The Rohrbaugh Forum
Miscellaneous => Other Guns => Topic started by: JoshA on March 13, 2014, 09:25:02 PM
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Well I went out and bought a BRAND NEW KIMBER SOLO. As you can tell the mixed reviews didn't scare me off.
So far I'm glad they didn't.
Today we shot about 43, 124 gr gold dots and 40, 124 grain lawman.
Shot 100%, but big deal. That's what it's supposed to do right?
I will obviously run another 220 or so through before it can be trusted for EDC.
What was so impressive? Glad you asked : ) this thing blew out a single hole (at a whopping 7 yds). That's not impressive to you? You haven't seen me shoot then. Lol.
Seriously it was very shootable. I liked it quite a bit.
For those of you familiar with the 938 I will say that the recoil is not as gentle as the 938, but I definitely shot it more accurately. I had both on the range today and did some side by side shooting and the 938 is smoother.
Oddly the Solo has a flip to the muzzle that is a bit stiffer than I expected, but I was shooting it so well I guess I can train around it.
Love the rounded edges. Size is that of 938 or pm9 from what I saw in reviews.
Laid it over the R9 and the barrel is about 1/2-3/4" longer. Slide is a wiggle wider. Other than that it's basically the same. You notice the extra width and length in pocket carry if you're used to the R9. It's hard to beat an R9 for size obviously (ok impossible in the 9 semi), but with the broken R9 and no factory to turn to, its a reasonable exchange (so far) until I get my R9 repaired and reliable. Not a hater. I still want to love my Rohrbaugh... BUT
I've heard there are some bad ones out there, but I've heard pretty good reviews from more experienced shooters. Thus far I'm happy. Early in the game though.
Also, as a side note, I did pretreat this weapon with the frog lube and the hair dryer. I was pretty impressed. It was the first one I did like this and it was pretty cool stuff. I've used it for cleaning and lubing, but not pretreat. Check it out.
Anyway FYI I paid $675 + tax in case you're in the market for one.
Give me some feedback if you have any.
Wish I could post pics. I don't think I can from an iPad. Anyone know?
Also, also, it rides beautifully in the crossbreed IWB made for my shield. Most comfortable IWB I've carried yet.
Take care fellas. I'll post more as I put more lead down range.
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(http://i60.tinypic.com/2d8f2h0.jpg)
I guess we can agree to disagree on a few points. I own many small firearms, the solo and r9 are a couple.
The solo is a much larger and blocky gun compared to the r9, heck just look at how much material the trigger guard
on the solo has compared to r9 .
Solo is much heavier.
I do agree the solo shoots well but I can shoot r9 with no sights just about as good.
I really like both guns but they are NOT even close , imo.
The finish on the solo is poor quality...expect odd wear and loss.
Btw...watch the slide stop when you reassemble the solo ,the spring must be in correct position. Its the main reason for the solos bad rep, reassembly error.
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Hey Josh. Congrats on your Solo. You may want to check out my review of it, primarily for what I feel is the biggest drawback of the pistol. Ammo selection is going to be tough. Finding something that will reliably expand from a 2.7" barrel is a tall order. Here's a shortcut to the only reliable expander I've found so far. Remington Golden Saber Bonded 124 +P. http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/kimber-solo-carry-stainless-pocket-carry-without-compromises/ (http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/kimber-solo-carry-stainless-pocket-carry-without-compromises/)
Rohrbaugh is an easier carry, no doubt about it and has a longer barrel, but it has ammo limits too. Solo has all the features you expect on a full size pistol, but still fits in your pocket. I will be upgrading my Solo to the Carry DC model as soon as possible for the night sights, checkered front and back straps, and bitching all black colorway. Since it just hit the market, the prices on them are a bit zany right now.
Like a doofus, I'll probably end up keeping the R9 and stainless Solo too.
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I have both the Solo and the R9 also.
The barrel length difference is not as much as the specs show. I measured them both with a calipers and the difference is less than .1". The freebore of the R9 probably helps velocity some but the rough ream marks in the barrel, that Rohrbaugh finds acceptable, lowers the velocity about 30 fps to make the barrel length comparison a wash.
For me, the ease of shooting and accuracy between the two is not even close with the Solo being far better. Admittedly the R9 gives acceptable accuracy for what it was designed, but I much prefer the "big gun" features of real sights, conventional mag release, and reliable striker fired ignition. ie. no light primer strikes
All in all, I will gladly carry the extra weight everyday, and I do.
Besides, as Josh pointed out, Kimber has warranty service..
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I also have both, the Kimber in stainless...a beautiful piece compared to my all black and deadly R9. The R9 pocket carries MUCH better IMO. They are pretty much equal for IWB/OWB. The Solo is a joy to shoot and mine has, with care to reassemble correctly (slide stop spring), been pretty reliable (if not entirely so, but I've only put about 100 rounds through it). The Solo sight picture is better for sure, and the +P capability is nice to have, although I think the jury is still out on how using +P ammo will affect such a small pistol over time. All that aside, I carry the R9...ease of carry and the fact that other than on the range, the lack of "big gun sights" would not matter to me in a 3 to 10 yard confrontation. Similarly, proper shot placement in an emergency is less likely to depend on sights than on practice in anticipation and presentation. I do think that for all of us the important feature for EDC is how the handgun carries and how it fits the hand and eye...what you like and trust is what you should carry. Absent my trusty R9, I would carry the Solo without a doubt unless a larger carry piece was possible.
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Got a chance to shoot my brother's brand new Solo DC with the lasergrips today. He got to shoot my Rohrbaugh. There is no denying the fact that the Solo shoots WAAAAAAAY better and doesn't beat up your hand.
I use a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, and guess what....? Right there on the packaging of the holster are the names Kimber Solo, and Rohrbaugh R9. They both fit the holster perfectly, and to anyone who notices the size difference in these 2 guns while holstered in the pocket, I have got to seriously question them. I'm 5'10 and weigh 185 and was wearing Adidas nylon sweats today while pocket carrying (I only pocket carry). For the life of me I can't tell the difference in weight or size. Where I can tell the difference is in shootability and feel in the hand. My hand grips the Solo far easier and more naturally for sure, and the Solo I tried now has me wanting a laser grip on my carry gun.
I'm buying the new black DC (deep cover) version of the Solo and will sell off my other R9s and keep my Stealth. I was shooting Winchester white box through the Solo without a single problem (147gr). Also tried 2 magazines worth of Federal Premium HST 124gr., which is what I carry in my Rohrbaugh. My brother offered up the chance for me to carry his Solo for awhile but didn't want to reciprocate by carrying my Stealth. He shot just 1 magazine out of it and put it down and watched me shoot his gun, while I didn't want to give his Solo back. Unbelievable.... I really, really am sold on the Solo DC version, which apparently just came out, according to my brother.
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Lol. Well i will let you guys that are smarter than I go through the detailed minutia.
It's a keeper as far as I'm concerned, but I'm kind of a doofus too. I will keep it and the R9 unless I couldn't afford to some day : ) I just like quality, compact pistols.
I definately look forward to being able to carry the R9 with confidence, but until then...
Here is what I found on the range today.
100 rounds of 147 gr gold dot.
100 squeezes. 100 bangs.
That makes for 180 consecutive successfully fired rounds. So far, flawless from the box.
Shot a little 1 handed.
Shot weak handed.
Intentionally limp wristed.
Nice pistol.
Deciding to carry it as I have nothing else in the safe that I feel is a better piece as we speak. I have a see camp 32 and 380. Too small for primary carry for me since I can comfortably carry a bigger weapon (ok I admit it. I'm a wimp. I can't stand to carry uncomfortably. So, it's not a bigger gun, but it's bigger than a Seecamp). Maybe summer. (that .380 hurts!)
Have a 938. Don't like the 1911 platform in my pocket or iwb as much as single action striker. Just makes me nervous. I know it's virtually the same thing as having a striker back, but i just have this little voice in the back of my head whispering when i carry it. Lol. I also don't like the idea of lint or debris getting in the hammer back area.
Shield,G27 etc., too big for this wimpy civilian. it would be different IMO if I was an off duty officer probably. I would want the extra fire power I think.
Don't have a kahr, but I understand it's the same size as the solo. Wouldn't mind owning one.
R9 is broken (if you aren't following other post or whatever). Also, couldn't get it to really run reliably (yet).
So all in all I really like this thing. As far as coating, the R9 is definately deficient in that area IMHO. My R9 rubs off of the AL quite easily. I don't know about the slide on either personally.
MRC: I should have said the overall length is 1/2"-3/4" longer than the R9. I incorrectly said the barrel was longer. It is the same as the Kahr and 938 (and probably others). I can't imagine why they didn't make it the same overall length as the R9. I think they could have. Wish they would have personally. Love the accuracy, but as Seecamp states it well, this is a 7 yd or shorter affair and almost no one uses sights in an actual battle. Less than 6 rounds fired in poor lighting, so I could take a smaller size to purchase better carry comfort, BUT that said they didn't : )
Ljutic: I will check out your review.
Trident: idk, not even close?? It's the closest thing out there perhaps. Dehorned and smooth to me. Not blocky. High bore axis. You can shoot the R9 as well with no sights? If you say so sir. Agreeing to disagree is cool with me. Wasn't really wanting to be too comparing, but it's gonna happen I guess : ) I will be happy to get my R9 fixed. I will happily pocket it over the Kimber if it as dependable or more so. It is smaller and thinner and better looking and I can deal with a few compromises to achieve that, BUT there are compromises.
And rcm11 is correct. It doesnt beat up your hand.
Great 1st impressions : ) I should have gotten the laser grips !
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Well I cleaned the Solo today after putting 180 rounds through it.
Looked really good inside other than being dirty. Almost no shaving or metallic dust at all. The R9 always had metallic dusting. I never could get anyone to reply of it was normal or not. Do any of you have an opinion here.
So I took the solo out back and ran another 57 flawless rounds through it. 7 more 147 gr gold dot and 50 federal hi shock ($25 on lucky gunner) 147 gr.
Ran great again.
That makes 237 total flawless rounds now.
Still haven't read ljutic's article yet. I will and I need to know what this guns weak point is. The little spring thing you have to catch when inserting the slide stop seems a bit wimpy and suspect to me, but we will see. I think I'm looking for 1000 rounds on this gun to put it through its paces; however I may wait til I get my R9 back from the factory just in case things go south. Lol. I'm out.
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(http://i58.tinypic.com/20rqqeg.jpg)
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Wow nice work Trident. Very efficient way of comparing.
When you say that they aren't event close, I'm guessing you meant in build quality or something?
I originally ASSUMED you were speaking of size, but I'm not sure that's what you were getting at now that I look at this comparison. Perhaps i should ask what did you mean when you said they aren't even close?
What did you mean when you said they aren't even close? :-\
Well I just received a bunch more ammo, so expect more range reports from me.
I will go ahead and try some non recommended 115 gr WST since I happen to have so many that I bought for the R9 that won't run em.
So trident or Lj or MRC or anyone who cares and has an opinion: why didn't Kimber make this pistol as short as the R9?
I have a suspicion. What's your take?
Also, Lj: where do I find your review on the solo? Can you send us a link please sir?
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Like I said, I carry a Solo because of my proficiency with it and not because of size. I carried a Rohrbaugh for about 6 months and I could not tell it from a Kahr P380. In fact I used the same holster for both.
