The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Gunsmithing or Modifications for your Rohrbaugh => Topic started by: giansant on April 26, 2019, 03:20:35 PM

Title: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on April 26, 2019, 03:20:35 PM
I have a Wilson Combat Covert that I recently purchased used. When I took it to the range I had a repeated problem of the second round not properly loading into the chamber. A very slight racking of the slide corrects the problem and then (most of the time) the remaining rounds fire. I am using American Eagle ammo (as recommended) and I both cleaned the gun AND I put a new spring in. None of these things have solved the problem. I asked the guy who sold me the gun if he had this problem, and he claimed not to. Does anyone have additional suggestions, or, otherwise does anyone have a recommendation of a gunsmith I could utilize to help me? Thanks.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: MikeInTexas on April 26, 2019, 04:52:36 PM
Welcome to the forum giansant.

Can't help you with your issue, but I am sure an expert or two will be along shortly.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on April 26, 2019, 05:18:31 PM
Did you try another magazine?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tattoo on April 26, 2019, 06:25:16 PM
Sounds like slide is sticking to me.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: offrdmania on April 26, 2019, 07:59:07 PM
Wilson Combat Covert? Is that a 1911?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on April 26, 2019, 11:27:52 PM
Mania must be off the road asking if that is a 1911. ;D
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on April 27, 2019, 10:52:46 AM
Thanks to all who have replied so far. I did try several magazines but saw no difference. Also ran those same magazines through my other Rohrbaugh with no issues. I did lubricate the slide (very light coating of oil on the rails) but also did not result in any difference. Not saying that it might not be an issue with the slide but did think of that and tried the oil. And yes, to confirm, it is a Rohrbaugh not a 1911.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on April 27, 2019, 12:22:54 PM
If it may be the slide Eric advised me to apply 1200 grit silicon carbide valve lapping compound on the rails to ensure a good slide to frame fit. That is probably not the issue here but just to pass along some of his wisdom. He said to just work the slide on the frame a few times.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: offrdmania on April 27, 2019, 02:13:10 PM
Mania must be off the road asking if that is a 1911. ;D

I guess I dont know the back story about Wilson Combats involvement with Rohrbaugh. Now that I know its a Rohrbaugh R9 I can most likely help. With the second round not going into the chamber without a little help, could it be a feed ramp issue? Are you seeing deformation at the tip of the bullet, is it getting caught as its moving up into the chamber? There was a recent thread where an owner stated that hollow points wouldnt work in his R9 but round nose rounds worked just fine.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: PhilZ on April 27, 2019, 02:17:54 PM
If it may be the slide Eric advised me to apply 1200 grit silicon carbide valve lapping compound on the rails to ensure a good slide to frame fit. That is probably not the issue here but just to pass along some of his wisdom. He said to just work the slide on the frame a few times.

Will that lapping compound work on a painted slide?  Covert had black coated slides.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: PhilZ on April 27, 2019, 02:23:21 PM
Mania must be off the road asking if that is a 1911. ;D

I guess I dont know the back story about Wilson Combats involvement with Rohrbaugh. Now that I know its a Rohrbaugh R9 I can most likely help. With the second round not going into the chamber without a little help, could it be a feed ramp issue? Are you seeing deformation at the tip of the bullet, is it getting caught as its moving up into the chamber? There was a recent thread where an owner stated that hollow points wouldnt work in his R9 but round nose rounds worked just fine.

Wilson took standard R9s and black coated everything to look like a Rohrbaugh Special Forces.  One forum member claimed the internals were tweaked, but another member thought the internals looked unmodified. 
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: offrdmania on April 27, 2019, 02:24:43 PM
Mania must be off the road asking if that is a 1911. ;D

I guess I dont know the back story about Wilson Combats involvement with Rohrbaugh. Now that I know its a Rohrbaugh R9 I can most likely help. With the second round not going into the chamber without a little help, could it be a feed ramp issue? Are you seeing deformation at the tip of the bullet, is it getting caught as its moving up into the chamber? There was a recent thread where an owner stated that hollow points wouldnt work in his R9 but round nose rounds worked just fine.

