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Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh Range Reports => Topic started by: Bell3156 on January 07, 2016, 04:46:11 PM

Title: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 07, 2016, 04:46:11 PM
... I bought an r9 from gunbroker we took it out to the desrt and i cant go a complete magazine with out a failure. failure to fire, failure to eject and failure to feed, take your pick. I was running magtech 115g and winchester  147g, it didnt seem to run any better on the winchester. I sprayed some oi in the slide before we fired it. we sent 6 magazines thru it, failure on everyone. Im going to strip and clean it this weekend, any recomendations on amo would be great!. at this point I cant see carring this over my seecamp 380 that I bought at the same time. we sent the same number of magazines thru the seecamp with only one failure to eject. the r9 is more accurate and more fun to shoot than the seecamp. any help would be great, I want to love and carry this gun.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: MICHPATRIOT on January 07, 2016, 06:39:17 PM
The R9 likes to be CLEAN,  Gold Dots in 115 or 124gr. Winchester Whitebox 115gr.  Get new recoil springs and only shoot 100rnds on a spring, then put in a new one. Cant find springs call Wolff gunsprings.  I personally use tw25 grease on my two R9s. Keep the right grip panel screws tight..but don't strip em. This IS NOT a plinking gun. I recommend 3 or 4 mags then disassemble and clean, its built so tight that the brass shavings from the shells possibly could be a factor. you could try stretching the recoil spring a little, just so it sticks out past the inner guide rod about a quarter inch or so..also the mag spring may need to be replaced and or stretched also...Not A GLOCK...But with proper care and lube a.. absolute masterpiece Welcome to the forum and have a look around all the answers are right here.

Mich.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: JoshA on January 07, 2016, 06:57:10 PM
The R9 likes to be CLEAN,  Gold Dots in 115 or 124gr. Winchester Whitebox 115gr.  Get new recoil springs and only shoot 100rnds on a spring, then put in a new one. Cant find springs call Wolff gunsprings.  I personally use tw25 grease on my two R9s. Keep the right grip panel screws tight..but don't strip em. This IS NOT a plinking gun. I recommend 3 or 4 mags then disassemble and clean, its built so tight that the brass shavings from the shells possibly could be a factor. you could try stretching the recoil spring a little, just so it sticks out past the inner guide rod about a quarter inch or so..also the mag spring may need to be replaced and or stretched also...Not A GLOCK...But with proper care and lube a.. absolute masterpiece Welcome to the forum and have a look around all the answers are right here.

^^^^^What he said^^^^^

1)Clean it.

2)New springs

3) only 124 gold dot until you prove it is reliable there IMO

4) tighten grip screws

4) run 6 rounds change Mags run 6 more with very positive grip

5) if that RIGHT THERE doesn't work send it in for warranty repairs IMO

6) if it does work be done with it on that range session and clean it relod with the good stuff and repeat on next range session. Give it a day or at least several hours.

7) post reports on how it does please.

Been there done that. I wanted to love my R9 after similar issues. Worked em out. Love my R9's now ; )
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: MICHPATRIOT on January 07, 2016, 07:00:07 PM
Also take apart the magazines and clean the inside like a doctor...no joke..get all the black crud out, a slow follower will give you problems for sure.. my carry mag gets cleaned every time. I will practice with mags I don't carry if I don't feel like cleaning. but always a clean mag and a clean gun. I put grease on a nylon brush and apply it to EVERYTHING, slide grooves, frame rails, barrel where it contacts anything, in the chamber lightly, on the recoil spring assy., face of hammer. If yours was mistreated you might want to totally disassemble it and clean out the hammer spring/plunger and give it a good once over, if your skill set allows such disassembly. These little pistols work great when you take the time and care seriously, The recoil spring takes a absolute beating because of the miniature size of the slide/mass and need replacing on a regular schedule...100rnds=$5.00 per spring. Both of mine run flawlessly with Gold Dots 115 or 124.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 07, 2016, 07:20:51 PM
I just ordered new springs. The gun came with a few... But I'll get new ones just so I know for sure. The gold dots are in back order everywhere.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: MICHPATRIOT on January 07, 2016, 07:31:51 PM
You might try Winchester silvertips115gr, or their train/defend line. Winchester Ranger 147gr also run fine in mine..Hard primers are A likely suspect with the magtech line..with the failure to fire. 
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 07, 2016, 07:44:00 PM
I was running the train and defend Winchester 147g... Same problems
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: JoshA on January 07, 2016, 07:47:19 PM
The old tracker ammo seek pulled up a few options for ya.

Here is the cheapest

http://sgammo.com/product/speer/50-round-box-9mm-speer-gold-dot-124-grain-standard-pressure-le-hollow-point-ammo-53618

Also Speer Lawman was designed specifically to mimick identically Speer gold dot in oal etc. I have found mine to run lawman and gold dot equally. So you could get a couple boxes of lawman and 1 box of gold dot if you wanted. That being said some guys don't believe in such frugality for self defense in such a picky eater.