The Solo is much more to pocket carry in my opinion but it still works fine for me. Everyone is different. I have carried a PM9 and a Boberg XR9s in my pocket also with no trouble.
I took the barrels of both the Solo and the R9 while cleaning them, inserted a cartridge and measured the barrel length that way with a calipers. The Solo barrel is longer than advertised and the R9 is shorter. The R9 has less than .1" more length. With the rough bore on the R9, they chronograph nearly identical.
The Solo is longer because it is striker fired vs. the hammer fired R9. This takes extra length behind the chamber to accomplish. In my pocket the main determining factor is weight and slide thickness as far as ease of carry. Length does not make a lot of difference in my opinion. That is up to a point also.
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Great insights. Thanks MRC.
I would like to see pics of RCM11's all black model with crimson trace. Are you still waiting for delivery or do you have it?
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If you own both you know...solo is a brick compared to the r9. I like both a lot and am not prejudiced , its just reality.
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If you own both you know...solo is a brick compared to the r9. I like both a lot and am not prejudiced , its just reality.
I do not know if "brick" is the right term, but I agree, there is a big difference.
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Seems a bit extreme, but ok I accept that as your opinion.
I'm pocket carrying it now and I would rather have my R9 truthfully, but this isn't bad really TO ME.
I have been carrying it IWB and I've personally loved it. Very comfortable and it doesn't bang on my leg all day. Even the R9 isn't my favorite thing to put in my pocket all day. I'm picky though.
How much heavier is it anyway?
I think 13.7 (R9) compared 17.1(solo) if memory serves me right (it usually doesn't.)
Well thanks for the contributions to forum. And I think it helps to have someone with a contrary opinion so things don't get carried away in a one sided fawning.
The comparison pics were very helpful too.
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Hey imo my .380seecamp is a brick...for its size its a heavyweight ! ;)
If you really compare the solo and r9 , its easy to see. As stated earlier just look at trigger guards, r9 is really shaved down , solo is thick ! Solo is just a overweight gun that could be trimmed up a lot. R9 really has a lot of nice machine work in it...maybe its just the jewelers eye I look at items with. My father thinks the solo is smaller and swears its way better built so opinions vary.
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If you want to shoot +P ammunition, one has to build a heavier pistol. No matter what the Rohrbaugh wesite says, +P ammo in short barreled pistols is a BIG advantage if you want expansion. Get your chronograph out and test them, I have.
Most of the extra length of the Solo is grip angle. I do not know if that is the reason for it, but the Solo just seems to fit my hand and point naturally for me.
JMO
PS: I really like Seecamps but anyone who carries a LWS380 is kidding themselves when there are pistols like the CW380 available for under $350.
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I kinda like my Seecamp too. Lol. I've had to replace the trigger bar (paper thin) and the followers in the clip and now the clips themselves are cracked.
Neat little gun, but pretty heavy for size. All stainless steel, so I guess that makes sense.
How do you like the CW 380 anyway MRC? I've thought about picking one up. Any experience?
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Also MRC, what do you load your your solo with?
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In the Solo, I follow ljutic's tests and am now using Remington GS Bonded 124 +P.
I do not have a CW380 but I have had a P380 for 4 years and it is a great 380. Guys on the Seecamp forum have both and say the CW is just as good.
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newtab:http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/kimber-solo-carry-stainless-pocket-carry-without-compromises/
Ok Lj I'm slow but I finally figured out that you wrote an article for gunsamerica and that you left the post's adderess. So, I checked it out and thought it was a well done piece.
Liked it and have had very similar experience thus far. Your experienced review put things very well.
Il find some golden saber +p 124's to load for carry. Thanks for the tip.
As for expansion, I think I've seen a video of someone shooting gold dots or something out of the R9 and getting good expansion. Am I wrong?
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MRC: thanks for the info sir.
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Great to hear. Not to Hyjack your solo thread, but has anyone shot the Solo and Boberg xr9s? I'm curious how they compare back to back from a user.
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Lol. I would like to add to that question :
How does the boberg compare in size and weight to the solo?
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Lol. I would like to add to that question :
How does the boberg compare in size and weight to the solo?
I think they are about they same weight. Both 17 oz. Barrel on the Boberg is 5/8" longer due to unique design of the action while remaining about 4/10 shorter overall. Don't quote me on this as I'm going off memory and Boberg marketing material.
The Boberg action is a not typical and that concerns me a bit. Only time will tell on this I think.
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Here is how I rate the four pocket 9mm's that I own.
Conceal ability (pocket carry) - R9(easily), Solo & PM9(tie), XR9s
Accuracy and shoot ability - XR9, Solo, PM9, R9
Over all - Solo, PM9, XR9s, R9
As far as weight and size, you can do the research off their webs. The PM9 and Solo are very close overall as far as I am concerned. The Boberg has the same length barrel as a Glock 26, but I do not get the big increase in velocity that Boberg advertises over the shorter barrel pistols. He had some bad barrels and I might have one. The Boberg is a fun gun to shoot and has minimum recoil and is very accurate. The "reverse feed action" has not been a problem so far for me.
The CM9 comes at a very attractive price and I have not heard anything bad about them.
Overall the Solo just seems to do everything I want and I like it the best.
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Here is how I rate the four pocket 9mm's that I own.
Conceal ability (pocket carry) - R9(easily), Solo & PM9(tie), XR9s
Accuracy and shoot ability - XR9, Solo, PM9, R9
Over all - Solo, PM9, XR9s, R9
As far as weight and size, you can do the research off their webs. The PM9 and Solo are very close overall as far as I am concerned. The Boberg has the same length barrel as a Glock 26, but I do not get the big increase in velocity that Boberg advertises over the shorter barrel pistols. He had some bad barrels and I might have one. The Boberg is a fun gun to shoot and has minimum recoil and is very accurate. The "reverse feed action" has not been a problem so far for me.
