Remington RP9 Review

Full-sized 9mm handguns might seem to be everywhere, but there are definitely differences between the various models. If you need an affordably priced 9mm that’s designed to be a workhorse that takes care of business on target, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Remington RP9. This gun is the first polymer pistol of its kind designed and manufactured by Remington and was meant to grab a piece of the popular 9mm pistol market. How does the RP9 run, and is it worth getting? We’re going to answer those questions, and then some.

Remington RP9 Background

The Remington RP9 was announced in 2017 as the company’s initial foray into polymer pistols. It was quickly followed by the RP45 and although there was a 10mm version in the works, it never got to the production stage. The RP9 is, as its name suggests, a 9mm-chambered handgun. It’s a full-sized model designed for use as either a range gun or a self-defense weapon, although due to its size the latter is most likely to be home defense rather than concealed carry. You could certainly conceal this handgun, with some effort, but it’s better suited to open carry or home defense use.

The great thing about the Remington RP9 is that it ships with enough features to make it relatively easy to customize. No, there aren’t a bunch of aftermarket parts for it, but it does have a good accessory rail and decent factory sights. It also comes with interchangeable back straps so you can adjust the fit of the grip to your hand far more effectively. Those are all huge pluses.

This handgun is made to be durable and reliable, and all at a price point most gun owners or gun-curious people can afford. It’s worth mentioning that the research and development team at Remington during the timeframe the RP9 was designed was a team of fantastic people who loved handguns. They put significant effort into creating a handgun that would meet the specifications—and restrictions—of the brand. This has to be said because people do like to make a sport of bashing Big Green, but in reality the company has had some talented, dedicated people working for them over the years.

Features of the Remington RP9

As a function-over-fashion pistol, the Remington RP9 does offer some solid features. These things work to make it a useful gun, and they include:

Remington RP9 Features

1 Front and rear serrations for smoother slide manipulations.

2 Accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard for weapon mounted light, laser, or combo of both.

3 Front corners of slide beveled for easier re-holstering and to reduce snags.

4 Safety blade trigger and internal safety mechanisms (no external thumb safety).

5 Recoil operated, striker-fired.

6 Ergonomically designed grip to facilitate a solid hold during use.

Other Models and Colors

Other Models

Remington RP45

Marketplace	Cost
Sportsmans Wharehouse	$399.99

Remington RP9—Our Take

Considering Remington’s long-time dedication to 1911s and metal-framed pocket pistols, it was nice to see a full-sized polymer model. On first sight it’s clear the RP9 was made as a hard use gun rather than a safe queen, and that’s totally fine—guns are tools, after all. It has a somewhat blocky appearance when compared to many other full-sized 9mms but does have a full-length accessory rail, which makes up for any perceived deficits in aesthetics. In addition, the RP9 has fantastic capacity at 18 +1 and that’s always an excellent feature. 

Shootability

The RP9 is decently balanced. It does produce a bit more felt recoil than you might expect given its size and caliber, but it remains manageable.

The factory trigger is a bit stiff and there is some stacking ahead of the break. Re-set is short. With a better trigger this gun would likely be more accurate, but even with a less-than-ideal trigger it’s possible to nail nice five-shot groups with careful, deliberate shots. Overall, this gun performs within its price point.

Accuracy

On target it’s possible to get one-hole, five-shot groups from a distance of five yards when shooting offhand. At 10 yards the groups broaden but remain acceptable, and at 25 yards they average approximately 3.0-inches for a five-shot group shooting from the bench. This is a generally accurate pistol, just not a precise one.

Ergonomics

The interchangeable backstraps of the pistol help get the fit of the gun a bit better in the hand, but the shape of the grip isn’t entirely comfortable. It’s serviceable, but not ideal. The trigger guard is rounded off which does improve comfort while shooting by taking away sharp edges. As for grip texture, it’s mid-range and creates a slightly grippy surface for an improved hold during shooting.

Value

When the RP9 was first announced it was with an MSRP of $599, but that was eventually dropped to $418. Today you can find the Remington RP9 with a new price of around $300 to $350, and used guns run about $250. The gun performs within its price point and is a decent option if you need an affordably priced full-sized 9mm.

Remington RP9 Pros and Cons

Gun Deals

Preferred Ammo

Upgrade and Accessory Options

Remington RP9 Upgrade and Accessory Options

1. Crossbreed Custom Supertuck IWB Holster			Check Price
2. Trijicon HD Night Sights			Check Price
3. Crimson Trace CMR-208 Rail Master Universal Tactical Light			Check Price