Remington RP9: the new polymer pistol from the "Big Green R"
New for 2017 from Remington is the RP9 pistol: a full-size, semi-automatic striker-fired handgun offering the light weight of a polymer frame and the dependability of a very high-capacity, double-stack magazine
New for 2017 from the Remington Arms Company – one of America's oldest and premier manufacturers of firearms for civilian, law enforcement, and military use – is the RP9: Remington's own take on semi-automatic, striker-fired pistols for all purposes, ranging from sport and target shooting to personal and property protection and service issue.
First announced in late 2016 after long months of unofficial and semi-official announcements, and finally launched at the 2017 SHOT Show back in January, the Remington RP9 is sold in the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $489.00.
There is still no indication concerning its distribution in Europe, but the RP9 was on display at the Remington booth during the 2017 IWA OutdoorClassics, hinting that it should be available soon.
Standing at 20 cm / 7.91" of overall length, the Remington RP9 is built around a reinforced polymer frame and a machined stainless steel slide that's PVD-coated in black – and so is the 4.5" long, Match-grade barrel with a 1:10" twist rate that will properly stabilize the vast majority of commercial 9 mm loads while offering what the company calls "Best-in-class accuracy".
The striker-fired Remington RP9 pistol features a clean, smooth single action trigger with a short tactile reset; the trigger weight ranges between 5.5 lbs and 7 lbs (2,5 kg / 3.1 kg). The slide sports a maximized profile and both front and rear serrations for secure manipulation, even with gloves, and offers a good balance for minimized muzzle rise during rapid fire.
The Remington RP9 feeds through a double-stack metal magazine with a polymer end plate, holding a staggering 18-rounds capacity. Adding one round in chamber, the RP9 offers one of the highest out-of-the-box capacities currently available.
The Remington RP9 sports no manual safety; an automatic safeties and trigger safety system ensures secure and confident carry in all conditions. The slide release catch is ambidextrous, while the magazine release button is reversible for left-hand or right-hand shooters.
Among other features of the Remington RP9 are drift-adjustable sights and what the Company dubs a "Fighting surface" on rear sight – for one-hand slide operation.
The polymer frame of the Remington RP9 offers a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for tactical accessories, an undercut trigger guard allowing higher hand hold for increased control, and a textured, well-profiled grip with an optimized angle to reduce felt recoil and increases shootability.
The texture also provides a guide for extra tape, allowing width adjustment according to the shooter's preferences. Small, medium, and large backstraps for custom fit are issued with each Remington RP9.
A .45 ACP caliber counterpart of the Remington RP9 – dubbed the RP45 – has also been announced, and will be officially introduced and launched later on during the year. The RP45 will have the exact same dimensions of the RP9, and will feed from double-stack magazines offering an overall capacity of 15 rounds.
Also (possibly as a marketing stunt?) a licensed airgun based on the RP9/RP45 design has been announced by Crosman, and will soon be launched worldwide.
By today's standards, the Remington RP9 is a no-frills striker-fired polymer pistol available at a budget price for those seeking a reliable compromise. Whether or not it will turn out to be a success in an already saturated market, is left to be seen.