The CM9 comes at a very attractive price and I have not heard anything bad about them.
Overall the Solo just seems to do everything I want and I like it the best.
Great info. Thank you.
Do you think +P ammo makes any sense in these smaller platforms like the Boberg and Solo? Have you done any real life testing of the +p versus standard pressure in any of these guns.
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bobsmith asked
"Do you think +P ammo makes any sense in these smaller platforms like the Boberg and Solo? Have you done any real life testing of the +p versus standard pressure in any of these guns."
Velocity is what gives you penetration and expansion. With short barreled guns, velocity is a problem so +P makes a lot of sense. The +P ammo gives you about 40 fps more velocity and every bit helps. I only carry +P ammunition now and practice with whatever is around. If I know the ammo is compatible with the pistol, I do not shoot a lot of rounds through it. This means shooting rounds from every box to test them or at least every lot.
Added later:
By the way, I just put my order in for a Boberg XR45-S. Delivery in about 12 weeks.
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bobsmith asked
"Do you think +P ammo makes any sense in these smaller platforms like the Boberg and Solo? Have you done any real life testing of the +p versus standard pressure in any of these guns."
Velocity is what gives you penetration and expansion. With short barreled guns, velocity is a problem so +P makes a lot of sense. The +P ammo gives you about 40 fps more velocity and every bit helps. I only carry +P ammunition now and practice with whatever is around. If I know the ammo is compatible with the pistol, I do not shoot a lot of rounds through it. This means shooting rounds from every box to test them or at least every lot.
Added later:
By the way, I just put my order in for a Boberg XR45-S. Delivery in about 12 weeks.
Got it. I was curious if you had chrono'd them yourself since it sounds like you might chrono a bit. Since stated claims on the box seem to vary a lot when compared to real like situations. I'm sure I could google and find the answer as well. A bigger muzzle blast is worth something too.
Congrats on the Boberg 45. That should be a fun one.
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More updates and additions to the range report.
Went to the range today and ran:
50, 124 gr lawman -perfect
25- 115 gr Winchester silver tip -perfect
That makes for 312 flawless premium ammo (if you consider lawman premium)
I also shot 115 gr American eagle and did get 1 failure to eject out of the 25 rounds I ran through it.
I will probably stay away from the 115 for the most part. I like having a gun I can say (think) has worked 100% reliably.
So the 115 gr American Eagle let me down, but I don't think that disappoints me too much. I will just keep firing primo ammo and if she keeps going bang il be SOLD.
You should also note that I have cleaned the weapon 2 times so far. So this makes 157 rounds since its been cleaned. Alot different than cleaning every 50 max. Very solid weapon IMHO.
So a grand total of 337 rounds fired and 1 failure to eject out of 115 gr cheap ammo : ) lol. FYI my glock 19 Failed to cough a American eagle 115 gr the other day too : ))
Thanks for the awesome tip on the solo MRC. Lovin it.
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Great to hear. Not to Hyjack your solo thread, but has anyone shot the Solo and Boberg xr9s? I'm curious how they compare back to back from a user.
Personally, I'd take the Boberg over the Solo because I can shoot it better. You can also get reasonable terminal performance with standard pressure ammunition due to the longer barrel. Recoil is a personal thing, but I feel like I could run Federal HST 124 +P through a Boberg all day long without experiencing recoil fatigue. I never shoot more than a box of 50 on a range trip due to the expense involved.
Solo pocket carries easier in similar Remora pocket holsters.
Good looks don't get it done, but it's difficult not to feel a teeny bit of pride of ownership when you stuff this in your pocket.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/BDSBruce/IMG_5584_zpsa56a941b.jpg)
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This has nothing to do with the Boberg, but the solo rather...
Now up to 487 rounds with only one failure to extract when I used cheap range ammo in 115 gr instead of recommended ammo.
Wow!!
Only cleaned the gun twice so far.
Wow!!
Accurate as can be with a GREAT site pic.
Wow!!
No metallic dusting after firing it.
Wow!!
Doesn't beat my hand to pieces even after 150 rounds today.
Wow!!
$675
Wow!!
A whopping 1/2" overall length longer than R9.
Fair trade off.
Night sights and Crimson Trace offered.
Wow!!
+P rated.
Wow!!
Haven't tightened grip screws yet.
Wow!!
Haven't read a blog once to figure out how to shoot it successfully.
Wow!!
Shoots great left handed with one hand and intentionally limp wristing it.
Wow!!
No broken pieces or ANY visible wear after 487 rounds.
Wow!!
Well it's not as good of a pistol as the R9 as you could figure, but it's been pretty impressive so far.
If you don't have one you may want to get one bros.
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First of all, I wanted a pistol / cartridge combination that would penetrate at least 12" of ballistic gelatin in the IWBA 4 denim protocol.
I also wanted a light weight pistol that disappeared into my front pocket.
I also wanted something that was manageable to fire.
There are some (not many) 380 cartridges now that will do that, but when I bought the R9 I wasn't aware of any. Everything that I'd seen at the time had 380 JHPs stopping around 10"-11" and FMJs zipping out the back of 18" blocks of gelatin.
.40 S&W "pocket" pistols weren't that pocketable, IMO. You can only make a .40 S&W so small and so light.
The 9mm seemed to be the cartridge that could be shot out of a 14 ounce 5 1/4" package and the Rohrbaugh seemed to be the smallest lightestt 9mm pistol that would fire the 9mm cartridge reliably. Mine has been 100% with 12gr & 147gr Gold Dots, 124gr & 147gr Lawman TMJ, and 147gr Ranger "T" Series RA9T.
