If you’ve been on Gunstagram this morning, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen the newest model of handgun from the Slovenian military manufacturer, Arex – the Arex Delta.

A very special thanks to my dear friends at Polenar Tactical for the pictures.

The Delta is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol (yes, like a Glock) that has capacity, specs, and dimensions very close to the Glock 19. This is a smart move by Arex, as the Glock 19 has a profile with a broad appeal and is one of the most popular handguns of all time. While it took manufacturers like Ruger (Security-9) and S&W (M&P Compact 2.0) years to introduce a mid-size model to compete directly with the 19, Arex is getting down to business immediately.

The price further shows that Arex is going to compete: MSRP should be $450 when the gun is introduced. The US market will primarily see safety-free models, but the pictures show that manual safety models may also be available. The safety cutouts will be on the safety-free gun regardless, so this may even be something that a department armorer or gunsmith could possibly add easily via a drop-in lever, but we will know more as this story develops.

Magazines will be proprietary, but the rumor is that they will be supplied by Italian mega-mag firm, Mec-Gar, so expect them to be reasonably priced but good quality. Preliminary specs suggest that the Delta will come with one 17 round extended magazine and one 15 round flush fit mag.

The Delta will have an ambidextrous mag release and four different size interchangeable backstraps. Front slide serrations and grip texture look good, and takedown looks like it will also be similar to a Glock. Safety features (in addition to the ability to add a manual safety) include a trigger safety, a drop safety/firing pin block, and a loaded chamber indicator.

If I sound excited, it’s because I am. I got to visit Arex’s state of the art manufacturing facility last summer (video below) and I was shocked at the attention to detail and the blend of advanced technology combined with enhanced manufacturing processes (like hammer forging the Rex Zero1 barrels), durability/endurance testing, and good old fashioned hand-fitting and hand-finishing. A tech hand-polishing the feed-ramps to a mirror sheen will always stand out in my mind as an example of Arex’s dedication to a quality product. Have a look at the video below if you want to see what I mean.

I’ve got a date with the Delta in January (maybe earlier…are you listening, FIME?) and I’ll report back. We will have more details once we get additional information from Arex’s US importer, FIME Group.

Stay tuned. And once again, a very special thanks to Ziga, Samo, and Manca of Polenar Tactical for the beautiful photos and the video below: