The Rohrbaugh Forum
Miscellaneous => The Water Cooler -- General Discussions => Topic started by: DDGator on February 09, 2006, 09:11:28 AM
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2006 SHOT Show – First Rohrbaugh Report
Las Vegas, Nevada – (Booth 23045). Rohrbaugh Firearms today announces the introduction of several new variations of its popular R-9s pocket pistol.
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Rohrbaugh announces the availability of several Special Edition R-9s models with “English” engraving. These models will be available with three different levels of engraving, which I have dubbed “standard,” “medium,” and “deluxe.” These are not the official names.
I do not have pictures or pricing information on the “standard” engraved model, but it will feature about 1/3 less engraving than the “medium” pictured below.
The “medium” engraved model will retail for approximately $2,400 and looks like this:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/EnglishR91.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/Englishr92.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/Englishr93.jpg)
There will also be a fully engraved deluxe model with more engraving and real gold inlays, that will retail for $3,500 to $4,000. I am told that the pictures truly do not do justice to this gun:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/R1000photo2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/R1000photo.jpg)
However, the actual gun shown above, which is serial numbered R-1000, will be auctioned off by Rohrbaugh following its display at the SHOT show. This will be VERY collectable since it is serial number R-1000 and the very first engraved special edition R-9s offered for sale. Current bidding is at $3,700. Contact Maria at the factory to bid.
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Rohrbaugh also announced the addition of one (possibly two) new finishes for the R-9s.
Rohrbaugh will definitely offer the R-9s in a new all black finish:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/BlackR9sideview.jpg)
The black finish will command a premium price over the standard R-9 retail price, but the exact amount is yet to be determined.
Rohrbaugh is also considering (and is testing the waters) on a silver frame finish mated with the current stainless steel slide, much like the original silver anodized frames:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/SliverR9.jpg)
The decision to offer the silver frame will depend on the level of interest.
However, the new finish colors are more than just a new anodizing color. The new finishes will actually be outsourced to Smith & Wesson for application of their brand new proprietary polymer-based anodizing with self-lubricating properties. I couldn’t get a lot of detail on the nature of the finish or the science behind it, but Rohrbaugh is very excited about it and about their partnership with Smith & Wesson. This is the same finish that S&W will be offering on some of their 2006 models.
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I know there will be some who are disappointed that there is no new caliber or new models, but I think we have to realize that the R-Brothers are doing their very best to crank up production of the much in demand R-9 and meet existing orders. It sounds like the new black finish may have real practical advantages, as well as cosmetic appeal. The engraved units promise to be awesome collector pieces. All in all, the new variations and the new partnership with S&W add up to some very exciting stuff for 2006.
Of course, this is not an official report from Rohrbaugh, but merely my comments on some inside information I gleaned over the last few days. I apologize that the quality of the photos are not great – I imagine there will be more forthcoming. Any errors in this report are solely my own.
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Hey Duane, do you know if they are going back to the blue grips on their engraved models? Or was that just for the pictures? Not what I expected, but I do like the engraving and I would love more pictures of the all black model. Thanks for the info Duane.
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Thank you for making this inside information available to us in a timely fashion. The matted silver frame is one that I definitely plan to add to my collection.
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Thanks Duane, you saved me alot of money, nothing there I can,t live without. ::)
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Duane:
Thanks for the early report. That engraved No. 1000 takes my breath away! Whoever wins the auction is going to have a real prize.
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I wonder if one could buy a engraved slide only, maybe in the future? ???
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Huh,
A little dissapointed here. Thought there was going to be more.
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Newt, that is a good question!!! ::)
I for one would like more info on the black and siver models.
Tom
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Lets just stop and think a moment about what Rohrbaugh really needs to do..... catch up on back orders and keep the quality control up.
Tom
thats a silver model not siver model ;)
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I really like the idea of the engraved model. :D
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Duane,
Thanks very much for making the super fast report.
Great job!
Bill
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Thx from me too Duane. :)
The engraving is breathtaking - and that R1000, well - someone is going to be well hit in the pocket finally but will have a highly collectible piece of treasure!!
I am perfectly accepting of the current trend - knowing that still the factory has to concentrate on maintaining R9 output - much as I know so many are lusting for the .380. I can live with that.
The S&W association is a very exciting development indeed.
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Stunning! 8)
That's what the old timers called a "Barbecue Gun". Great for bragging on at a cook-out. Of course a "Back-up Barbecue Gun" is the ultimate bragging piece because it's hidden!
