Arex Rex Zero 1 Review - All You Need to Know

The Arex Rex Zero 1 is a traditional, hammer-fired 9 mm built with old-school durability and modern machining. If you prefer a DA/SA pistol with an external hammer, manual safety/decocker, and a heavy, stable platform that shoots like a service pistol, the Rex Zero 1 deserves a careful look.

It’s heavier and less “compact-friendly” than polymer striker pistols, but those tradeoffs buy accuracy, durability, and a familiar manual of arms for users coming from SIG-style designs.

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The Arex Rex Zero 1 is Arex’s straightforward answer to shooters who prefer a tried-and-true hammer-fired pistol over modern striker systems. Birthed in Slovenia and offered to U.S. markets via import partners, the Rex Zero 1 channels classic service-pistol DNA — think SIG and CZ — while bringing contemporary manufacturing (CNC machining, cold hammer-forged barrels) and corrosion-resistant finishes to the table.

Where many OEMs have chased lighter polymer designs and micro-red-dot adoption, Arex leaned into robustness: an aluminum frame, steel locking block, manual safeties, and a decocker for safe manipulation of the hammer.

The pistol’s intended market is clear — law-enforcement, armed professionals, and traditionalists seeking a reliable duty-style sidearm suitable for duty, range work, or defensive carry in larger configurations.

Arex Rex Zero 1  Specifications

• Type: Semi-automatic, hammer-fired (DA/SA)

• Caliber: 9×19 mm Luger (9 mm)

• Barrel length: 4.25 in (108 mm)

• Overall length: 7.6 – 8.0 in (194 – 203 mm), depending on variant

• Height: ~5.2 – 5.6 in (132 – 142 mm)

• Width: ~1.45 in (37 mm)

• Weight (unloaded): ~27.5 – 30 oz (780 – 850 g)

• Frame: Hard-anodized aluminum with steel locking block

• Slide: Nitrocarburized steel (durable finish)

• Magazine capacity: 17+1 standard (compact 10-round mags available)

• Sights: Low-profile three-dot steel sights

• Safeties: External ambidextrous manual safety, firing-pin safety, and decocker lever

• Accessory rail: Short Picatinny for light/laser

• Optics: Typically not optics-ready out of the box (aftermarket/custom work possible)

• Variants: Full-size standard, Compact (CP), Tactical (TC), and other custom variations

Those numbers place the Rex Zero 1 squarely in the full-size service pistol class. It’s not featherweight, but that mass is purposeful: it tames recoil and lends stability to follow-up shots.

Design & Build Quality

Materials & Finishing:

The Rex Zero 1’s aluminum frame and nitrocarburized steel slide reflect a classic, service-grade construction. The nitrocarburized finish offers strong wear and corrosion resistance — practical for duty use or a carry gun exposed to sweat and the elements.

Fit & Machining:

Arex’s CNC work and attention to tolerances are immediately noticeable in hand. Slide-to-frame fit is tight, controls align well, and the cold hammer-forged barrel speaks to a level of machining often absent in economy steel-on-polymer designs.

Ergonomics & Grip:

The grip is deliberately substantial. Its blockier profile provides a firm purchase and excellent leverage for recoil control; however, shooters with smaller hands may find the circumference bulky.

Undercut trigger guard and texturing give a secure hold, but prospective owners with smaller hands should try one before committing or plan for grip modifications.

Controls:

The Rex Zero 1 follows a classic manual-of-arms: an external ambidextrous safety/decocker and a distinct DA/SA trigger feel. Slide stop and magazine release are conventional; a few users report the slide release can be somewhat stiff, but this is not a universal complaint.

The presence of a decocker plus manual safety gives carriers multiple safe-handling options — a plus for users who favor manual safety redundancy.

Accessories & Optics:

The pistol is not typically optics-ready from the factory, which will be a downside for buyers wanting a micro-red-dot out of the box. The short Picatinny rail allows lights or lasers, but red-dot integration generally requires gunsmithing or aftermarket work.

Arex Rex Zero 1  Variants & model differences

Arex offered multiple variants to suit different buyers:

• Standard / Full-size: The baseline Rex Zero 1 with full-length slide and 17-round magazines. Best for duty/home defense.

• CP (Compact): Reduced dimensions and magazine options (10-round compact mags) for easier carry.

