Rost Martin: Carving A Niche
— Content Sponsored By Rost Martin —
Building on the successful introduction of the RM1C at SHOT Show 2024, the Rost Martin
RM1S 9mm delivers full-size performance in an even easier-to-conceal platform.
As a new company making its debut at SHOT Show 2024, Rost Martin made a strong frst impression with attendees who stopped by to handle its inaugural offering: the RM1C. Boasting a standout trigger and exceptional ergonomics, the RM1C generated significant interest from buyers.
Reid Durbin, owner of Ray’s Sporting Goods in Dallas, captured the early sentiment well: “Launching a new item into the firearms industry is very tough, and it’s hard to get your foot in the door. Rost Martin didn’t just get their foot in the door — they kicked it open.”
According to Chris Toomer, Rost Martin co-founder and CEO, the company prides itself on having a strong out-of-the-box trigger to set itself apart.
“At dealer shows, people will pick up one of our guns and look at it, feel it and dry-fire it — which gives them the ‘light-bulb moment’ of what makes us different,” he said.
Today, Rost Martin is building on its early success, furthering its foothold in the industry by expanding product offerings and introducing new programs for stores and ranges.
Expanding The RM1 Family
Following the launch of the RM1C, the Rost Martin family of pistols has expanded to include the RM1S (3.6″ subcompact), RM1C Comped and RM1C California Compliant.
The RM1S carries the same characteristics as the RM1C — exceptional 5-lb. trigger, optics-
ready slide — just in a smaller, more concealable footprint. It ships with a 12-round flush magazine and a 15-round extended magazine. (RM1S and RM1C magazines are interchangeable, so RM1C owners have the option of carrying 17+1 defensive 9mm rounds.)
One notable enhancement, thanks to customer feedback, is additional texturing on the RM1S grip frame. This additional grip texturing allows for improved control, accuracy and comfort on a smaller carry platform.
According to Toomer, the texturing on the RM1S is already proving a hit with end users.
“We had customers ask for more texturing, so we listened and added some above the magazine release on the RM1S. We’ve already had requests for adding this to the RM1C, which we’re considering,” he noted.
The introduction of the RM1C Comped came sooner than initially planned. However, being a nimble and responsive brand, Rost Martin was swift to pivot.
“A lot of people are getting into the comp market, so we moved quickly into this arena. It wasn’t necessarily in our rollout plan to bring it to market so quickly, but we responded,” Toomer said. “We want to be a brand that’s reactive to the needs of our customers — and we think with these two releases we’re actually doing that.”
The Golden State represents a hot, new market for Rost Martin. In Dec. 2024, the RM1C was added to the California DOJ roster of certified handguns. Toomer shared demand for the RM1C California Compliant model has “guns flying off the shelf.” The company has plans to release California-compliant versions of the RM1S and RM1C Comped later this year.
The RM1 family: RM1S, RM1C and RM1C Comped.
Stocking Dealer Program
As a new company in the firearms space, Rost Martin has made a concerted effort to support its dealers with responsive customer service and dealer support.
“What we’ve learned from year one to year two is the absolute need to continue to engage with our dealers who are taking a chance on carrying our guns,” Toomer said. “We’re a new brand, so it’s about getting them to hear about us and taking the next step and placing an order.”
To facilitate this objective, Rost Martin introduced a stocking dealer program earlier this year.
“Our new dealer-stocking package allows dealers to buy in and get some extra added value to take a shot with our brand,” Toomer shared. “The included swag pack features apparel, hats and other items so the team behind the counter can support the brand.”
To participate, dealers commit to stocking five guns in total (any three RM1C models [available in black, FDE and OD Green], one RM1S and one RM1C Comped). Dealers in California can sign on with three (any RM1C, in black, FDE or gray).
The swag pack includes two hats, two T-shirts, an “Authorized Dealer” sticker, three brand stickers, a tumbler, gun mat and three gun stands.
Another way Rost Martin has elevated support for its dealers is through a rewards program. Now, sales associates can earn points by selling Rost Martin guns.
Advancing The Next Generation Of Freedom
Rost Martin is committed to the success of its retail partners through attentive customer service and its attractive dealer program while delivering innovative, reliable firearms to passionate enthusiasts.
To partner with Rost Martin and become a stocking dealer, contact Rost Martin via email, valerie.roper@rostmartin.com, or phone, (214) 377-9659.
For more info, visit rostmartin.com.
