The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: Praelus on October 07, 2018, 09:32:01 AM

Title: Mag Release Question
Post by: Praelus on October 07, 2018, 09:32:01 AM
Hi all, question for you on the heel magazine release - In my brief time using my new R9 thus far (only one range session and 16 rounds fired), I am finding it somewhat difficult to operate the mag release effectively.

I seem to have to apply some upward pressure on the magazine base to allow the release to be pushed back.  When I do so, it works without issue, but that involves changing my strong hand grip on the pistol to one that is different from the firing grip - obviously not ideal in a combat situation.

So I am wondering if folks here are able to apply the needed pressure without changing their grip, or if you are just more aggressive in pushing on the mag release than I am to overcome the resistance of the mag pressing against the release?  I am always hesitant to be very aggressive in manipulating a new, expensive piece of hardware, but perhaps the answer is just more elbow grease in operating the release rather than pressing up on the magazine simultaneously.

I should add that I appreciate the benefits of the heel placement in avoiding accidental release when drawing from a pocket holster.  That is a more significant issue than being able to quickly change magazines, given the realities of real life defensive shootings, which would very rarely involve reloading.  In addition, I would think it’s also possible that a more difficult to release catch could be an intentional design feature to add an extra layer of protection against inadvertent mag dropping.

Thanks for any insights!
Title: Re: Mag Release Question
Post by: Praelus on October 07, 2018, 01:23:49 PM
Hi again gents,

As an update, I did a bit more experimentation after my post above and found that the magazine is significantly easier to release when unloaded, which is of course the more important time to be able to do so quickly.  Previously most of my practice with operating the mag release was done with a fully loaded magazine.

I had noticed that the mag release on the R9 is quite a bit more difficult to operate than the heel release on my Seecamp LWS-32 when both are fully loaded, but I think this may just be because 6 rounds of 9mm weigh substantially more than 6 rounds of .32 ACP, so there is simply more pressure on the mag release with the former than the latter.
Title: Re: Mag Release Question
Post by: MN Lefty on October 07, 2018, 05:31:59 PM
I agree, the heel mag release is the best for pocket carry.
Title: Re: Mag Release Question
Post by: Griff on October 09, 2018, 05:15:37 PM
Welcome Praelus,
You pose a good question.
I have had my R9 for quite some time, and usually do not always even carry a spare mag any more.
I do practice reloads at the range, and for me they are quite un-tactical in nature.
It goes as follows:
 
Switch the emptied firearm to my off hand, flipping it upside down with the muzzle facing down range, pressing down on the magazine floor plate with my off hand thumb, pry back the heel release with strong hand thumb, and pull the spent magazine with my strong hand.
I then have to pull the fresh magazine from my off hand front pocket, pull it from its pouch, push it into the mag-well, flip the firearm back to strong hand firing grip, slingshot the slide, and now i'm ready to go.
All this may only take 5 seconds,and can be done without looking, but it could be a literal lifetime under the wrong circumstances.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Mag Release Question
Post by: Praelus on October 11, 2018, 06:38:20 PM
Thanks Griff, I’ll have to give that technique a try.  Also good to know that other people aren’t executing special forces tactical reloads and I’m missing something.  I do have a spare mag holster for the R9 but may opt to leave it home most of the time as well.
Title: Re: Mag Release Question
Post by: PursuitSS on October 11, 2018, 11:05:56 PM
I carry my R9S as a BUG (Back Up Gun), my primary weapon is my FN FiveseveN 5.7x28.

I don’t even carry a spare magazine for my Rohrbaugh, it’s for when “it all goes wrong”.