Also, for what it's worth I almost never clean my Mags. Never replaced my Mag springs either for what it's worth.

Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 07, 2016, 08:39:17 PM
Welcome to the forum Bell. I see the members are already giving you all of the good pointers you will need to enjoy the R9. Take your time, read the threads here and it will be a good firearm for it's designed purpose. . . . . Deep concealment with viable firepower from the 9mm round. If I may ask, what serial number approximately is your pistol as there were some subtle changes during our 12 years or so of production. This may help me give you some insights to your particular R9.

Regards,

Eric R.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 07, 2016, 11:20:24 PM
Serial number is R5781. Thank you so much for the help. If there are any recommend repairs needed, please let me know.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: tattoo on January 07, 2016, 11:22:36 PM
Try some federal hydra shock ammo....might help...once you find the right ammo you will be set.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: backupr9 on January 08, 2016, 12:24:18 PM
If you successfully shoot the LWS  your grip is not the problem.  As recommended, get it clean and lubricated.  Keep it cool when shooting (ie: rest it between mags).  Check your springs.  If it has the same problems with different mags, the mag is not the problem.  IMPORTANT:  in a very few of these fine pistols the firing pin retainer is, or becomes, out of spec and by moving sideways a fraction, puts enough friction on the slide to slow the cycle, causing all of the problems you mentioned.  You can tell by gently moving the retainer with a small screwdriver...if it moves to the side, sent it back for warranty repair.

(http://s778.photobucket.com/user/Adamsavage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/R9%20firing%20pin%20retainer%20issue%20006_zpsrpyuw2ij.jpg.html?filters[user]=103312389&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0)
http://s778.photobucket.com/user/Adamsavage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/R9%20firing%20pin%20retainer%20issue%20006_zpsrpyuw2ij.jpg.html?filters[user]=103312389&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0
(http://)
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 08, 2016, 02:43:08 PM
Backupr9... that photobucket link is broken. Are there reputable gun smiths in arizona somewhere that could take care of this incase it needs a repair?
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: JoshA on January 08, 2016, 10:34:41 PM
Williams gunsights and repairs does the warranty work for Remington who bought the Rohrbaugh design and rights to make it.

(800) 530-9028

Ask for Alex or Alec. Not sure.

If it has a problem they will pay to have it sent to them as well as the repair in our experience.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: backupr9 on January 09, 2016, 11:14:06 AM
Bell, what Josh says.  The part is specific to the pistol so Williams is the way to go.  Sorry about the link, it was working when I posted it yesterday.  There have been pictures, including those posted by me, over the past several years....can anbody resurrect one for this thread?
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 09, 2016, 09:25:33 PM
R5700 series serial numbers:  Double check the magazines for FTF FTE failures. Remove the baseplate and count how many full coils are there. The best mag springs have 12 coils. Check that there is no dirt behind the extractor in the slide. Sometimes dirt accumulates behind it making the grip edge much smaller and sets up a "ramp like motion" between the extractor and the spent ammo casing, there by not grabbing the casing well enough. Also, do as you mentioned. . . . . give her a good cleaning and oiling. Get back to us Bell when you have time and check these things out. Ammunition, in the case, I would start off with what we used in the factory for test firing:  American Eagle 115 FMJ 9mm

Regards,

Eric R.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 10, 2016, 05:21:39 PM
I cleaned it and replaced the spring. Im waiting for the amo you suggested to arrive and I will take it to the range. Thanks for all the help.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: MICHPATRIOT on January 10, 2016, 10:11:57 PM
Hey,
Don't leave us hangin after the little R9 runs sweet..we want a full report after the range. ;)
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: JoshA on January 12, 2016, 07:44:22 PM
Good luck with it bell. Looking forward to hearing your range report too.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 21, 2016, 04:46:16 PM
Just got back from the range...


Magazine 1-2 no problem.
Magazine 3-5 failure to feed on the second round
Magazine 6-7 no problem

I'm not sure if that would be considered successful. The mag does have 12 coils, I oiled and cleaned everything. I do have pictures of the three ftf's.

I'm super surprised at how accurately I can shoot this gun at 20 yards.

On a side note, the slide on my seecamp 380 flew off and landed next to the target. I'm sending it back to seecamp, they seem helpful, we will see how it goes.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 21, 2016, 05:56:18 PM
Bell. . . . . Good to hear your report here. Well, let's see now: 

About 42 rounds through 7 magazines ....... check

3 FTF on 3 different mags (just one per mag) ....... check

Shooting to 60 feet!? ........  amazing   ....... 
       Keep in mind this is NOT a distance gun, no "snubby" is. . . but rather designed for up close and personal. Just saying.