Here are some ammo tests of what you can expect from some standard pressure ammo out of the R9:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3VfWkWMzOI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lGqdMdbir0&list=PLgNSGOEQko_M90AMdRCDMgd-w4Yozc27i
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ
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Ljutic said
"Personally, I'd take the Boberg over the Solo because I can shoot it better. You can also get reasonable terminal performance with standard pressure ammunition due to the longer barrel. Recoil is a personal thing, but I feel like I could run Federal HST 124 +P through a Boberg all day long without experiencing recoil fatigue. I never shoot more than a box of 50 on a range trip due to the expense involved."
I have to say that you nailed it when you said to shoot what you shoot best. The difference for me between the Solo, PM9, and the Boberg as far as accuracy is very slight with the Boberg probably winning. The Solo seems to point more naturally for me and the more conventional operation suits me better
One thing I do not like about the Solo is the ambidextrous magazine release, but it has never caused me any trouble.
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Went to the range today and did a bit of experimenting with the solo.
I had a box of Italian brass max Tula 115 gr I wanted to run since the steel is dirty and had a very hard Berdan primer. I wanted the euro ammo because Mr Rohrbaugh told me it was hotter than typical range ammo. He said not to run em in the R9. Well it ran all 50 with no problem.
Also ran 7 rem golden saber 124 +P
And 6 more gold dot.
That make 67 today and a flawless 554 rounds to date. You may note that I had 2 FTE that was with the 115 gr American Eagle. I'm not holding that against the Solo though. Seemed ammo related for sure.
Seems to fire good warm ammo just fine regardless of the grains.
I've ordered a 500 box of 124 gr Winchester NATO that are reportedly hotter than standard range ammo. I'm going for 1000. Then break in the new spring and away we go.
Oh I did clean it today and after about 250-300 (or so) it had a small trace of metallic dusting, but way milder than R9. Rails look better on the Kimber (500+ rounds vs 350+? On the R9)
There's more coming soon I hope.
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Make that another 50 rounds of Speer lawman 124 today
That makes 604
I did experience one malfunction today.
Although they all fed and ejected wonderfully during normal operations within all mags; when I was feeding a second mag with the slide held open it failed to feed up the next round properly.
Don't know what that was all about, but it was the first malfunction of this variety to date. Hope its the last.
This little gun is a beast.
Also shot the Seecamp 380. WOW! Anyone want to buy a little .380 : )?
That thing hurts so bad every time you pull the trigger lol. Ouch! I've got about 100 rounds of so through it in the year I've had it, but there is no getting used to it. It just hurts. Lol.
In final, the solo just shoots so accurately I am amazed for such a small pistol. Excellent.
And oh LJutic, I do NOW carry 124 gr +p golden sabers. Thanks for the info.
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Added 50 more Speer lawman to the round count today.
654 rounds with only 2 FTE when using cheap American eagle 115 gr
And only one FTF when changing mags. Still haven't figured that deal out. Hope to not see it again : )
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Bought some more of the Tula Brass Maxx today that I will look forward to running tomorrow on some training in the rain :) hope to feed the 96 rounds through it and put it up to 750 with only the 2 FTE out of the AE 115 and one FTF from the mag change.
I am ready to call this thing good. Ok I was honestly ready 150 rounds ago, BUT it has been a dream to get familiarized with and do some defensive training with.
I will update tomorrow for anyone who cares.
...crickets
Lol.
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I will update tomorrow for anyone who cares.
...crickets
Josh,
Glad to hear you like the Solo. I have no doubt that when things come back online with Rohrbaugh they will get your gun sorted and you will have two great pocket guns.
Best,
Ryan
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Thanks for the vote of confidence. I believe you are correct. It may take a long time due to the timing and all, but I believe if they are going to keep the name alive it will be made right and I'm excited to GRD (that means get er done).
I really love the gun conceptually. And it sounds like it is a platform that can go beyond conceptually if it can be tweaked in such a way as to make it reliable. I believe it will happen. Just need patience. That's where the Solo comes into play. I needed something to fill the gap left behind by the absence of the R9. It actually does more with its extra size and weight than the R9 can do, BUT I still want my R9 back in the lineup because it is smaller and lighter for pocket carry : )
Oh the troubles of living in America in 2014. We sure can get spoiled with all of the technology and advancements. I'm sure people would have loved to have something 1/2 as nice in twice the size of either gun 50 years ago.
Anyway I have not lost my zeal nor hope for wanting to love my R9 : )
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Since I know y'all are waiting with 'bated breath I thought I would add this post.
I ran another 50 rounds of 115 Tula Brass Maxx and 50 rounds of 124 lawman through it today. I had 2 Failures to fire. Looked like light strikes or hard primers. I blame the Tula cheap ammo since the 50 lawman were as always perfect
Make the 750 rounds now with only 2 FTE out of cheap 115 Amer Eagle and now 2 Failure to Fire out of cheap Tula 115 gr.
Shoots one hole still from 7 paces.
Still impressed.
Can't wait for the new shop to open : )
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What's really ironic here is the fact that I've heard Kimber had lots of QC problems and was discouraged to purchase one from a couple guys I know and threads I've read.
Guess you really do hear about everything on the internet.
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I heard they had some issues with the early models; however according to MRC most of the problems came from people running the wrong kind of ammo. The gun calls for 124 or heavier PREMIUM ammo.
When I have ran PREMIUM ammo it's been 100% (even 115 gr WST)
Well it looks as though they have it figured out.
I went ahead and sprung for the crimson trace grips for it and got those on tonight, so I guess I'll have to try to fire it some more tomorrow.
Also, I am noticing the right safety switch has gotten a wiggle loose on the post.
I'm certain the gun would function even if it fell off of the post, but I'll bet she will be heading back to the factory soon for a fix.
I sure wish XS Big Dot made some sights for it. I REALLY like those sights on my G27.
Anyone else have experience with them? VERY quick sight acquisition!