Wilson took standard R9s and black coated everything to look like a Rohrbaugh Special Forces.  One forum member claimed the internals were tweaked, but another member thought the internals looked unmodified.

Thank you for the clarification  ;)
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: backupr9 on April 27, 2019, 03:34:07 PM
R9’s are notoriously ammo sensitive...some pistols like one type, or even one specific bullet weight, others seem to thrive on other types.  The American Eagle you are using may have a tiny bit more OAL, causing feeding issues.  If you have not done so, try another ammo...Speer Gold Dot 124 or Federal HST might solve your issue.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on April 28, 2019, 08:41:25 PM
OK - next time I get out to the range I'll take look at the tip of the round and see if it looks like there are any marks on it from feed ramp issues. I did try other ammo - not the brands recommended here so I will try to do so - I'm definitely aware of the ammo-sensitive nature of the R9's but if American Eagle doesn't work that kind of surprises me, being that it's one of the ones that was always recommended, and it's always been a steady performer in my other R9. Thanks again to all who continue to reply
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on April 29, 2019, 03:59:54 PM
I recall that forum members were using Speer Lawman 115 gr for range ammo because it is the same spec as the Gold Dot. You may want to try that one.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: backupr9 on April 30, 2019, 10:22:36 AM
I saw a recent video somewhere that discussed “rim lock” in the .32 ACP.  Try tapping the back of the loaded magazine on a flat surface before inserting...?  Doubt this is the problem,  but no harm in checking it out.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: ECR on April 30, 2019, 06:57:33 PM
Hello giansant,

I have been out of state on a mini-vacation with some friends since last Friday, so sorry I haven't checked in until now.

Being Wilson worked on these R9's after we built them, I would certainly call and ask someone at Wilson if they would have a look at the gun for you. I don't know exactly what they did after they got the pistols, but they may be able to help.

I can not do anything at this point being retired and without any license to be of much help, sorry to say.

Let us know if Wilson Combat can do anything for you.

Regards,

Eric C. Rohrbaugh
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on April 30, 2019, 08:56:27 PM
Hi Eric - thanks for your information. I did speak to Steve Kelley @ Wilson Combat. Apparently he's the gunsmith who did all the work on the Coverts. He said he would work on the gun so I'm going to go the range one more time and try a couple of different ammos, as recommended by the posters here. If that doesn't work then I'll send it to Mr. Kelly.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: ECR on May 01, 2019, 10:37:55 PM
I must say that is extremely nice of Steve to offer to work on the Covert for you. That shows pride in what they did with our R9 pistols.

Keep us posted on the outcome please. Thank you!