• TC (Tactical): Potentially features different sights or night-vision compatible options; check specific model sheets.

• Custom configurations: Because of the platform’s modularity, aftermarket slides/plates and gunsmith work can produce specialized units.

The big takeaway: this platform scales from compact to full-size while retaining the same DA/SA action and manual-safety philosophy.

You might also like: Arex Delta Gun Review

What are Some Direct Competitors of the AREX Rex Zero 1?

Handguns that compete directly with the AREX Rex Zero 1 tend to be other compact to midsize striker-fired 9 mm pistols in a similar price and performance bracket.

Examples include polymer-frame pistols like the Glock 19 and the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Compact. These designs occupy the same role: versatile, everyday 9 mm handguns suited for range use, personal defense, and carry, with magazine capacities and dimensions close to the Rex Zero 1.

Enthusiasts and gun owners should care because comparing these models helps clarify trade-offs in ergonomics, trigger feel, aftermarket support, and feature sets.

The Rex Zero 1 often markets a comfortable grip and competitive trigger out of the box, while long-established competitors have extensive accessory ecosystems and proven reliability records.

Understanding how these alternatives stack up against each other lets a shooter choose a pistol that best fits their intended use and preferences.

Arex Rex Zero 1 Performance

Accuracy:

Expect accurate, service-grade performance. The heavy-duty barrel and stable frame produce consistent point-of-impact shot to shot. In practical drills and accuracy testing, shooters commonly report tight groups at typical defensive distances (7–25 yards) — comparable to other well-set-up DA/SA service pistols.

Recoil Management:

Because the pistol weighs 27.5–30 oz unloaded, muzzle rise is mild and recovery between shots is quick for a full-size pistol. That weight helps tame 9 mm recoil, making controlled rapid strings manageable.

Reliability:

Across forum reports and reviewer testing, Rex Zero 1s run reliably through hundreds to thousands of rounds with minimal feeding or extraction issues. The magazine geometry and feed ramp harmonize well with common factory loads; jams are not widely reported in modern use.

Trigger Feel:

DA/SA brings two distinct experiences. Double-action pull is heavy and long (many users note ~13 lb DA), designed for safe first-strike handling from a hammer-down carry.

Single-action pull is crisp and pleasant (around ~5.5 lb in reported tests) with a clean break — flattering for precision shots. The DA pull requires deliberate technique; expect a training curve if you’re coming from a DAO or striker platform.

Durability:

The nitrocarburized slide and robust frame design tolerate heavy use. Reported long-term function remains excellent, and maintenance/takedown are straightforward for those familiar with steel-frame pistols.

Ammunition compatibility

Grain Weights:

The Rex Zero 1 handles the typical 9 mm weight spectrum well. 115–147 gr ammo runs reliably; for defense, 124–147 gr hollow points are common choices that balance terminal performance and controllability.

+P Usage:

No systemic failures have been reported with +P loads in normal testing, but heavy use of +P will accelerate wear. As always, test your chosen defensive +P load for reliable feeding and extraction in your individual pistol.

Feeding & Extraction:

In real-world tests and user logs the platform shows solid feeding geometry. Some early users emphasized testing several brands of hollow points to confirm consistent nose-first seating in the ramp, but widespread functional problems haven’t been a pattern.

Use-case suitability

Concealed Carry / Self-Defense:

The full-size Rex Zero 1 is heavier and larger than many polymer carry options; its compact CP variant is more suited for concealed carry. If you prioritize recoil management and accuracy over minimal weight, the Rex excels, but it will be bulkier on the belt than a Glock 19 or Arex Delta.

Home Defense / Duty:

This is the Rex Zero 1’s natural role. Weight and ergonomics make it a stable platform for duty use, and the manual safety/decocker combo is desirable for agencies or users that prefer explicit mechanical safeties.

Competition:

Not purpose-built for high-level IPSC/USPSA competition, but its SA trigger and stable ergonomics let it perform respectably in production/division matches for hobbyists.

Hunting / Outdoors:

As a defensive handgun, it’s serviceable in outdoor defense roles. It’s not a hunting sidearm per se, but it’s rugged enough to handle field conditions.

Range Toy or Workhorse?