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Add 50 more so we are now up to 800 rounds. I had a couple more failures to ignite today with the range ammo (federal I think). It was 115 and cycled great, but they must use a harder primer. Got the laser sighted in and it's pinging steel in rapid fashion.
Gun looks very solid and basically sturdy on the inside in spite of the slight wiggle to the right safety. Very well built gun.
MRC: you are an engineer and you like the design of this gun eh? I can see why. Runs REAL well. THANKS AGAIN for the hot tip on an excellent firearm.
So to date we have bought the gun for $675 + tax
Laser grips for $270
3 xtra mags (one is an 8 round) $70
For a total of $1015
I definately feel like I have a SOLID piece of steel in the pocket/waist band with a great warranty and now laser for this investment.
Is the black starting to come off? Yep it sure is at the base where the mags feed. I view it as patina. My R9 also is experiencing the same.
Is it for everybody? Probably not. I'm kinda like LJ it seems. I like mouse guns. That's kinda what I find myself drawn to and I like having one I can do some pretty heavy training with. It's nice to do more than target practice. I feel like this piece is more of a micro fighting pistol whereas the R9 is more of a gentleman's piece to carry as a backup or in a civil environment where you could get a problem. This will dump a mag of +P in a hurry on target. Different roles that they fill for sure, but I think if you are in the market for something you can carry often shoot often this would be a nice one to have.
I guess that's it for now. If I didn't see the views going up I would quit posting on here. But it seems a few are watching ever so quitely. Shhhhhhhhhhhh. Read much and post little. Wait... If everybody does that their won't be anything to read but old news. Just sayin. At the same time if ya got nothing to say I guess it is best to shut up. I'm shutting up now :)
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JoshA said
"MRC: you are an engineer and you like the design of this gun eh? I can see why. Runs REAL well. THANKS AGAIN for the hot tip on an excellent firearm."
Josh, yes I like the Solo as a carry gun. The one thing I do not like about it is the ambidextrous magazine release. I will say though, it has not been a problem for me when carrying.
I would caution you that pistols this small do not have the durability of say a steel framed 1911. They can be worn out and shot until they are useless to the owner. +P ammo will speed this process up.
One thing I would check if I were you is the slide/barrel locking lugs on your Solo. This point takes a lot of abuse and can be damaged. I do like the Sig/Glock type lockup better than the Kimber Solo tyoe.
I know there are people here who will disagree, but the polymer framed pistols have proven themselves to be more durable than the alloy framed pistols. Weight reduction is just an added bonus.
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10/4. Makes sense. I really wanted to get a handle on how durable it is as well as become very proficient with it, hence all of the shooting. I don't like just target practice. I have that piece down pretty good from 7 yard and closer threshold. It's more about shooting multiple targets on the move etc. I'm splitting my rounds between this and my G27 (winter/fall gun). I say all of that to rationalize the rounds ran through it. I don't want to wear it out, but I want to become very confident with it. I honestly think of it as proven from my stand point : )
The alloy frame looks excellent to be honest. Just a few places of minor wear.
I actually don't shoot +p in it while range shooting. Just enough to make sure It runs well in the pistol and that the particular lot or batch is a good one. I agree with you about the poly guns holding up generally better and being lighter.
As for the lock up you are mentioning, are you talking about the actual slide lock notches on the slide?
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Take the slide off and turn it upside down. Look where the lugs on the barrel lock up with the slide lugs. Look for good uniformly round edges that are not starting to wear unevenly.
I have not had mine off for awhile, so I can't be more specific.
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I, too, have a Solo with the laser. Mine is the newer DC (deep cover) version they recently released. I am in LOVE with the pistol, and it's in my front pocket in a Sticky Holster as I type this. I have about 400 rounds of sheer bliss and perfection through this little pocket 9mm. I had a couple FTFs with Winchester White Box 115gr. BUT, that's IT. Anytime I've used 124gr or 147gr I've had a smile on my face. I have 40 rounds of Cor-Bon 125gr+p through it and it's perfect, perfect, perfect.
I love my R9S, don't get me wrong, but this Solo has a laser, fires +p loads and pocket carries only marginally heavier/wider than my Pups (some of which are waiting for warranty)
Highly endorse the Solo
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Sounds great rcm11! What did you have to pay for your little beast of a pistolé?
MRC: I know what you speak of now. I will look and confirm even wear or better yet no visible wear : )
Thanks guys!
Fire on.
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Well put 150 flawless Winchester T 147 grain through the solo today that takes us over the 1000 round mark and time to replace the spring.
So far the only problems I see with the little machine are a slightly loose right ambi safety switch and the black wearing off where the mag goes in. Other than that it's in great shape. Tight and very dependable.
Of all of the 124 and 147 ammo ran through it I had ZERO malfunctions!
If you aren't impressed with that for a little pistol I can only surmise you haven't shot many little pistols. They always have some hick up it seems. The micros that is.
Well I'm real happy with this Solo and plan to make it my EDC while it's hot here in Indianapolis.
I will be mostly carrying it IWB under an untucked polo and occasionally in the pocket. It's a bit large for that to me though. Not terrible, but it just rides more comfortable and concealed IWB IMO.
Well I'll clean it and change the spring and post a pic or two for anyone who cares.
I'll report on how it functions with the new spring and go from there.
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Take the slide off and turn it upside down. Look where the lugs on the barrel lock up with the slide lugs. Look for good uniformly round edges that are not starting to wear unevenly.
I have not had mine off for awhile, so I can't be more specific.
Mine has peening, not bad but I only have maybe 100 rounds through it.
I called factory , they said its normal....really !
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Well put 150 flawless Winchester T 147 grain through the solo today that takes us over the 1000 round mark and time to replace the spring.
So far the only problems I see with the little machine are a slightly loose right ambi safety switch and the black wearing off where the mag goes in. Other than that it's in great shape. Tight and very dependable.
