A few months ago I purchased an Arex Rex Zero 1 TC (Tactical Compact) and made it my EDC. This particular model of the Arex Rex Zero 1 series caught my attention because I wanted an optics-ready, double-action single-action handgun with a manual safety and decocker. I also wanted something with a compact length barrel and full-size grip. An added bonus to this gun is that it comes with a threaded barrel (I will try to shoot with a friend’s suppressor soon), suppressor height sights, a 15-round magazine and a 17-round magazine. One of the handguns I considered purchasing was a suppressor ready CZ P07 but there were a few things I did not like about it. I felt the grip was too short for my liking and the gun can only be configured with a manual safety or decocker rather than both. I would also have to spend an additional $300 through CZ Custom to have the slide milled along with new front and rear iron sights. Then purchase a Trijicon RMR because CZ Custom only mills P07 and P09 slides for Trijicon RMR red dot sights. Another gun I really considered purchasing was the optics-ready Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact with a 4” barrel and manual safety. This gun was just about everything I was looking for but I was dead set on getting something that was double-action single-action. For months I could not find an Arex TC for less than $800. Then one day I got lucky and found an online vendor who had a few brand new Arex TC’s for less than $600.
Shortly after picking up the Arex from my FFL, I installed a Vortex Viper red dot sight I had laying around and ordered two 20-round mags. I also ordered an appendix carry holster from Renaissance Firearms but had to deal with a 5-week lead time.
While waiting for my holster I took the Arex to the range several times to get acquainted with the manual of arms. One of the problems I ran into with the Arex was the slide no locking back when the last round was fired from the magazine. I attribute this to user error because I noticed that I was riding the slide catch decocker lever while firing the Arex. Another problem I ran into was the slide stop spring not providing enough tension against the slide stop. Sure I could always use the slide catch decocker lever but in order to manually charge the firearm, the slide had to be racked twice to clear the slide stop. Initially I thought it was a matter of breaking-in the firearm but most of the problems I saw online were issues with the decocker not functioning properly.. After watching several assembly and disassembly videos, I bent the slide stop spring and that solved my problem. The only other issue I have come across with the Arex is that there practically no aftermarket support when compared to other well known gun brands. My buddies and I plan on doing a few USPSA and 3-gun matches this year. I recently began to look for a retention holster to fit my Arex so that I can compete with it.
I have been appendix carrying for the past few months and I am still in the trial and error phase. The concept of appendix carry isn’t anything new, but I chose to give it a try because of the benefits I have seen over traditional inside the waistband 5 - 6 o’clock carry. During this time I also lost 20 lbs simply from diet and working out. Because of this, I had to get rid of every pair of shorts and pants I have purchased after 2010 simply because they were all too big. I’m telling you guys this because all of this affected my experience with appendix carry.
The holster model I purchased from Renaissance Firearms is called the Fupa. I choose Renaissance Firearms because of Youtube reviews and the fact that Chip (owner) is one of the only vendors that makes appendix carry holsters for the Arex Rex Zero 1 series. Chip’s holsters are made to order and because he is a one man shop, his lead times are 3-5 weeks. When I received my holster I paired the holster with my 5.11 Operator belt and began to carry with this setup on a daily basis. At the beginning I felt like I was concealed carrying for the very first time and kept on checking to make sure that I was not printing the 17-round mag. WIth my larger clothes I found myself constantly tightening my belt and eventually getting to a point that it became too tight. After purchasing the right size pants and finding what I believe is the right amount of belt tension, I still find myself adjusting my holster every couple of hours because of the molded wedge on the backside of the holster.
I am not really sure about the molded wedge being necessary because of the pressure it puts against my pelvic bone. Also, considering the holster also has a claw, I find it somewhat difficult to agree with its necessity, but maybe someone with more experience can explain why it is needed.. Aside from these problems, the holster has kept my firearm very secure. The belt clip is surprisingly sturdy, but in terms of weight distribution I wonder how it compares to other holsters with two belt clips.
This is a Czech clone of a 686, though in some ways its even better. Compared it side to side with a S&W 686, lockup etc. feels exactly the same but the cylinder is recessed for the cartridge rims which S&W stopped doing in the 80's because it takes a lot of machining and the finishing felt a little better on the Czech revolver as well. 
)- How is the DA trigger pull? Would you carry it hammer cocked and safety engaged or are you confident in making a good first DA shot? How quick are you with the RMR?
