Best Handgun Picks for Self-Defense in 2025

At Rost Martin, we build firearms for those who demand performance, reliability, and confidence in every situation. When it comes to self-defense, your choice of handgun isn’t just a preference, it’s personal. We know what it means to take your safety seriously because we take it seriously too. That’s why we’re proud to guide you through the best self-defense handguns of 2025, featuring the RM1 series – a lineup designed with you in mind.

Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned gun owner, this guide will walk you through the essential factors that matter in a self-defense handgun. We’ll also show you how the RM1, RM1C, and RM1S stack up against industry standards. Backed by experts. Trusted by you.

What Makes a Great Self-Defense Handgun in 2025?

Self-defense isn’t one-size-fits-all. You need a firearm that adapts to your lifestyle without compromising on power, accuracy, or reliability. Here are the top things you should consider:

Reliability: In a self-defense scenario, your handgun must fire when you need it. There is no room for mechanical hesitation.

Concealability: A defensive firearm should be easy to carry daily. Lighterweight, compact frames ensure comfortable carry when using a well-designed holster..

Ergonomics: A handgun should feel natural in your hand. The better it fits, the more control you have.

Caliber Options: 9mm remains the go-to for self-defense, balancing stopping power with controllability.

Durability: You need a firearm built to last. Period.

The RM1 Series was engineered with each of these needs in mind. Let’s break them down.

RM1C: Compact Size with Full-Feature Design

The RM1C Compact in 9mm is built to deliver high performance at a fair price. This striker-fired, optic-ready pistol features a crowned 4-inch match barrel, Responsive Grip Texture™, flat-face trigger with an extra-short reset, and slide-top anti-glare serrations.

You’ll also find ambidextrous controls, a funneled magazine well for faster reloads, modular backstraps, deep grip serrations, textured index points (gas pedals), and an oversize and undercut trigger guard paired with an extended beavertail for enhanced recoil control.

Why gun owners love it:

Feature-rich at an MSRP of just $469
Comfortable for all-day concealed carry
Engineered for fast handling and accurate follow-ups

Specs:

Barrel: 4.0″ Crowned Match Barrel
Capacity: 15+1 and 17+1 (magazines included)
Slide: Optic Ready with Anti-Glare Serrations
Colors: Black, FDE, Gray, Olive Drab,

The RM1C is ideal for anyone looking to balance concealment with capability.

RM1C-COMP: Built-In Compensator for Tactical Control

Take everything you love about the RM1C and add an integrated compensator – meet the RM1C-COMP. This model is precision-engineered to reduce recoil and enhance accuracy right out of the box. All the same features apply: optic-ready, 4-inch match barrel, responsive grip, ambidextrous controls, and gas pedal index points.

Why it’s a standout:

Integral compensator for better muzzle control
Built for shooters who want a performance edge
MSRP: $489

Specs:

Barrel: 4.0″ Match Barrel with Integrated Compensator
Capacity: 15+1 and 17+1
Color: Black

For those wanting premium control in a compact frame, the RM1C-COMP checks every box.

RM1S: Subcompact Confidence, No Compromise

When concealability is non-negotiable, the RM1S delivers. This subcompact 9mm pistol offers a 3.6” crowned match barrel, deeper Responsive Grip Texture™ than the RM1C, and all the user-friendly features found in the rest of the RM1 lineup.

Why it’s trusted:

Perfect for deep-concealment and discreet carry
Shorter barrel with optimal recoil management
MSRP: $469

Specs:

Barrel: 3.6” Crowned Match Barrel
Capacity: 12+1 and 15+1 (magazines included)
Slide: Optic Ready
Ergonomics: Modular backstraps, undercut trigger guard, extended beavertail

Whether as a primary carry or backup gun, the RM1S is ready when you are.

The Rost Martin Difference

We don’t just make handguns. We engineer tools of protection, confidence, and peace of mind. Our team of firearm specialists and engineers live and breathe performance. We test, iterate, and refine each model with one goal: to deliver handguns you can trust with your life.

Every pistol we produce is backed by our commitment to quality. We stand with our customers, from first-time buyers to longtime collectors. You deserve more than marketing claims – you deserve results.

Choosing the Right Self-Defense Handgun for You

There’s no perfect handgun for everyone, but there is a perfect handgun for you. Here’s how to narrow it down:

You prioritize concealment: Go with the RM1S or RM1C. These are built for concealment while offering confidence when needed.
You want next-level recoil management: The RM1C-COMP is your best bet for competition-level performance in a compact frame.
You carry daily: The RM1C is ideal for daily carriers who want a little more grip and control than a subcompact.
You need backup protection: The RM1S makes an excellent second firearm or deep-concealment primary.

Real-World Performance Matters

Self-defense is about more than specs. It’s about how a gun feels in your hand, how fast you can draw it, and how reliably it cycles round after round. The RM1 series has been tested in thousands of real-world scenarios by professionals, instructors, and everyday carriers like you.

When seconds matter, your firearm needs to be ready. The RM1 series is built to respond with speed, accuracy, and power, so you can protect what matters most.

Conclusion: Your Protection Starts Here

2025 brings more choices than ever in the handgun market, but that also means more noise. At Rost Martin, we don’t chase trends, we create solutions. The RM1 series stands as a testament to what’s possible when engineering meets purpose.

Whether you’re choosing your first handgun or upgrading your EDC, we’re here to make sure you choose right. Explore the RM1 lineup and experience the confidence of carrying a firearm built for today’s challenges.

Your safety. Your responsibility. Our commitment.