Thoughts on Arex Zero 1

[JB111]

Ive been thinking of buying a new 9mm to add to my collection and have been reading up and researching on a few and this one has peaked my interests. I first saw a video on youtube about it a couple of years ago and am now noticing it in stock at places I do business with at a decent price, around $520. From what I can gather it is made in Slovenia and is a Sig clone of sorts, or at least has a few traits in common. The videos that turned me on was Military arms channel shooting 1k rounds through it in 14 minutes. No jams, no damage, minimum/non existent wear, nor any oxidation from the heat. Anyone own one or know someone who does, any thoughts? Its either this or a Glock 19x.

 

[Yukon_Cola]

Between that and 19x, the 19x is probably more practical from an aftermarket, holster, parts availability standpoint. But, pride of ownership goes a long way and I could never feel very attached to plastic framed guns. YMMV of course.

 

[sisyphus]

the Zero 1 is the one semi auto I have no use for that I just can't get rid of. Shot it lights out from day one, feels just right in hand. A West German Sig was my first handgun, and I think this Arex improves on the Sig. Wish it didn't have the stupid manual safety, and it's not one I'd carry in any situation because it weighs so much more than my polymer guns, but I'll never sell it.
Also, feels much smaller than its actual size and carries very well in a pancake holster when it's hoodie and jacket weather.

 

[sigarms228]

It's not a SIG clone, more a SIG look alike but share no parts or magazine with the SIG. My concern with these type imports is how is warranty service, do they pay shipping for warranty work, what is parts availability now and in ten years, magazine cost/availability, resale? 1000 round review isn't that much these days. Todd Green of Pistol Forum used to do endurance tests for tens of thousands of rounds. I would go with the Glock no question but its your money.

 

[JB111]

It's not a SIG clone, more a SIG look alike but share no parts or magazine with the SIG. My concern with these type imports is how is warranty service, do they pay shipping for warranty work, what is parts availability now and in ten years, magazine cost/availability, resale? 1000 round review isn't that much these days. Todd Green of Pistol Forum used to do endurance tests for tens of thousands of rounds. I would go with the Glock no question but its your money.

I have considered much of the same which is one reason Ive been asking around about these. To be honest, the warranty service on a lot of American guns can be hit or miss too so I don't really stake my decision on that alone. The parts thing is a very legitimate concern, k-var sells a lot of parts for this gun right now, but that could easily change which is why I normally buy up parts for every gun I purchase if possible. An import ban would surely affect this (and every other) imported gun as well. The magazines can be had for a decent price and I usually factor a couple dozen in the cost of a purchase so I would not really have to worry about that later on down the road. As for resale value, I only buy so that is a moot point for me. As for the 1k review, I found it impressive considering it was done in 14 minutes of shooting non stop mag dumps with no ill effect or even any wear considering it had to get pretty hot. Of course a long term endurance test of 10k+ would shed more light on the longevity of the gun, but 1k done in a very short amount of time sells me on its reliability in a pinch. The Glock19x is VERY tempting for me and to be honest I will probably wind up getting both, starting with the Arex.

 

[sigarms228]

The SIG SP2022 sailed through a similar fast as you can shoot it 5000 round test. I like shooting my pistols but dang 5000 rounds like that would not be for me.

 

[JB111]

The SIG SP2022 sailed through a similar fast as you can shoot it 5000 round test. I like shooting my pistols but dang 5000 rounds like that would not be for me.

To be fair they don't show them shooting all 5k rounds through that gun. They should have shown all the rounds being put through it, even if they had to speed the video up. If they really put 5k rounds back to back through that Sp2022, I would have liked to see a take down of it to see how well it held up. What I have seen in video is another polymer Sig, the p320 getting 1k rounds put through it without edit and it performed very well, no jams or malfunctions but it did sustain some damage. The barrel oxidized and there was some deformation/melted spots on the frame which was really no big deal considering a new grip frame is easily replaceable and low cost. To be honest though I hope I never find myself in a situation where I have to fire thousands of rounds in a short period of time, so its really more out of curiosity plus a little peace of mind knowing you own a handgun that should, at least in theory last decades, if not a lifetime of normal shooting. Thanks again for your insights and thoughts.

 

[MikeInOr]

When I first read your post I kind of scoffed at the thought. But when I looked it up it actually looks like a nice gun at a good price. I grew up learning on a Beretta 92 which instilled in me an appreciation for metal DA/SA pistols. I really like the decocking lever on the Sig's and the AREX.

I put very little faith in any gun writers, they are mostly about stirring up interest in guns that pay for advertising. Without reading any reviews I like what I see it peaks my interest. Everyone should own a quality metal DA/SA pistol if for no other reason than just having a good mental picture of what it means to be pistol whipped.

 

[Up North]

I like mine a lot. Put nite sights on it and I only do that with guns I like and plan on keeping a long time. Accurate and fits my hand. I load 5.1g cfe pistol over rmr 124 hp at 1.065 oal. Only 9mm of mine that beats it is a canik sfx and only barely.

 

[JB111]

Well, I wound up ordering one last week and it showed up at the ffl yesterday. Ive shot a few boxes of ammo through it since then consisting of IMI JHP 124gr, Belom FMJ 124gr, Belom FMJ 115gr, S&B FMJ 115gr, Federal target FMJ 124gr, Federal JHP 124gr and Winchester FMJ 115gr. It ran through all of it no malfunctions. I like the double action trigger and the high bore axis don't affect my aim at all. My first magazine through it put a 5 inch group and subsequent magazines yielded similar results and I believe it will improve as I get used to the gun. I personally like the grips and the magazine release is very clicky feeling. The magazine drops free as a bird. I was worried I wouldn't like the grips after reading so many complaints about them but to my surprise, they are just fine for me. There really isn't anything bad I can say about it right now, just figured I would share my thoughts on it after getting one in my hands .

PXL_20230131_161507580

• JB111
• Jan 31, 2023

Arex Zero1S

 

[hemiram]

I almost bit on one at a LGS. Somehow, I resisted the urge to get the card out and add to my CC's balance that I am gitting hard this month.