Of all of the 124 and 147 ammo ran through it I had ZERO malfunctions!
If you aren't impressed with that for a little pistol I can only surmise you haven't shot many little pistols. They always have some hick up it seems. The micros that is.
Well I'm real happy with this Solo and plan to make it my EDC while it's hot here in Indianapolis.
I will be mostly carrying it IWB under an untucked polo and occasionally in the pocket. It's a bit large for that to me though. Not terrible, but it just rides more comfortable and concealed IWB IMO.
Well I'll clean it and change the spring and post a pic or two for anyone who cares.
I'll report on how it functions with the new spring and go from there.
See that? I told you those 147s wouldn't let you down!
-Okay, so that was a different gun... ;)
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Yes. Hey Douglas. I do have the 147 that I want to use on the R9 per your suggestion. Just waiting of course. Thanks again for the recomendation. I feel like my R9 will see its best days ahead of it when I get it fixed now that I've learned way more about it , the ammo it prefers and how to hold it and clean it.
Take care Douglas.
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MRC I do see some wearing on the "lockups" (I think you called them) on the inside of the slide.
Here are some pics of this little beast after 1000+ rounds.
Again note that when using 124, 147 and premium 115 this gun has functioned with 100% reliability even intentionally trying its patience. Lots of one handed and one handed weak side shooting in my recent training sessions (yeah I'm a dork, so what? : )
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I can't see real good, but off hand I do not see anything that I would worry about. The extremely high slide velocities on these small, light pistols firing high pressure ammo has been a concern of mine.
I wonder what Kimber projects for an estimated useful life as far as round count.
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Just talked to Kimber about when they recommend sending the Solo in for a deep cleaning and change the firing pin etc and they said 2000-2500 rounds.
I said "even with the solo being as small as it is?" He said "yep".
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So after I changed the recoil spring assembly and cleaned it I took it to the range and wouldn't you know, it barked off 24, 147 gr hi shoks like clockwork.
That's OVER 1000 ROUNDS THROUGH IT WITHOUT ONE FAILURE OUT OF 124, 147 or PREMIUM 115 AMMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only gun I have put to this test and have found this kind of reliability thus far bas been my g27
You kind of expect it out of a Glock or other "duty" type weapons like my 226 or revolver.
Has anyone had this type of success from a micro auto? I'm obviously pretty impressed, but I think for good reason.
Speaking of the Glock 27 I saw a review on the little giant. It was sporting a 9 mm and .357 sig barell on mousegunaddicts.com which I think is Ljutic's sight. He kinda raved on it, so since it is my colder weather gun/ favorite carry piece (when I can clothe enough to conceal it) I decided to try out the lone wolf barrels myself. So far I've ran the 9mm and really enjoyed it for training purposes. Pretty cool stuff if you havent seen it yet and best of all it's simple and relatively affordable! 3 awesome guns in one for about $900. I know some will say "no soul", but I like it. You may too. RELIABLE.
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I'm seriously considering the Solo since Glock went the 380 route instead of releasing a single-stack nine. Anyhow, my only reservation with the Solo is that huge safety; is there a way a disabling/removing it? Can it be easily manipulated on or off? How smoothly does the safety operate, can it be engaged/disengaged inadvertently?
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The thumb safety is there because the Solo is a single action. It cannot be removed or deactivated. A Kahr or a Glock might suit you better.
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I'm seriously considering the Solo since Glock went the 380 route instead of releasing a single-stack nine. Anyhow, my only reservation with the Solo is that huge safety; is there a way a disabling/removing it? Can it be easily manipulated on or off? How smoothly does the safety operate, can it be engaged/disengaged inadvertently?
I carry a Kimber Solo daily in my pocket. I carry it in a DeSantis suoer fly holster with out the flap.
If you are familiar with the 1911 controls, the safety will come naturally, The safety is small but easy to access for me.
The Solo has a long double action type only trigger similar to the R9 or a PM9. Because of this I carry the pistol with the safety off. That is my choice. When I remove it from my pocket, I then engage the safety.
Here is a reviewer and carrier who shares my opinion. The Solo is a very reliable, accurate, and safe pistol in my opinion. Good luck
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/firearms/articles/5379304-Firearms-Review-The-Kimber-Solo/
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The main potential problem that I see with a "safety off" carry is that it could inadvertently be engaged in the pocket to the "on" position, particularly with a good sized safety such as the Solo. I don't own a Solo but a lot of owners are happy with it on the range, at least.
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The main potential problem that I see with a "safety off" carry is that it could inadvertently be engaged in the pocket to the "on" position, particularly with a good sized safety such as the Solo. I don't own a Solo but a lot of owners are happy with it on the range, at least.
That is a potential problem I guess, but one that has never happened to me. The safety engages and disengages with a very positive click. I really do not see it as a problem.
When i purchased the Solo, one concern I had was the ambidextrous mag release. Again it takes considerable force to release the magazine when the mag is full. It has proven so far to be of no concern, but I still do not like it and have considered having it altered. I do not carry a second magazine anymore so fast reloads are of no concern. If i feel the need for more firepower, I switch to my 229.
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I have found it as a training issue I have trained around FOR ME. Granted I have out 1000+ rounds through the weapon and there is no guarantee that I will get the safety off in the event of a situation. That being said you have to weigh what is right for you and so do I. There is a part of me that actually likes the safety. There is another part of me that wished Glock made the single stack 9 in a size comparable to the solo. Since the G 42 .380 is bigger than the solo you are gonna have to look at a Kahr if the safety is an issue.
I have read and talked to a lot of Glock guys who have found that the cm9 is the suitable answer for the lack of that pocketable single stack 9 in the lineup. It does share most of the functional qualities of a Glock.
