First showcased at the 2022 edition of IWA as a production-ready prototype, and later at the EOS expo in Verona (northern Italy) as a mock-up, the brand new AREX Zero 2 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol is ready to be offered on the global markets by AREX Defense of Slovenia as an improvement over the company's own REX Zero1 pistol, which has been around ever since 2015. Departing from the modern canons of striker-fired triggers and polymer frames, the new AREX Zero 2 is a more classic design, and intends to prove its valor as a rugged, accurate and reliable firearm for law enforcement, military, private security, and civilian customers alike.

Just like the previous REX Zero1 model, the new AREX Zero 2 pistol features a SA/DA hammer-fired trigger with an external hammer and a modified Browning linkless working system, and is built around a CNC-machined, hardcoat-anodized black lightweight aluminum alloy frame and a machined, Nitride-finished black stainless steel slide.

Once again like the Zero1, the new AREX Zero 2 pistol shows a clear SIG Sauer lineage in terms of technical features, albeit with a stunning execution in terms of manufacturing quality, tolerances, finishes, and performance. A small player like AREX Defense has come a long way since the original Zero1 was first launched – and back in the day, even the first Zero1 managed to astonish the global shooting community with its unexpected quality and performance levels.

The AREX Zero 2 maintains the weight, dimensions, and manual of arms of the previous REX Zero1 model, making it easier to familiarize with by those who already have experience with it or with other SIG Sauer design derivatives.

The new AREX Zero 2 blends SIG Sauer's tried and true, comfortable decocker with the Zero1's appreciated frame-mounted manual safety, for additional peace of mind. Improvements over the Zero1 include a redesigned, higher-profile magazine release button and a more ergonomic grip, with a wraparound stippled slip-proof grip texture, allowing for a firmer hold, a higher grip more in line with the bore axis, and shorter trigger reach.

The railed frame and the slide have also been slightly redesigned, removing numerous sharp-edges to allow a more fluid, faster and snag-free draw or holstering.

AREX Defense's new Zero 2 semi-automatic pistol also features an extended and beveled magazine well for faster reloads. The Zero 2 feeds through double-stack metal magazines, holding up to eighteen or twenty rounds in 9mm Luger, depending on the variant.

The slide of the AREX Zero 2 features a set of front and rear slide serrations, and the same type of dovetailed front and rear sights as the Zero1. Unlike the previous model, however, the Zero 2 slide features a universal reflex optics platform, compatible with many popular micro red dot sights. Five standardized mounting plates are included to provide a secure and low profile interface.

The new AREX Zero 2 pistol is 198 mm / 7.8" long overall, features a 108 mm / 4.2" barrel, and weighs in at barely 890 grams (32 oz) when empty. AREX Defense already has a broad list of compatible accessories ready for this new gun, which should help the new design in gaining traction on the global market.

As of today, the AREX Zero 2 pistol is not yet available in Europe. In the United States, the first samples are being marketed at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $849.99. We will keep you posted about the international availability and pricing of the Zero 2, so stay tuned with us!