 Series pistol is built to meet the highest standards of dependability — reliability is non-negotiable, not a feature.
Ergonomics
How a pistol fits your hand directly impacts your shooting accuracy and comfort. Features like our Responsive Grip Texture™ and modular backstraps allow for customization to your unique hand size and grip preference, enhancing control during rapid fire sequences.
Size and Weight
The perfect concealed carry weapon balances compactness for concealment with sufficient size for effective control. Too small, and accuracy suffers; too large, and concealment becomes challenging. Our RM1 Series offers options to suit various carry preferences and body types.
Trigger Quality
A crisp, predictable trigger enhances accuracy and safety. Our flat-face triggers with extra-short reset allow for faster follow-up shots while maintaining precision — a critical advantage in defensive situations.
Capacity
Modern concealed carry pistols should offer substantial ammunition capacity without sacrificing concealability. Our engineering team has optimized frame dimensions to maximize magazine capacity while maintaining a comfortable grip profile.
Accessory Compatibility
The ability to mount optics, lights, and other accessories extends a firearm’s versatility. All RM1 Series pistols feature optics-ready slides and accessory rails, allowing you to configure your carry weapon to your specific needs.
Know Your Carry Position Before You Choose a Pistol
Your carry position should drive your pistol choice — not the other way around.
Appendix Inside Waistband (AIWB) — Carried at the front of the waistband. Offers fast access and strong retention while seated. Works best with a compact or subcompact. The RM1S is ideal for this position.
Strong-Side IWB (3–4 o’clock) — Carried on the hip. Comfortable for all-day wear in business casual or heavier clothing. The RM1C’s slightly larger frame is well-suited here.
Outside Waistband (OWB) — Carried outside the waistband with a cover garment such as a jacket or untucked shirt. Works well with the RM1C or RM1C Comp.
Choose your position first, then choose the pistol that fits it.
The RM1 Series: Built for Everyday Carry
RM1C Compact: The Versatile Defender
The RM1C Compact stands as our flagship concealed carry option, delivering full-size performance in a carry-friendly package. This precision-engineered 9mm striker-fired pistol combines exceptional ergonomics with feature-rich design. The RM1C has been independently reviewed and featured by NRA’s Shooting Illustrated, Guns & Ammo, Handguns Magazine, and Field Ethos.
The RM1C carries 15+1 in the standard configuration and 17+1 with the extended magazine. The 4-inch crowned match-grade barrel delivers enhanced accuracy, while the 5.0 lb flat-face trigger with extra-short reset allows for faster, more controlled follow-up shots. Available in Black, FDE, Stone Gray, Green, and Mojave. MSRP $469.00.
Key Features:
- Optic-ready slide with metal RMR plate installed
- Crowned 4-inch match-grade barrel
- Responsive Grip Texture™ for secure handling in all conditions
- Flat-face trigger with extra-short reset
- Slide-top anti-glare serrations
- Ambidextrous controls
- Funneled magazine well for faster, more reliable reloads
- Deep grip serrations front and rear
- Modular backstraps to customize fit to any hand size
- Textured index points (“gas pedals”) for enhanced recoil management
- Oversized, undercut trigger guard — glove compatible
- Extended beavertail to prevent slide bite and improve recoil control
RM1C Comp: Enhanced Performance Through Recoil Management
The RM1C Comp takes our popular compact model to the next level with an integral compensator that significantly reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil. As the bullet exits the barrel, expanding gases are redirected upward — creating downward pressure that allows for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy under rapid fire.
Unlike aftermarket compensators, the integral design ensures optimal gas flow and reliability without requiring any modification to the pistol. The RM1C Comp carries 15+1 standard and 17+1 extended, with a 5.5 lb trigger pull. Available in Black only. MSRP $489.00.
Key Features:
- Integral compensator for reduced muzzle rise and felt recoil
- Enhanced accuracy during rapid fire sequences
- Optic-ready slide design
- 4-inch match barrel
- Responsive Grip Texture™
- Flat-face trigger with extra-short reset
- Ambidextrous controls
- Modular backstraps
- Extended beavertail
RM1S Subcompact: Ultimate Concealment Without Compromise
For those seeking maximum concealment without sacrificing performance, the RM1S Subcompact delivers exceptional capability in our most compact package. At 6.2 inches overall and 19.76 oz empty, the RM1S is 0.9 inches shorter and 1.34 oz lighter than the RM1C — purpose-built for appendix carry and lighter clothing. The RM1S has been independently reviewed by Guns & Ammo and The Truth About Guns.
