New for 2018: REX Firearms Zero 1 Tactical Compact

Further expanding its tactical-handgun lineup in 2018, REX Firearms announced the launch of the all-new Zero 1 Tactical Compact, providing consumers with a smaller package that's sized right for concealed carry. Despite its compact dimensions, the gun is still loaded with all the extra features that made the original Zero 1 Tactical a hit with modern firearm enthusiasts.

When compared to the company's original Tactical model, the REX Firearms Zero 1 Tactical Compact features a 4.5-inch barrel, measuring 0.4-inch shorter than the full-size gun. Overall length and height are also reduced, bringing the Compact down to 7.8 inches long and 5.4 inches high compared to the full-size Tactical's 8.1 inches long and 5.9 inches high. This reduced size also dampens magazine capacity, holding 17 rounds of 9 mm versus the original's 20 rounds. However, at 17 rounds, this compact model still rivals many modern-day duty guns in capacity.

The REX Firearms Zero 1 Tactical Compact is built on a frame machined from T7075 aluminum and treated with a hard-anodized finish. Inset into the aluminum frame is a steel locking-block insert that works to reduce wear on the frame from the slide. Machined from a solid piece of bar-stock steel, the slide and barrel are treated with a nitrocarburized finish that smooths the metal to reduce friction and also protects the steel components from corrosion. The barrel is cold hammer-forged from a single piece of steel for added durability and includes a threaded muzzle with a 1/2-28 TPI thread pitch compatible with most of today's sound suppressors.

On the slide, consumers will find forward-angled cocking serrations at the rear and vertical serrations at the front. Each pistol ships with all-steel white-dot sights, and replacement sights are available for the gun. Just forward of the rear-sight dovetail, a milled cutout in the slide is compatible with four different mounting plates shipping with the pistol. These mounting plates are compatible with popular reflex-sight options from Trijicon, C-More, Shield, J-Point, EOTech, Vortex, Burris, Docter, Insight and Meopta.

On the frame, the REX Firearms Zero 1 Tactical Compact includes an ambidextrous safety lever and slide stop. The slide-stop lever pulls double-duty as a de-cocking lever, allowing the gun to be carried in a double-action/single-action configuration. For those who prefer it, the gun can also be carried safely in a single-action, cocked-and-locked setup. A Picatinny-accessory rail on the frame's dust cover allows for the attachment of all compatible lights and lasers, and the gun is also machined with an enlarged trigger guard to allow clearance for gloved hands.

Each REX Firearms Zero 1 Tactical Compact ships with two magazines, one 15-round magazine and one 17-round magazine. The suggested retail price on the pistol is $869.99.