The Rex Zero 1 leans workhorse. It’s built to be used and not pampered — long sessions and heavy use are well within its design intent.

Best Holsters for Arex Rex Zero 1 (Compact and Full-Size)

Match holster cut to model (CP vs full-size) and account for the external safety/decocker so the holster doesn’t obstruct operation.

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holsters 

Experience secure concealment and lasting comfort with the Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster, designed specifically for the Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact and Full-Size pistols. Perfect for daily carry, this inside-the-waistband holster maintains a low, streamlined profile that complements the Rex Zero 1’s solid frame—offering smooth concealment without compromising draw speed or retention.

Constructed with a CoolVent™ neoprene backing for superior breathability and a steel-reinforced core for consistent structure, the Cloak Tuck 3.5 molds naturally to your body for optimal comfort and stability. Its tool-less adjustable belt clips let you easily fine-tune ride height and cant, giving you a customized fit that matches your preferred carry angle and draw style.

 

 

Cloak OWB Paddle Holster

Built for both durability and versatility, the Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster is precision-molded for the Arex Rex Zero 1 series and engineered to deliver consistent performance in any environment. The robust design includes a spring-steel flex plate for added strength and longevity, making it an excellent choice for range sessions, open carry, or daily defensive use.

The curved paddle attachment features a secure retention lip that anchors the holster firmly to your waistband, preventing unwanted movement during activity. For enhanced adaptability, the paddle can be swapped for a belt slide mount, allowing you to switch between carry styles with ease—whether you’re on the range, out for duty, or simply prefer a more traditional belt carry.

 

 

Cloak Belt Holsters

The Cloak Belt Holster offers a dependable outside-the-waistband option tailored for both Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact and Full-Size models. Its contoured design keeps your pistol close to the body for a secure, balanced fit that supports confident carry and discreet concealment.

Featuring a ventilated neoprene backing reinforced with ballistic nylon and spring-steel layers, this holster provides a firm yet flexible feel for extended wear. Whether you favor open carry or need a high-riding setup that hides easily beneath a jacket, the Cloak Belt Holster adjusts effortlessly to your preference.

Designed for comfort, control, and everyday reliability, it’s a trusted solution for Rex Zero 1 owners who demand professional-grade performance from their gear.

 

 

Arex Rex Zero 1 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust, service-grade construction (aluminum frame + nitrocarburized slide).
• Classic DA/SA operation with decocker and ambidextrous safety — familiar to many professionals.
• Solid accuracy and controllable recoil due to weight and barrel design.
• Large factory magazine capacity (17+1).
• Good long-term durability and resistance to wear.

Cons

• Heavier and larger than modern polymer compacts — less comfortable for long-term concealed carry.
• Not optics-ready out of the box; red-dot users will need gunsmithing or aftermarket solutions.
• Blockier grip geometry may be unwieldy for smaller-handed shooters.
• Aftermarket ecosystem smaller than Glock/CZ; custom parts and holsters are available but less abundant.

Final verdict

The Arex Rex Zero 1 is a purpose-driven pistol: heavy, predictable, and built to last. It isn’t trying to be the lightest or the flashiest — it’s trying to be a no-surprises, accurate, and safe service sidearm. If you come from SIG/CZ backgrounds or want a hammer-fired platform with a manual safety and decocker, the Rex Zero 1 feels familiar and dependable.

Who should buy it

• Shooters who value mechanical safeties and DA/SA operation.
• Law-enforcement or private-security buyers seeking a heavy, controllable duty sidearm.
• Range owners and collectors who appreciate steel-frame durability and classic pistol ergonomics.

Who might skip it

• Carry buyers who prioritize minimum weight and maximum concealability.
• Red-dot first buyers who want optics-integration without gunsmithing.
• Shooters with very small hands unless they plan to fit aftermarket grips.

Value for money: The Rex Zero 1 competes well on a dollars-for-feature basis with other steel-frame service pistols. You’re paying for robust metallurgy, good machining, and a conservative, proven operating system.

Long-term ownership: Expect solid longevity. Maintain it like any steel-frame service pistol (regular cleaning, quality mags, and periodic inspection) and the Rex will serve for years. If you want modern optics without modification, plan for extra cost. Buy a couple of OEM magazines early and secure a well-fitting holster for the specific Rex model you choose.