Maybe RJ or K&D can make up a fancy belt holster for it.
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Well this, to me, is much ado about nothing. I will put the engraved Rohrbaugh on my list right behind the engraved Lamborghini.
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Hey guys,
I know some will be disappointed. We all got ourselves worked up for more perhaps -- but that was pretty unrealistic. With years of R&D for the R-9, when do they have time for more right now?
There is new stuff in the pipe I am sure -- but for down the road. I am sure those waiting for an R-9 want to know that production is consuming their full attention.
I know the .380 is forthcoming -- just don't know when. I also know there is another R-9 variant in the works that just couldn't be finished in time for the show.
Also, I know some are not enthused about engraving--being soley for cosmetic purposes, but the other finishes are exciting -- especially to the degree they are self-lubricating! More on that as I find out.
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I also know there is another R-9 variant in the works that just couldn't be finished in time for the show.
Is this something that you can not comment on until it becomes 'official'? Is it a beef'ed up version?
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No -- not beefed up. Just another tweak of the existing design. Can't say more just yet, but I think you will hear it here first.
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Whem, Thanks Duane-that saved me some money that I can direct to holster makers.
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UPDATE from Las Vegas.
Eric called to say the show is going well. Bidding on R-1000 is up to 4000. The winner should be announced on Monday or Tuesday.
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I spent about 20 minutes speaking with both Karl and Eric at SHOT today. Karl handed me R-1000 and it about took my breath away! Truly, it is a presentation piece, not something to carry and risk having it disappear in an evidence locker if you ever needed it. If you have $4000 for the R-1000, I don't think another $1000 for a stock model (to carry) would be a deal breaker for most.
Karl told me they found the blue tinted grips hidden away somewhere (in perfect condition) and decided to use them on the R-1000.
The new finishes were very nice, and much slicker than the original finish in a tactile sense. Perhaps I misconstrued what he said, but Karl seemed to indicate that the new finish might result in less of a need for lubrication. Either way, I liked the looks of black slide model. :D
edited for typo
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$4000? Hmmm... I just don't get what motivates some people.
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It is interesting what people will pay for something.
Some would NEVER consider spending $1,000 on an R-9 when you could have a P-3AT for $300 -- maybe they percieve no tangible difference, or maybe they just don't have the money to spend for what they consider to be marginal differences.
Others will spend $1,000 on an R-9, but the thought of $4,000 for an engraved R-9 is crazy talk to them.
Everyone has their point of pain financially. The last time I was in NYC I couldn't believe what people would spend for purses or shoes -- none of which are worth a damn thing when you are done with them.
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Good point: My wife has several purses that cost more than my R9s. ::)
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DDGator Thanks for the report on the shot show. Sounds like all is good. I did get the opportunity to see gun #1000. It is truly special. I was seriously looking into bidding on it but it quickly went past my funds to guns account. Somebody is going to be very happy. Dan
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Duane,
Thanks for the updates!!
The engraved models look nice for sure..
I just am not so much into that for the pocket..Very nicely done though it appears..
The all black finish does' strike my fancy,as I would think it may help with the finish aspect over time..I guess it depends on what the process is..
Looks good anyways!!
When I first saw the pic of R1000,it struck me as a very beautiful piece-especially with the blue grips!! ;D
When I had spoken briefly with Karl a bit back,I had mentioned my like of the blues,and he said something to the effect of, you never know what will turn up around here!! :)
Wishing the R Bros a good Shot Show..
Once again,much appreciation goes out for the info..
Brenden
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Thanks Duane! Liked the report very much. The all black looks nice and if it would require less lube it would be a big plus. Only problem is I already have two.
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It is interesting what people will pay for something.
Some would NEVER consider spending $1,000 on an R-9 when you could have a P-3AT for $300 -- maybe they percieve no tangible difference, or maybe they just don't have the money to spend for what they consider to be marginal differences.
Others will spend $1,000 on an R-9, but the thought of $4,000 for an engraved R-9 is crazy talk to them.
Everyone has their point of pain financially. The last time I was in NYC I couldn't believe what people would spend for purses or shoes -- none of which are worth a damn thing when you are done with them.
Ok, well here's my take on it:
1. To me, I"m a definate function over form kind of guy. I wear shoes that are more comfortable. I pick clothes for a purpose, not necessarily a design. Now, I try to pick things that I think are attractive and appealing, but that's not my first concern.
