A Brief Look at the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact
The world of concealed carry handguns is a crowded one, filled with options vying for the attention of responsible citizens seeking personal protection. Among these, the compact category reigns supreme, offering a balance of size, power, and portability that makes them ideal for everyday carry. Today, we turn our attention to a contender that has garnered significant interest: the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact. This review delves deep into this intriguing firearm, providing a comprehensive look at its features, performance, and whether it truly deserves a place in your concealed carry rotation.
Roots of the Rex Zero 1 Family
Before diving into the specifics of the compact version, it’s important to understand the broader family. The Rex Zero 1 series initially debuted with a full-sized model, a pistol that clearly drew inspiration from established designs. This is not to say it’s a blatant copy, but rather that it borrows from proven concepts, a tactic often used in the firearms industry to ensure reliability and function. Think of it as a fusion of established techniques with innovative thought. The Rex Zero 1 Compact is, essentially, a scaled-down version of the full-size pistol, designed for easier concealment without sacrificing too much in terms of handling or firepower. This approach is a smart one: leveraging the engineering and manufacturing of a successful larger model to produce a more versatile, carry-friendly package.
Examining the Physical Build
The moment you hold the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact, its build quality becomes immediately apparent. It is a robust firearm constructed with a focus on durability. The frame is typically crafted from a high-strength aluminum alloy, chosen for its balance of weight and resilience. The slide is often constructed from steel, which offers a satisfying heft and contributes to the pistol’s overall balance.
The aesthetics are striking. The pistol boasts a modern, clean design with well-defined lines. Various finishes are available, offering consumers customization options. Consider the matte black or the more rugged FDE (Flat Dark Earth) options, each possessing its own visual appeal. The grip design plays a critical role in handling. It typically features well-placed texturing, sometimes incorporating stippling or panels, providing a secure grip even in adverse conditions, such as sweaty hands or rainy weather. The balance in hand is often reported to be good. The pistol generally feels solid, stable, and ready for use.
Unveiling the Key Features
Beyond the fundamental construction, the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact showcases several key features. The action type, which is often the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) configuration, allows for a long, deliberate first trigger pull (double-action) for added safety and a shorter, lighter pull (single-action) for subsequent shots. This setup offers a degree of flexibility to the shooter.
Safety features are also paramount. The compact often integrates a manual safety lever, offering an extra layer of security. Additionally, firing pin blocks and drop safeties are commonly included, designed to prevent accidental discharge if the pistol is dropped.
Sights are a critical component of any firearm, and the Rex Zero 1 Compact often comes equipped with a three-dot sight system. These sights, typically, consist of a front sight post and a rear sight with two dots, providing a clear sight picture for rapid target acquisition. The sights are typically adjustable, allowing for windage and elevation adjustments to fine-tune accuracy. Magazine capacity is another critical specification. The Rex Zero 1 Compact often holds a respectable number of rounds, offering ample firepower in a compact package.
The trigger is another vital aspect. The DA/SA trigger system results in different trigger pulls. The double-action pull will feel longer and heavier, offering additional safety. The single-action pull will be lighter and shorter for subsequent shots. The trigger feel and reset are factors that will influence a shooter’s confidence.
The barrel length, a crucial factor in both ballistics and concealment, contributes to the overall balance between handling and compactness. The barrel is often designed with attention to detail. Rifling, the spiral grooves inside the barrel, is designed to impart spin to the bullet, increasing stability and accuracy.
Performance in Action
The shooting experience with the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact is generally regarded as positive. The felt recoil, a factor that can significantly influence shooting comfort and control, is often reported to be manageable, thanks to the pistol’s design and weight. Experienced shooters will have a very easy time shooting the Rex Zero 1 Compact. Accuracy is a primary concern. Shooters will often find the Rex Zero 1 Compact to be capable of grouping shots tightly at typical self-defense distances.
For concealed carry applications, the pistol offers several advantages. The compact dimensions facilitate easier concealment under various clothing styles. The rounded edges and smooth surfaces prevent snagging, which can be crucial during a quick draw. Choosing a quality holster is crucial for both comfort and safety. The Rex Zero 1 Compact is compatible with various holster designs.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. Field stripping, the process of disassembling the pistol for cleaning and maintenance, is typically manageable. Cleaning and lubrication are essential practices to ensure the pistol’s longevity and proper function.
The Upsides and Downsides
The Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact presents a compelling set of advantages. The value proposition is often a major selling point. For the features offered, the price point is frequently considered to be very competitive. It frequently incorporates features found in more expensive handguns. The build quality, as we discussed earlier, contributes to the overall value, suggesting a pistol built to last. The ergonomics are generally very good, and the handgun feels comfortable in the hand.
Of course, no firearm is perfect. The trigger, especially in double-action mode, may present a challenge to some shooters. Another potential limitation is the availability of aftermarket support. While the Rex Zero 1 Compact is a capable firearm, the market for aftermarket parts and accessories might not be as vast as that of some of the more well-established brands.
Comparing it to the Competition
In the realm of compact handguns, the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact competes with some formidable rivals.
Contender Comparison One
One major competitor is the SIG Sauer P320 Compact, known for its modular design and widespread popularity. The P320 Compact boasts a customizable frame and trigger.
Contender Comparison Two
Another crucial comparison point is the Glock 19, arguably the gold standard of compact pistols. The Glock 19 is lauded for its simplicity, reliability, and vast aftermarket support.
Contender Comparison Three
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact is also a popular choice. The M&P9 Compact often features ergonomic advantages and a very comfortable grip.
Contender Comparison Four
The CZ P-10 C also offers impressive performance and value. The P-10 C is known for its exceptional ergonomics and trigger.
The Rex Zero 1 Compact distinguishes itself through its build quality and unique feature set. It often provides a high level of performance for its price.
Thoughts from the Users
User reviews for the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact generally reflect a positive sentiment. Online forums and gun review sites frequently host discussions of the compact. Common opinions often include praise for the pistol’s reliability and value for money. Users often commend the quality of the materials. It’s worth noting that while many users have reported positive experiences, the availability of long-term reliability data for some firearms might be limited compared to more established brands.
Considering the Cost and Availability
The Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact is often priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice features or quality. Prices often vary depending on the retailer, finish, and any included accessories.
Availability can be another important consideration. Depending on your location, finding a Rex Zero 1 Compact at a local gun store is possible. Searching online retailers is always a good idea. Before making a purchase, check with local gun shops or online vendors to confirm availability and the current price.
Concluding the Review
So, does the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact warrant a spot in your collection or serve as your everyday carry companion? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact offers a compelling mix of features, build quality, and value. The build quality is noteworthy. It’s a reliable and accurate handgun. The ergonomics are well thought out.
It might be an excellent choice for concealed carry due to its size and the option of the manual safety for some shooters. For those looking for a dependable and capable compact handgun, the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact is certainly worth serious consideration. Consider your intended use case, compare it to your personal preferences, and always handle the firearm before making a final decision.
The choice of a handgun is a personal one. Consider researching further and getting hands on experience with the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact and some of its competitors.
