Description
The Arex Rex Zero 1 in Flat Dark Earth is a 9mm pistol engineered for shooters who demand reliability without unnecessary frills. Whether you’re securing your home, sharpening your skills at the range, or carrying in the field, this Slovenian-made handgun offers a proven platform at a practical price point. For U.S. buyers, it represents a solid choice for those who want a full-size service pistol that performs consistently, right out of the box.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Arex Rex Zero 1 is a full-size, hammer-fired, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm. It is designed for shooters who value a metal-frame handgun with a traditional trigger system, as opposed to the polymer-framed, striker-fired options common on the market. This model is well-suited for target shooters who appreciate a heavier, more stable platform for range sessions, as well as for home defense users who want a firearm that balances capacity with controllability. While its size makes it less ideal for concealed carry, it can serve in that role with a proper holster and belt. Collectors will note the gun’s lineage to the SIG Sauer P226 design, but with a distinct build quality and value proposition. It is not marketed as a hunting sidearm, but could serve as a backup in appropriate calibers.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds (two 17-round magazines included)
- Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
- Overall Length: 7.9 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Weight: 31.7 ounces (unloaded, with magazine)
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Slide Material: Stainless steel
- Finish: Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Cerakote on slide and frame
- Sights: Three-dot steel sights, dovetailed front and rear (rear is windage-adjustable)
- Trigger: DA/SA with decocker; double-action pull approximately 12 lbs, single-action pull approximately 4.5 lbs
- Safety: Manual thumb safety (ambidextrous) and firing pin block
- Magazines: Steel, with polymer floor plates
- Accessory Rail: MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail on dust cover
Feature Deep-Dive
The Arex Rex Zero 1’s construction begins with a machined aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel slide, both treated with a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish. This finish provides a consistent, low-glare surface that resists corrosion and wear from holster use or environmental exposure. The metal frame contributes to the pistol’s 31.7-ounce weight, which helps manage recoil during rapid fire, making it a comfortable shooter for extended range sessions. The slide-to-frame fit is tight, with minimal play, which can contribute to consistent accuracy over the life of the firearm.
The DA/SA trigger system is a defining characteristic of this model. The first shot is a longer, heavier double-action pull, while subsequent shots are shorter and lighter in single-action mode. This system allows for a manual decocker that safely lowers the hammer on a live round without engaging the trigger. For shooters accustomed to this trigger type, it offers a clear distinction between carry and firing modes. The trigger itself has a smooth take-up with a defined wall, and the single-action break is clean with minimal overtravel, making it suitable for precision work at the range.
The pistol’s ergonomics are built around a full-size grip that accommodates the standard 17-round magazine. The grip texture is a moderate stippling on the front strap and backstrap, with additional checkering on the sides, providing a secure hold without being abrasive against the skin. The ambidextrous manual safety is positioned for easy access by both right- and left-handed shooters, and it can be engaged or disengaged with the thumb without shifting the grip. The magazine release is also reversible, though it comes configured for right-hand use.
Sighting equipment consists of steel three-dot sights, with a white front dot and two white rear dots. The front sight is dovetailed into the slide and is drift-adjustable for windage, while the rear sight is also dovetailed and adjustable. These sights are low-profile and snag-resistant, making them practical for holster use. The rear sight has a serrated face to reduce glare. For shooters who prefer optics, the slide is not pre-milled, but aftermarket options exist for mounting red dot sights.
The 4.5-inch barrel is cold-hammer-forged from steel, with a traditional rifling pattern. This barrel length provides a good balance between accuracy and portability, offering a sight radius that aids in precise shot placement. The barrel is fully supported in the slide, and the locking system uses a Browning-style linkless design, which is common in modern service pistols. The recoil spring assembly is a single spring with a guide rod, and it is easy to disassemble for cleaning without tools beyond the takedown lever.
Magazines are steel with a polymer floor plate and a witness hole for round count. They drop free from the magazine well when released, and the feed lips are designed for reliable feeding with a variety of 9mm ammunition. The magazine well is slightly beveled to facilitate reloads under stress. The included 17-round magazines are compatible with standard 9mm loads, including full metal jacket and hollow point rounds, though we recommend testing your chosen defensive ammunition to confirm reliability.
Ideal Use Cases
This handgun is most suited for home defense and range use. Its full-size frame and 4.5-inch barrel provide a stable shooting platform, and the 17-round capacity offers ample ammunition for defensive scenarios. For target shooting, the DA/SA trigger allows for deliberate first shots and faster follow-ups, making it a good choice for shooters who want to practice both trigger disciplines. While it can be used for concealed carry with a proper holster and cover garment, its weight and size are better suited for open carry or duty use. It is not specifically designed for competition, but its accuracy and reliability make it a viable option for entry-level matches or steel challenges. For hunting, it could serve as a backup sidearm for small game or finishing shots, though it is not a primary hunting tool.
Compatibility Notes
This Arex Rex Zero 1 is chambered for 9x19mm ammunition, including standard pressure and +P loads. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers for best reliability. The pistol accepts all 17-round Arex magazines designed for the Rex Zero 1 series, as well as aftermarket magazines that meet the same spec. Holster compatibility is good, with many manufacturers offering options for the Rex Zero 1, including models from Safariland, Blackhawk, and Kydex custom makers. Be sure to select a holster specifically molded for the Rex Zero 1, as its dimensions differ from the SIG Sauer P226. The Picatinny rail on the dust cover accepts standard lights and lasers, such as the Streamlight TLR-1 or Surefire X300. Aftermarket grips and trigger upgrades are available from third-party suppliers, though the stock configuration is reliable for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this firearm be shipped to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all 50 states, but only to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. You must provide the FFL’s contact information at checkout, and we will ship the firearm to them for transfer to you.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, we will contact your chosen FFL to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer and have a valid license on file. Once confirmed, we ship the firearm via a carrier that complies with federal shipping regulations. Your FFL will then contact you to complete the background check (Form 4473) and transfer the firearm to you. You are responsible for any transfer fees charged by the FFL.
Q: What ammunition is compatible with this pistol?
A: This Arex Rex Zero 1 is designed for 9x19mm ammunition, including standard pressure, +P, and +P+ loads. We recommend using brass-cased, factory-new ammunition for optimal reliability. While the pistol can cycle some steel-cased ammunition, we do not recommend it for extended use due to potential extraction issues. Hollow point ammunition from major manufacturers (e.g., Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot) generally feeds well, but we advise testing a box of your chosen defensive load to confirm function.
Q: What warranty does this product come with?
A: The Arex Rex Zero 1 is backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, modifications, or damage from improper use. If you encounter an issue, you can contact Arex customer support directly or reach out to us for assistance with the warranty process.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, all firearm sales are final. We do not accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred to you. If your firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, please contact us within 48 hours of receipt. We will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue, which may include repair or replacement at our discretion. Ammunition and accessories may be returned within 30 days if unopened and in original packaging.
Closing Call to Action
This Arex Rex Zero 1 9mm with a 4.5-inch barrel and 17-round capacity is available now in Flat Dark Earth. Use the code at checkout to bring the price to $761. We ship to your local FFL across the United States with fast processing and tracking provided. Order today to add a reliable, full-size handgun to your collection.
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