Eric R.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: PhilZ on May 02, 2019, 09:34:01 PM
I had this thread confused with the William's thread.  When I read the other thread, at first I was wondering how he got the gun back from Wilson so fast.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber - SOLVED
Post by: giansant on May 05, 2019, 08:22:12 PM
Well, I think I got the problem solved. Turns out that the trigger spring was loose. I started to notice a "hitch" in the trigger pull, and all of a sudden the trigger just went limp. I took off the grips and the spring was just sitting there. I put a fresh spring on and took it to the range. Put about 40 rounds down range - Magtech, Hornaday Defense and American Eagle Target & Range ammo all shot flawlessly. Remington UMC put down ten rounds, with one stovepipe (but no problem with the rounds seating into the barrel.) Considering that those ammos are not necessarily the ones always recommended, and that they shot fine save for the Remington, I'm thinking I'm in good shape. I did have a tough time getting the loop of the new trigger spring on but finally got it to fit. (If anyone has advice on making that an easier process, I'd be grateful for the information.) Also, when I went to remove the grips I noticed those were loose. Don't know what that was and I'm not sure but I'm thinking that perhaps that could have led to some of my problems - I don't know if the grip is meant to hold the trigger spring in place. Anyway, many thanks to all that commented, and good shooting!
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on May 05, 2019, 08:57:11 PM
The grip will help to hold the trigger spring in place. I recall that a small flathead screwdriver was helpful to pry open the loop and pop it in to place. You are not the first to experience difficulty with reattaching the trigger spring. That is a good reason not to remove the grips just to take a look at it but I am glad that solved the problem. On the flip side it is a good practice not to torque the grip screws so tight that you strip the screw heads trying to remove them.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: backupr9 on May 06, 2019, 03:01:02 PM
ALSO, please note that the R9 grip screws tend to get loose after as few as 20 to 30 rounds are fired.  I keep tightening them at the range if I shoot more than 20. When cleaning the pistol, if the grips are removed, run a pipe cleaner into the grip screw holes to remove oil.  Some have put a touch of clean nail polish on the screw, or the removable version of loktight, but I do not recommend this...if the screw is too firmly in place you will strip the screw head and then you are really screwed (pun intended).
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on May 06, 2019, 06:45:26 PM
I did already have a small problem with one of the four screws - not completely stripped but starting to get there. Does anyone know where I could purchase replacement screws?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on May 06, 2019, 07:06:58 PM
I don't know where to obtain the screws except from William's Gunsight Co. I highly recommend a Hudy screwdriver for best results and avoiding screw damage.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: ECR on May 06, 2019, 09:34:00 PM
Yes, Williams would be the place for grip screws at this point.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on May 08, 2019, 08:08:12 PM
I don't know where to obtain the screws except from William's Gunsight Co. I highly recommend a Hudy screwdriver for best results and avoiding screw damage.

Any idea what size the screw is?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on May 08, 2019, 08:08:46 PM
Yes, Williams would be the place for grip screws at this point.

Thanks - I don't see anything on their website - do I need to call them direct?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: MikeInTexas on May 08, 2019, 08:17:18 PM
Quote
Thanks - I don't see anything on their website - do I need to call them direct?

Yes call them, ask for Alex the Rohrbaugh guy. (there is another Alex, that does not deal with Rohrbaughs.)

They sell the grip screws for $5 a set, plus $15 for shipping.  They had both stainless and blued available last year when I ordered my replacements.

Good news is if you buy more stuff, you only get stuck with one shipping charge.


Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on May 08, 2019, 10:00:07 PM
The screw size is 1/16".
http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/rohrbaugh/basefile/gripscrews.htm
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: PhilZ on May 09, 2019, 08:30:22 AM
The screw size is 1/16".
http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/rohrbaugh/basefile/gripscrews.htm

The hex socket is 1/16".  Is that how the screw size is described?
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on May 09, 2019, 09:37:11 AM
Not exactly, as you suggest. I should have said that the correct Allen wrench size is 1/16".
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on May 09, 2019, 08:01:02 PM
Quote
Thanks - I don't see anything on their website - do I need to call them direct?

Yes call them, ask for Alex the Rohrbaugh guy. (there is another Alex, that does not deal with Rohrbaughs.)

They sell the grip screws for $5 a set, plus $15 for shipping.  They had both stainless and blued available last year when I ordered my replacements.

Good news is if you buy more stuff, you only get stuck with one shipping charge.

Thanks - talked to them today - ordered one of each set.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: giansant on May 09, 2019, 08:01:23 PM
The screw size is 1/16".
http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/rohrbaugh/basefile/gripscrews.htm

Great stuff - thank you.
Title: Re: problem with round in chamber
Post by: tracker on May 09, 2019, 09:06:45 PM
One other good thing to know is that if a screw is too tight to loosen because of loctite, don't fight it; just carefully put the heated tip of a small soldering iron on the screw for a few seconds and the screw should come out easily.