The RM1S features a deeper grip texture pattern than the RM1C, tuned specifically for the shorter grip circumference to maintain control. Standard capacity is 12+1, with a 15+1 extended magazine available when you need it. Available in Black, FDE, Stone Gray, and Green. MSRP $469.00.
Key Features:
- Optic-ready slide with RMR footprint
- Crowned 3.6-inch match-grade barrel
- Enhanced Responsive Grip Texture™ — deeper pattern than RM1C
- Flat-face trigger with extra-short reset
- Slide-top anti-glare serrations
- Ambidextrous controls
- Funneled magazine well
- Deep grip serrations front and rear
- Modular backstraps
- Textured index points (“gas pedals”)
- Oversized, undercut trigger guard
- Extended beavertail
RM1C California Compliant: Engineered for Restricted States
For shooters in California and other restricted states, the RM1C California Compliant delivers every feature and performance characteristic of the standard RM1C while meeting state-specific regulatory requirements. Capacity is 10+1 with a 5.5 lb trigger pull. Available in Black, FDE, Stone Gray, and Green. MSRP $489.00.
Finding Your Perfect Carry Weapon
Choose the RM1C if:
You prefer a slightly larger grip for maximum control, you want maximum magazine capacity, you value a longer sight radius for precision shooting, or you carry outside the waistband or in cooler weather.
Choose the RM1C Comp if:
You want maximum recoil reduction, you prioritize fast follow-up shots, you train regularly with rapid fire drills, or you want the flattest-shooting RM1 without any aftermarket modifications.
Choose the RM1S if:
Maximum concealment is your priority, you prefer appendix or inside the waistband carry, you have a smaller frame or wear lighter clothing, or you still want substantial magazine capacity.
Choose the RM1C California Compliant if:
You are in California or another restricted state and need a fully compliant configuration without compromising on features.
Optics for the RM1 Series
All RM1 Series pistols ship with a metal RMR plate installed. Any optic with an RMR footprint is directly compatible. Rost Martin offers the following optic plates in the accessories store:
- RMR Footprint Optic Plate Kit
- Docter / Noblex Metal Optic Plate
- Shield RMS / SMS Metal Optic Plate
- Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Metal Optic Plate
All optic plates available at .
Holsters for the RM1 Series
Rost Martin recommends only holsters specifically designed for the RM1 platform. Current holster partners:
- Muddy River Tactical — OWB Kydex holsters for RM1C and RM1S, right-hand and left-hand versions
- Black Scorpion Gear — Pro IDPA Competition holster, RM1C with X300U-A light compatible
- DeSantis — Style 137 Slim-Tuk IWB
- N8 Tactical — Xecutive holster
All holsters available at .
As Seen In
The RM1 Series has been independently reviewed and featured by NRA’s Shooting Illustrated, Guns & Ammo, Handguns Magazine, Field Ethos, and The Truth About Guns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concealed Carry
What optics are compatible with the RM1 Series?
Any optic that fits an RMR footprint is compatible. All RM1 Series pistols ship with a metal RMR plate installed. Additional optic plates for other footprints are available at .
What magazines are compatible with the RM1C?
The magazine body of the CZ P10 magazine will function in the RM1C. Note that the base plate differs from the RM1C magazine.
What holsters are recommended for the RM1 Series?
Rost Martin recommends only holsters specifically designed for the RM1 platform. Current partners include Muddy River Tactical, Black Scorpion Gear, DeSantis, and N8 Tactical.
How do I choose between the RM1C and RM1S?
The RM1C offers a longer barrel (4.0″ vs 3.6″), higher standard capacity (15+1 vs 12+1), and a lighter trigger pull (5.0 vs 5.5 lbs). The RM1S is shorter and lighter, making it better suited for appendix carry and lighter clothing.
How does the RM1C Comp’s compensator work?
The integral compensator redirects expanding gases upward as the bullet exits the barrel, creating downward pressure that reduces muzzle rise. This allows faster, more accurate follow-up shots. Because it is integral to the design — not an aftermarket add-on — it maintains optimal gas flow and reliability.
Is the RM1 Series available in restricted states?
Yes. The RM1C California Compliant is available for California residents with a 10+1 capacity configuration. RM1S and RM1C Comp California Compliant versions are also available. Check for current availability.
How do I activate my warranty?
Visit to register your pistol.
Find an RM1 Series Dealer Near You
The best way to choose a carry pistol is to put it in your hand. Visit an authorized Rost Martin dealer to handle the full RM1 Series in person. Use the to find the nearest dealer by zip code. Questions? Contact us at or call .