The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R380 => Topic started by: DDGator on November 28, 2006, 04:20:57 PM

Title: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DDGator on November 28, 2006, 04:20:57 PM
It is official!   The R-380 will be produced.  This is, for lack of a better description, and R-9 chambered in .380 ACP.

The R-380 will look identical to the current R-9, but will have a different breech face, extractor, ejector, barrel and magazine.

As I mentioned in another thread, I had the privilege of shooting the R-380 prototype up at the original Farmingdale factory over two years ago.  What a sweet gun!  The recoil is negligible.  It is nothing like shooting a blowback style gun like the NAA .380 Guardian.  The 380 is a real pussycat and will be very popular.

The R-380 will be the answer for people who don't like, or can't handle, the recoil of the 9mm.  
 
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Brenden on November 28, 2006, 06:17:38 PM
Oh shoot!!

Just when I thought I was out,they bring me back in!! ;)

Thanks for the info Duane..

Brenden
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: R9SCarry on November 28, 2006, 08:38:13 PM
I reckon that will sell pretty well - as the ''snap'' of the 9mm is not for everyone.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Richard S on November 28, 2006, 08:53:56 PM
I wonder if the Brothers will be targeting the international market with the new R-380.  It could be a real winner for them, both domestically and overseas.  
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Fud on November 28, 2006, 09:40:37 PM
Any idea what the expected price is going to be and when they will start shipping?

Also, when can we start placing orders?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DDGator on November 28, 2006, 09:48:36 PM
All good questions, Allan.  I don't know on either point.  If you want to order, I would call the factory.  I assume the price will be the same as the R-9 -- its basically the same gun.

Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: ROKTMAN on November 28, 2006, 11:30:52 PM
That is nice to hear.It will give an alternative to the seldom seen Seecamp .380.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: dctfn on November 29, 2006, 01:42:37 PM
Well the hook has been set. Go ahead and real me in!!!

Tom, I'll be in touch in the very near future.

Fred
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DTM_39 on November 29, 2006, 03:53:14 PM
Good News, I will be ordering mine soon. Dan
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: jarcher on November 30, 2006, 10:59:41 PM
Very tempting.  
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: BillinPittsburgh on November 30, 2006, 11:55:02 PM
Quote
It is official!   The R-380 will be produced.  This is, for lack of a better description, and R-9 chambered in .380 ACP.

The R-380 will look identical to the current R-9, but will have a different breech face, extractor, ejector, barrel and magazine.

As I mentioned in another thread, I had the privilege of shooting the R-380 prototype up at the original Farmingdale factory over two years ago.  What a sweet gun!  The recoil is negligible.  It is nothing like shooting a blowback style gun like the NAA .380 Guardian.  The 380 is a real pussycat and will be very popular.

The R-380 will be the answer for people who don't like, or can't handle, the recoil of the 9mm.  
 


Duane,

I am particularly interested in this for my skilled but recoil sensitive wife.  What other guns would you say are the closest comparison to the recoil of the R380?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DDGator on December 01, 2006, 11:31:42 AM
As I recall, it was truly neligible.  Less than any pocket .380 I have ever fired.  Less than a KT .32 ACP.  Maybe along the lines of a Ruger Mark II?  It won't bother anyone.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on December 01, 2006, 02:48:33 PM
I have some on order, the price is the same as the standard R9s.    Tom
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: jarcher on December 01, 2006, 08:02:53 PM
Tom, what's the ETA?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Fud on December 02, 2006, 07:56:23 AM
Quote
I have some on order, the price is the same as the standard R9s.    Tom
Ouch! Better start budgetting for it now.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Richard S on December 02, 2006, 05:48:32 PM
Quote

I am particularly interested in this for my skilled but recoil sensitive wife.  

Bill:

Based on Duane's report, the R380 may be the handgun for which you have been searching.   8)
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: BillinPittsburgh on December 02, 2006, 06:16:21 PM
Thanks, Duane,

Richard, I think you may be right.  A .380 with less recoil than a Kel-Tec P-32 but that is still truly pocket size clearly puts the .22 v. .25 issue to rest.