2. The R9s is a tool. In my opinion, the quality of a tool does matter, especially when its a tool that is designed to save your life. No other 9mm is as small or high quality, and that's why I will pay near $1000 to make sure I have that security.
3. Is Rohrbaugh established enough yet to warrant collector's pieces? I realize that the R9s is an amzing little gun, but its only been out 2 years or so. In my experience, if you go into a room with 30 supposed "gun guys" and you start to talk about Rohrbaughs, well over half of them will not have even heard of the company.
So the question I have is, "Would you pay upwards of 4 times the price for a collector's edition of a table saw by a new and upcoming company that specialized in high quality carpentry tools?"
I realize we're all different, and we all have different motivations and values. But that's just my perspective on the subject.
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I just heard from Eric again tonight. The show is going well. $4,000 is still the top bid for the R-1000 gun.
Interestingly, Eric mentioned that George Kelgren stopped by the Rohrbaugh booth today... ;)
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Dave - I certainly could not afford a $4k outlay - most could not but I think that for folks who have money spare - it is tempting. Chances are if it is held long enough it will aquire significant ''collector status'' - plus as an art object - that too appeals to some.
I am more like you - function wins every time - but form is still appreciated :)
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No matter what..
When it comes down to it...
The Ks matter.. ::)
It all depends on what a guy is willing to pay.. ;)
4K is an outlay that I could not do at this time..
Brenden
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yes, Ks do matter. I'm just about to get my 1st R9s and I'm having to be creative to fit it into the budget. But with IRAs, College Funds for children (no children yet, but its never too early to start), and buying our first house there are just so many other things that I could and should spend that much money on instead
Thankfully, my wife is amazing financially and as a person or else I might not even be getting my first R9s.
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Dave, it will be here when you are ready.
Tom
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dear santa. i want an all black one. and i want an engraved one.
good boy? . . .
er, never mind.
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They are beautiful. I don't usually think of handguns as investments but these surely will be. I guess it is hard to guess what things will be worth in the future. Are any of the already manufactured Rohrbaughs considered more valuable than others? For instance, are the ones with blue grips more valuable than the ones without? Are the discontinued silver anodized frames more valuable than the current ones? Enquiring minds want to know.
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Murray -- you would think the older (early models) would be worth more -- but only to the right person.
There are several potentially collectable models -- all blue grip models, all models without the R serial number prefix, Farmingdale slides, models marked R-9s on the slide, etc.
There is also one custom serial number model -- Blackhawk1.
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Duane I also have custom serial # DTM 39 Don't know if it makes gun collectable, But it makes me feel good. Deer Park slide Set of blue grips also Set of black. Don't know if there are any others. Dan
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I am not considering the R-1000, but I think a lot of posters on this thread are looking at it the wrong way. Think of it for the investment/collector value if Rohrbaugh continues on its present path. In five years, could it be envisioned that it sells NIB for $6000? Maybe $7000? Considering how many fans Rohrbaugh already has, and the financial postition of an average buyer who can afford a $1000 pocket pistol anyway...
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I am not considering the R-1000, but I think a lot of posters on this thread are looking at it the wrong way. Think of it for the investment/collector value if Rohrbaugh continues on its present path. In five years, could it be envisioned that it sells NIB for $6000? Maybe $7000? Considering how many fans Rohrbaugh already has, and the financial postition of an average buyer who can afford a $1000 pocket pistol anyway...
I think it's a mistake to buy this or any other gun as an investment. Buy it because you like it and want to own it. If it appreciates in value, consider it a bonus. But if you want to make money, there are many ways to get a better return on your money.
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Regarding the black finish, did anyone from Rohrbaugs say whether or not we coul dhave our R9s finished in black if we send them back?
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Does anyone have an update as to when the black finish version will become available?
Eric
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Does anyone have an update as to when the black finish version will become available?
Eric
Let me ask a similar question ... does anyone know when the silver finish models will become available?
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Re black and silver issues.
Spoke with Eric this evening and as I understand it, the silver finish frame ain't gonna happen - the interest at ShotShow was apparently more than lukewarm on that. Or as Eric said - ''You could count the interest on one hand - and not all of it!"
The black for slides is a few months away - he could not be any more precise than that.
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Thank you for the reply.
I guess I was one of the few that wanted the silver model. I originally ordered the silver model but when it was my turn in to have the gun made, they discontinued the silver model due to technical problems. After the news from the Shotshow, I had hoped that it was being re-introduced.