Rost Martin: Advancing The Next
Generation Of Freedom

— Content Sponsored By Rost Martin —

Rost Martin may be a new name in the firearms space, but it’s already challenging the standard of striker-fired compact pistols. Founded in early 2020 by Chris and Stefany Toomer, Rost Martin launched its premier offering at SHOT Show 2024: the RM1C.

Chris and Stefany have deep roots in the firearms industry — both having previously worked in various capacities at Springfield Armory — giving the new company a firm foundation to seize its opportunity in the market.

The name “Rost Martin” pays homage to both sides of the Toomer family. “Rost” was the middle name of Stefany’s grandfather, Bob Reese, founder of Springfield Armory, while “Martin” came from Chris’ great-grandmother’s maiden name. Desiring to continue the legacy of their families, Chris and Stefany aim to inspire the next generation of Second Amendment advocacy — starting with the RM1C.

Introducing The RM1C

While there are certainly a lot of options in the polymer striker-fired 9mm pistol segment, the feature-rich RM1C is poised to capture market share. It’s a U.S.-made pistol (manufactured in Dallas) available at a competitive price point (MSRP $459) and loaded with features offering incredible value to the consumer.

“The RM1C represents the best product possible at the most competitive price,” Stefany said, Rost Martin CMO. “There are not a lot of American-made firearms in the market able to offer the same reliability and desirable feature set of the RM1C at this price point.”

Standout attributes of the RM1C include a 4” hammer-forged barrel, aggressive front and rear slide serrations, ambidextrous magazine release and a light 5-lb. trigger pull with a clean break and short reset. The signature Rost Martin Responsive Grip Texturing (RGT) creates superior ergonomics.

“It’s something we’ve heard over and over since we came to market: The trigger and ergonomics set us apart,” said Stefany. “The trigger, especially, is exceptional. It has a short reset, and while our specs say it’s a 5-lb. trigger, we make sure it leaves our facility under 5 lbs. — often in the 4–4.5-lb. range.”

Consumers will have the option of carrying the RM1C with a 15-round flush magazine, or a 17-round extended magazine (both are included). It also accepts standard CZ P10 magazines. The RM1C is optics-ready (RMR footprint), with additional plates available for purchase (Shield RMS/SMS, Leupold DeltaPoint and Docter/Noblex footprints).

Rost Martin resolutely stands behind its products; the RM1C is backed by the Rost Martin lifetime warranty. Chris shared while the RM1C was in development, its preproduction stress test included up to 50,000 rounds and submersion in sand, water, ice, mud and extensive drop testing — all without failure.

High Praise From Dealers

The RM1C is already winning over Rost Martin Stocking Dealers.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to shoot a lot of firearms over my 15 years in the industry that fall in multiple price-point categories,” said Andrew Hyder, firearms and optics buyer for Vance Outdoors in Obetz, Ohio. “When I tested the Rost Martin RM1C, I’ll be honest, I thought it would just be another striker-fired pistol. I was very surprised how well the gun felt out of the box. The fit, finish, frame/grip size, texture, how feature-rich it was — all around they did a fantastic job! I’m a bit of a trigger snob, and I was pleasantly surprised how well the factory trigger felt.”

Hyder has been a USPSA competitor for 10 years at the professional/national level, and was thoroughly impressed with the RM1C’s performance out on the range.

“First day out, the pistol showed great accuracy, 100% reliability and made its mark on me,” he added.

Reid Durbin, owner of Ray’s Sporting Goods in Dallas, had high praise for a hometown option he’s able to confidently offer to customers.

“Launching a new item into the firearms industry is very tough, and it’s hard to get your foot in the door,” he stated. “Rost Martin didn’t just get their foot in the door, they’ve kicked it open. The pistol checks all the boxes and is at a great price point. With ‘Dallas, Texas’ marked clearly on the side of the firearm — it better deliver, and we believe Rost Martin has done that.”

A Dealer-First Approach

As a new company in the firearms space, Stefany recognizes independent dealers represent the marketing arm of the Rost Martin brand.

“Our emphasis is on marketing because we understand pull-through at the counter is so important. If a dealer is taking the chance on our brand, we want to get them the support they need,” she said. “For that reason, we’re going to make sure we do everything we can to support the dealer through marketing efforts, resources and tools — including a dealer locator on our website, which gets a lot of attention from consumers.”

Rost Martin has partnered with several wholesale distributors, including Davidson’s, Sports South, Primary Arms, Iron Valley Supply and RSR Group, giving the RM1C a national presence.

To benefit range operators, Rost Martin has developed a robust Range Program. Participating ranges can stock the RM1C 25% under the suggested dealer cost during a six-month program.

Furthering a grassroots approach to growth, Chris and Stefany announced Rost Martin will be conducting range days this fall at select locations.

Just Getting Started

Rost Martin is committed to bringing the next generation of freedom to consumers — and they’re just getting started.

To partner with Rost Martin and become a stocking dealer, or to be added to the Rost Martin dealer locator, you can contact Rost Martin via email, info@rostmartin.com, or phone, (844) 237-2890.