Tom,

What are the available finish options?  Is it just standard 2-tone or is a stealth .380 available?

What is the expected delivery time?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on December 02, 2006, 07:03:56 PM
As far as I know, the finish will be standard and available in the first quarter of 2007. I will try to get a better read on those issues next week.   Tom
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Larry on December 03, 2006, 11:33:59 PM
Howdy, everyone!  I have been absent from the Forum for a few months.  I have been working almost all the time it seems. I have not even shot my R9 at all. (shame). I of course received the announcement letter from Rohrbaugh.  I feel the .380 will naturally overcome the challenges that the 9 has had. I have less than 100% confidence in the R9. I still love it dearly. But as a primary defence gun, it falls way short of my G27, which I sold.
The .380 should be way better than my KT32. But I am not a fan of calibers under 9mm.  When I carry the .32, I have confidence in its ability to go bang most of the time, but still feel undergunned.
I am however interested in the .380. If Rohrbaugh came out with a new R9 that gave great reliability to most folks, I would buy that right now! I am going to wait a little for the .380. May buy another G27. Good to be back up online. Hi, Tom. Regards to All, Larry
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: riffraff on December 04, 2006, 12:09:39 AM
Larry,

How many times have you fired your R9?  How do you know yours is not perfectly reliable?  

The G27 and R9 are not comparable guns.  They were built with two different plans/visions/purposes in mind.

Please repost and tell us who are relatively new to the board how many times and with what ammo you have fired your R9.

Mike
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Erich on December 05, 2006, 10:25:15 PM
Wow, this is exciting news.  :)
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on December 06, 2006, 09:38:56 AM
An update on the .380, the finish will be like the standard R9s and they will be ready to start shipping about June July.   Tom
Title: Myhobbit...!!...
Post by: TW on December 07, 2006, 08:09:33 PM
>>**GASP**...  I have GOT to HAVE an R-380...  Like NOW - lol...!  I too have shot the prototype, and it is sooooo sweet.  

Although I rarely carry .380 caliber - I do collect them (mostly out of production Colts), and what collection can be complete when there are now Rohrbaugh .380s to be had out there...!  Be still. my heart...TW<<
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DTM_39 on February 08, 2007, 01:22:39 PM
Talked to Karl R the other day sounds like over 1000 already ordered. Mine is #39. Can't wait! Dan
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Fud on February 08, 2007, 09:04:16 PM
What's the price?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: 75scout on February 11, 2007, 07:17:34 PM
The price is stated to be the same as the R9s.  I can't wait for the R380 to come out.  It think is will be perfect.  I will be carrying my Sig 220 45acp when I'm on and off duty, if I get accepted to the police academy.  I would like to carry the R380 as a back-up when I'm on duty and as a deep concealment gun for the hot Texas summers.  But I have to make sure it will be allowed.

I just love the looks of these guns.  Only other guns that are as good looking to me are Sigs and some 1911s.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: DTM_39 on February 13, 2007, 01:21:57 PM
I had the pleasure of shooting the K-380 the other day. Gun # 1.  Nice!!!!! Shot about 50 rounds. Super accurate, mild kick, alot of fun.  This is one nice gun. Dan
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Erich on February 14, 2007, 11:35:30 PM
Thanks for the report, Dan. :)
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: jarcher on February 19, 2007, 01:28:43 AM
Well with 1,000 already ordered I guess they will be in short supply for a while.  Just as well.  I often prefer to wait a bit before buying a brand new anything.  But it is tempting to trade a R9 for one.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: kn308 on April 03, 2007, 05:12:13 PM
this locked breech 380 sounds like a perfect replacement for my colt pony 380.  the colt 380 was really pleasant to shoot.  the 380 will not wear down the pistol down like a 9mm.  with the lower recoil and less stress on the pistol translates to increased range time practicing.  since the 380 and 9mm are the same overall one could practice with the 380 and carry the 9.  
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: TW on April 03, 2007, 05:28:01 PM
Quote
this locked breech 380 sounds like a perfect replacement for my colt pony 380.  the colt 380 was really pleasant to shoot.  the 380 will not wear down the pistol down like a 9mm.  with the lower recoil and less stress on the pistol translates to increased range time practicing.  since the 380 and 9mm are the same overall one could practice with the 380 and carry the 9.  