Sounds like, overall, you should be good to go. . . . IMHO.

What ammunition did you use for this range report?

Eric R.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 21, 2016, 06:40:48 PM
Eric.

Thanks for the reply, I ordered what you recomended, the american eagle 115 fmj. it was actually the full 50 rounds, i must have lost count somewhere... but, the failure to feed, I took a picture of everyone... a total of 3, no falure to eject or fires...

Its better, thats for sure. I ordered the spring sets from wolf, so I will replace all the springs, clea and oil it and just run 3 mags thru it once a month or so. I will try and post pictures
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 21, 2016, 06:59:47 PM
the 3 failure to feeds and my see camp that came apart.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 21, 2016, 07:20:03 PM
The seecamp recomened an amo that I couldnt find, so I orederd what I though was the closest thing, train and defend winchester low recoil 95g hollow points. they recomend 90g silvertip hollowpoints and a few others on thier website, I did check and couldnt find any of thier recomended amo at midway or cabellas, it was on back order with no order date...

I love that little gun but, not if it comes apart in my hand. They seem great to talk to, hopefully we can get it resolved.

I love the r9 too, it is a bit big still for a wallet holster, I might try and carry it while im waiting on the seecamp, since i have a hedlley holster for it, Im having them make a front pocket holster for me now.

About shooting at 20 yards, I was hitting the silloutte...two bulls eyes out of sh$t luck, a few arm shots and a lower abdomin but all hit the siloutte.. I grew up on a farm in upstate new york, shooting a little 22 riffle every day in the winter. i got pretty good at 100 yards or so. with a pistol, I litterally couldn't  hit the side of a barn.

I watched a you tube video of an old guy that was a competative shooter with a pistol. He gave some advice/instructions, that I've found helpful.

Instead of getting into a postition or stance for stability, and holding your arm straight and moving your head to look down your arm and to the sight. stand with your knees slightly bent, dont close your week eye, just bring the gun to your dominate eye and fire.  that little bit of advice made all the difference in the world.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: backupr9 on January 22, 2016, 11:00:02 PM
My Seecamp has never been an issue, but I always shoot high because I tilt the barrel up looking for a sight line...still, a great belly gun.

As regards the R9, if you are accurate at 20 yards you are a better shot than most of us for sure!  One piece of advice that helped me more than anything else...I was keeping a stiff wrist and arm, gripping tightly with my right hand and putting about 60% of the grip with the left hand overhap, but was not putting my right thumb tightly along the pistol, ie: it was not really a tight grip but rather a lot of finger pressure.  With a right thumb tight along the pistol, everything got steady and X-ring shots became much more likely.  It also helped on my full size .45's, allowing my relatively small hands to ride the finger safety and when it was pushe down still activate the grip safety.  We all have a lot to learn and each handgun requires a different education for sure.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 23, 2016, 07:02:10 PM
Bell ~ From the photographs you showed here, it looks like the slide is not retuning quick enough nor with enough force. I would suspect if you changed out your outer recoil spring for a fresh one, along with a good wipe down and oiling, you should be even better. The small number of failures you encountered since your first run with your R9 shows you are on the right track. Let us know how she does once you get the springs from Walter. Looking better all the time!

Eric R.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 24, 2016, 04:44:11 PM
will do, Im carrying it right now, I have to wear a long shirt as its visable with a hedley wallet  holster in my levi's. if you stand a few feet behind me you can see it, if youre looking. be another month before I get the hedley front pocket holster.  Be about the same time i get my seecamp back.

I'll clean it up and replace all the springs again, how many rounds would you consider a good test?
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: tracker on January 24, 2016, 04:53:21 PM
Lisa Hedley is a very accomplished holster maker; the apple didn't fall far from the tree in this case.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 24, 2016, 06:57:37 PM
will do, Im carrying it right now, I have to wear a long shirt as its visable with a hedley wallet  holster in my levi's. if you stand a few feet behind me you can see it, if youre looking. be another month before I get the hedley front pocket holster.  Be about the same time i get my seecamp back.

I'll clean it up and replace all the springs again, how many rounds would you consider a good test?

We used to put 3 to 5 mags through any "problem child" R9s that came in after we went over them top to bottom. Basically pulled the entire gun apart, checked the condition and specs on all parts, reassembled it and test fired the thing. Put between 3 - 5 mags through her without issue. . . . Clean it, oil it and put it in your pocket and forget about it. They don't "go bad" by sitting ready to go somewhere. She'll be ready when you need it Bell.   ;-)
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 28, 2016, 10:50:29 AM
I  pulled the gun apart, the spring did not compress after 50 rounds, however upon further inspection, I found this part cracked, any idea where I can find one?
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: MRC on January 28, 2016, 11:20:36 AM
Williams Gunsights does the repair work on the R9's.