>>Hi Kn308...

I have and enjoy a couple Colt Mustangs, but I have yet to see and shoot a Pony.  Have you shot a Mustang before...?... and if so do you prefer the firing cycle of the Pony...?...and if so - please explain...?...TW<<
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: kn308 on April 04, 2007, 03:58:11 PM
I carried the colt 380 government which was the full size version.  The 380 government trigger was nice, very easy to shoot and suprisingly accurate.  What I did not like about the 380 government was the safety could be engaged and the slide would still operate.  Major learning curve when compared to the 45 government I carried on duty.  Carried the 380 governemnt in a FIST leather-kydex hybrid paddle holster with a thumb snap that blocked the cocked hammer.  The pony takes practice but was easier to learn and control than a J frame smith and wesson revolver.  Never was able to shoot the pony as fast or as accurately as the government.  The pony was a no fuss pull and shoot from inside the pocket carry system. I passed on the mustang because I will not carry a single action semi-auto in a pocket with or without a holster.  I now carry a double action semi-auto on duty so I retired the governemnt 380 and sold the pony.  I now carry a sig 380.  Been looking for a good lock breech 380 ever since I made the mistake of selling the pony.  The lock breech R-380  looks like what I have been searching for.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Richard S on April 04, 2007, 08:50:36 PM
km308:

Welcome to the Forum!  I suspect that if TW has anything to say about it, the R380s will be shipping sooner rather than later.   8)
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: MountainMan on April 06, 2007, 02:12:53 AM
Welcome KN308

I also have the gov 380 - very accurate even though I haven't fired it for years.  Only 380 I carry is a Seecamp - now that is an experience to shoot well.
Title: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: TW on April 07, 2007, 01:04:07 AM
>>I also have a couple Goverment .380s...one a Pocketlite and the other all steel and my favorite.  These are my favorite small Colts encountered thus far...very easy to shoot accurately.  Of couse then you have the old Colt Pocket Nines - which due to the coverage of this gun by a couple folks on this forum...I now own two...one stock, one customized by C&S.  Even though I love collect and shoot various .380s for fun, I feel more comfortable carrying something like a 9mm...and my Pocket Nines serve as alternets to my R9 depending on the day, dress, and mood.

And yes I AM hoping for my R-.380 to be shipped sooner than later...!...and you guys will be the first to hear all about it when I do...!...TW<<
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: mshechte on April 07, 2007, 08:58:06 AM
I also own several Colt Mustangs, Ponies, and a couple of Pocket Nines. As far as the Pony is concerned, it is a fine carry piece but the trigger leaves a great deal to be desired. But with a little work, they are some fine Guns that I for one wish that Colt had not abandoned. Same goes for the Pocket Nine, which was my constant companion for many years until I picked up a R9 that is. Rough Double action pull on the Colts, but with a little elbow grease, are sweet.
But my favorite of the little colts, is still the Mustang Pocket lite. Reliable and easy to carry, as long as you are familiar with the single action manual of arms that is.
True, these little Colts were not the Biggest, or the Baddest on the Block, but when the s#*t hit's the fan, they always work. Just not as well as a R9  ;)
Later, Mark
Title: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: TW on April 07, 2007, 12:30:52 PM
>>Mshechte...

Sounds like you and I have the same disease when it comes to those out-of-production little Colt Pistols.  

Just curious...why is the Mustang Pocket Lite your favorite vs. a regular Mustang...?...just the weight factor, and if so do you know the weight of the Mustang Lite with a full mag...?...TW<<
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: mshechte on April 07, 2007, 04:22:54 PM
Hey TW, The Mustang Pocket lite that I have mentioned is my favorite among my little Colt's for many reasons. First off, it was a gift from my Dad the year before he passed in 1987, so that makes it priceless to me. Also, I have had some work done to it i.e. relaiability package done by Scott McDougall some time ago, dehorning, dovetailed nite sites, etc.etc. One of my Pocket Nines got the same treatment as well. I don't know if you have ever seen any of Scott McD's work before (he passed a few years back as well), but the man was a artist when it came to messaging the alloy frame Colt. I don't know the wieght between the two right off the top of my head, but I will weigh 'em up and get back with you.
Happy Easter, Mark
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: mshechte on April 07, 2007, 05:04:31 PM
OK TW, We should probably take this thread over to the other Gun section as I could talk about these little Colt's all day.
I have those weights for you, but unfortunatly I do not have any .380 ACP Rounds on hand to give you loaded weights.
So here goes:
Mustang (Steel Frame) 18.75 oz
Mustang Pocket lite (Alloy Frame) 12.5 oz
and just for comparison's sake...
Government 380 21.75 oz
Pocket Nine 15 oz
Pony 13 oz.
Please note that the weights given are with empty magazine in place.
I hope this helps. Quite a difference, Huh?
Later, Mark
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: 75scout on April 15, 2007, 04:17:50 AM
So whats the ship date on the R380?  I'm starting to save for one now and will be selling a Kahr K40 Covert to do a little over half of the funding.  I keep going back and forth between the R380 and the R9.  The R380 will have less recoil, faster followup shots, recoils spring will last longer and it will be much more likely to hold up to many rounds.  I like to shoot all my guns regularly, especially the ones I trust my life to. The R9 does have the power advantage though.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on April 15, 2007, 09:21:17 AM
The R 380 should be ready to ship in July. I have some on order.  Tom
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: 75scout on April 15, 2007, 01:18:51 PM
How early do I need to place my order if I want one by late November/early December?  Will they all have sights or will some be sightless?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: kn308 on April 16, 2007, 05:10:15 PM
there was another post that indicated the production date was not firm.  Add to the unknow production date another post that indicated 1,000 have already been sold and I would guess delivery by November 2007 if you ordered one in December 2006  ???
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on April 16, 2007, 06:00:45 PM
It will be just like the standard R9s, with sights, only in .380acp. If you want one please PM me.   Tom
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Hk-Itch on April 27, 2007, 01:55:05 PM
Will it handle +P's?  Ya think?
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: kn308 on April 27, 2007, 03:48:41 PM
Lock breech 380 should be able to handle Cor-Bon 380+P ammunition better than any blow back action but I would  install an extra power recoil spring. Wolff Gun Springs http://www.gunsprings.com does not show Rohrbaugh spring as available.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Ah2BFlyn on June 25, 2007, 04:56:02 PM
I'm a new member to this forum and have found it to be quite informative.  I haven't had a chance to shoot any of the pocket carry pistols, but have narrowed down the selection to either a R9S, R380 or a Seecamp 380.  I haven't heard great things re the Seecamp, in fact some former dealers that I spoke to in NH refuse to carry them anymore because of poor post sales service.

Not having shot these types of pistols I'm interested in a realiable, non-knuckle busting gun.  I welcome your thoughts/preferences on either the R380 or R9.  BTW I carry a S&W 642 but don't enjoy carrying it in the summer.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: tracker on June 25, 2007, 07:28:46 PM
If the choice is between .380 and 9 mm. for carry/self-defense
I think the 9 mm. is the hands down winner. I would certainly
recommend the R-9s.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: theirishguard on June 26, 2007, 10:13:48 AM
Seecamp's post sales service is great. Those dealers in NH have other other issues. If you don't want the knuckle busting experience then I would go with the R9 or R380. The R380 is easier to shoot but the 9mm is a better defense round.  Tom
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380
Post by: Ah2BFlyn on June 26, 2007, 11:24:57 AM
Thanks everyone for the quick replies.
Title: Re: Welcome to our newest Forum -- for the R-380f1
Post by: Fud on September 08, 2007, 03:00:27 PM
Quote
If the choice is between .380 and 9 mm. for carry/self-defense
I think the 9 mm. is the hands down winner. I would certainly
recommend the R-9s.
Unless the bullet doesn't go where you want it to -- a hit with a .380 will be more effective than a miss with a 9mm. I can definitely shoot my PPK more accurately than my R9 due to the weight and the less recoil ...

(http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f144.jpg)

... I suspect that due to the design, I should be able to shoot an R380 even more accurately than my PPK.