(800) 530-9028

Ask for Alex or Alec. Not sure.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 28, 2016, 05:46:02 PM
Bell. . . . If Williams can't help with those parts, I may be able to. I am currently in the middle of rearranging and cleaning up our home right now, so when I come across a box of parts I have laying around I'll give a look and, if I have one, I can send one to you. It may be a while yet, but I can get back to you on this soon as I find the box and have a look for that piece.
 Ok?. . . . ok.............

Regards,

Eric R.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 28, 2016, 09:06:04 PM
Williams quoted me $35 for the part via email, I will call them tomorrow and get the part.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: JoshA on January 28, 2016, 09:39:24 PM
Definitely get some outer springs too Bell. They need changed every 200 rounds sir.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: Bell3156 on January 29, 2016, 12:09:12 AM
I have 3 spring sets from Wolff.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: johnny on January 29, 2016, 06:44:30 AM
  Eric,
 In your opinion,how many rounds a year do you think is a good number to run through the R9 without things,besides springs,beginning to wear?Now I understand the more rounds over time,the more wear is going to happen,naturally.Just kind of curious what your thoughts are on this.I have plenty of springs,but you know there are other parts to think about.
                                                                                              Johnny
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 29, 2016, 12:35:49 PM
  Eric,
 In your opinion,how many rounds a year do you think is a good number to run through the R9 without things,besides springs,beginning to wear?Now I understand the more rounds over time,the more wear is going to happen,naturally.Just kind of curious what your thoughts are on this.I have plenty of springs,but you know there are other parts to think about.
                                                                                              Johnny

Good Afternoon Johnny,

Here’s my take on how often the R9 can be fired. We are at the minimum dimensions on this firearm for it to be the smallest and lightest in its class of mini 9mm pistols of a high quality manufacture. With that in mind, Karl and I followed these steps with our own personal R9 pistols for carry:  First outing, put three magazines through the gun. No issues? . . . . Fine. . . . Then clean and oil it and put it on your hip and carry it. We would not even shoot it again for perhaps 6 – 7 months . . . even up to a year from the initial process, before putting say a magazine or two through the gun again and then repeat the process: Clean and oil it and put it on your hip and carry it. We feel there is no real need to be shooting it all the time. The chances of you actually being in “a gun fight” are minimal at best. Those are the simple facts. If you feel you have to shoot the gun more, for the sake of keeping the wear to a minimum, I would perhaps shoot just a couple of mags per month.

I hope this information answers your question.

Sincere Regards,

Eric C. Rohrbaugh
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: DDGator on January 29, 2016, 02:46:38 PM

Certainly the R-9, as it was designed, is a precision machine at the limits of tolerances for this size.  It is precisely this reason that I tend to doubt that Remington can mass produce this gun in 9mm for $450 and provide a lifetime warranty.

I think Eric would agree that the R-380, however, is a tank that you could probably shoot as much as you reasonably want.  The difference in the stress on the gun is between 9mm and .380 ACP is quite significant.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: ECR on January 30, 2016, 06:34:32 PM
Exactly Duane. The R380 always had the potential to be more of a gun you could shoot without much of an issue. . . . . The R9 (9mm) . . . .  well. . . . . You are putting everything to the max. . . . . . But it does work well when used as the designer intended. It is used for a specific purpose only. . . . self-protection.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: johnny on January 30, 2016, 08:05:26 PM
  Well that all makes total sense to me.
    I did go out to the range yesterday morning.I had mags all loaded up because it was 3 degrees out and the hands get cold fast without gloves,add to that I have to use my weak hand because I am still recuperating from a right arm injury I got up in Saskatchewan hunting in October.Not one malfunction on any of the 4 guns I took.I shot 2 mags thru the R9,5 thru the Glock 43,and the Ed Brown Kobra Light Weight,and 15 rounds  thru the Ruger LCR 9mm.The Ruger I bought in October when I got back from Canada.I shot it a few times before my surgery.Had some issues with it so sent it back.They got it back to me pretty much right away.Somebody on the forum here did mention their service was good and it was. One thing I have noticed is when it gets cold you pretty much have the whole range to yourself.
            I have had my R9. for about 5 years.Bought it new.Serial number 5200 something.Too lazy to go downstairs to get the actual number.I think I have shot around 60 rounds,at most thru it.Had a few issues when I first got it,but after just using Speer Gold Dots,it has been fine.Take care all.I don't know why we stay up in this cold climate up here in Wisconsin.Spring,summer and fall,and my wife's love of gardening,I guess.
Title: Re: r9 with failures
Post by: backupr9 on January 31, 2016, 04:59:27 PM
Shooting the R9 in cold weather just beats my arthritic hands/wrists to pieces.  At 3 degrees the tolerances for the R9 must have been down to molecular levels!