I am just concerned with reliability at this point. I have thus far experienced mixed reliability from my cw380, but like a lot of niche pistols I think it liked premium stuff, so I have to prove it still but if I'm right it is a great little gun with real sights and +p and that sweet Kahr trigger.
I like the solo a lot and have made it my EDC when it's warmer out and the clothes are thinning up.
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We can certainly agree on the Colt Gold Cups and Sig 229s; and German mfg. 228s, I might add.
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My favorite pistol design is the HK P7.
For decades it was the only pistol I trained with.
When I bought my P7M8 in 1985 I passed up the 3rd Gen Smiths that you hear people rave about today as being such wonderful pistols, I also passed on the Beretta 92, because I made a personal decision for myself that slide mounted safeties that flipped up were not optimal for me. Could I have learned to use them and developed muscle memory and reflexes to bring the guns into action in an emergency - probably, although there was no guarantee I would be able to, and the P7M8 was just much much easier to use.
When I read gun forums and people create these "what gun should I get" threads, I consistency see people underestimating the importance of controls, control placement and whether or not the owner can readily and easily manipulate the controls.
And it is not just a simple matter of flip up / flip down. I tried the safety on the Kahr PM9. I thought it looked like a good idea because I've never had a problem with the flip-down safeties on the 1911 or BHP, but it wasn't until I actually tried to manipulate the safety on the PM9 that I realized it would not work for me.
Just the way it is positioned means I could not do a simple thumb sweep of it to disengage it. I have to bend my thumb and actually place my thumb against it like it is a button - not a lever and then instead of sweeping it down, it is more like dialing a knob.
So if you can imagine dialing a safety down instead of flipping a lever down maybe you get the idea of what the PM9 safety was like.
Anyway I was pretty convinced I wouldn't be able to deploy it in a crunch.
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Putting a safety on a PM9 makes about as much sense as putting a safety on a double action revolver in my opinion.
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I'm not sure if it was a marketing move to appeal to shooters as much as to make it compliant in some state.
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My guess would be compliance like Massachusetts; the bassackwards deign certainly has no appeal to me.
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http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9-w-External-Safety-and-LCI.asp
Yep
You were right. i checked Kahr's site and in big bold red letters:
MA Approved
(http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7312.0;attach=1020;image)
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Is the safety a new thing or is it just on mass and CA guns? I didn't think the cm/pm 9's had safety's.
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It is new and called the "Enhanced Series" whereas the original without the thumb safety is called the "Value Series." Both are available but the external safety version was designed for CA and MA and expanded as a newer model because of the alleged increased demand. The "Enhanced " or so called "Premium" series in the PM model both sell for a higher price.
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So there ya go. If you don't like the safety of the solo, roll with the Kahr. Same size, 1/2 the money for CM and it has a good rep. for dependability.
Probably can't go wrong for $320-$350 for a CM. I guess if you are weighing between a PM or Solo you have a bit more weighing to do IMO.
I'm sure they are both good guns. I look at how many guns all of us have collectively and we are all looking for the perfect carry weapon so we all end up with scores of pistols. Well if one person can't figure out what's best for him how can a group of people figure out the one perfect gun. Impossible.
It's an individual thing,
BUT IF I WERE TO DAYDREAM (imagine a dreamy harp sound here) I WOULD FUSE 2 GUNS INTO ONE FOR MY EDC. THE RELIABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF A GLOCK. THE SIZE AND LOOKS OF AN R9. THERE YA GO. THAT WAS VALUABLE WASNT IT? But it would suit my needs well.
Back to reality... Ok I do wish the solo didn't have a safety, but other than that it's been pretty close to perfect IMO for whatever that's worth. : ) it's probably worth about as much as you paid to read this forum : ) or less.
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JoshA said
"Back to reality... Ok I do wish the solo didn't have a safety, but other than that it's been pretty close to perfect IMO for whatever that's worth. : ) it's probably worth about as much as you paid to read this forum : ) or less."
I have been carrying a Solo now for over three years and the safety has never been a problem or a worry.
Now the right side mag release has been a longtime worry of mine and it too has never been a problem.
Nothing's going to be perfect for every one.
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The thing that I like about the Solo thumb safety is that it is not upside down like the Kahr; "up" for the firing position is very counterintuitive. I can see someone who was trained with the 1911 "cocked and locked" carrying the Kahr Enhanced with the thumb safety in the up or firing position and inadvertently lowering it to the safe position after drawing the weapon.
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Take it or leave it but my best and friendly advice is to not pursue that one because it is irrelevant; your choice on the deletion. Kahr's corporate HQ is at Blauvelt, NY and they have a factory in Worcester, MA which may explain the MA compliant model. Justin Moon was born in Korea in 1970 and was raised in Tarrytown, NY. He has had a gun license since he was 18 and has a passion for designing carry weapons. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard and also has an MBA. I observed him at an NRA show for about 5 minutes and was very impressed with his bearing, demeanor, and hands on interest with his products. In short, he is the real deal, IMO.
As to why he would design a thumb safety this way you would have to ask him. The only rational explanation is that up is on for some wall mounted light switches and in old airplanes where there were up and down switches for on and off. This doesn't make any sense in a pistol thumb safety.
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Excellent insight.
I dropped out of Harvard because it wasn't challenging enough. Then I woke from my dream only to realize I'm not smart enough to spell Harvard without spellcheck.
Thanks for the great info Tracker.
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I had another impressive range session today with the little solo today.
Used 115 federal and it ran all 100 of them without a hitch. I was glad. Maybe I have found a cheap range ammo I can use in it. Idk.
Well what was really impressive was I had 4 rounds left after running through 16 clips. Well I tried to hit a 6" steel plate for the first time from 75 ft.
Well when I put the sights dead on I was missing so with 2 of the last 4 I aimed slightly low and ting - ting.
Not a big deal to some I'm sure, but I am no crack shot and I have never shot the little giant from that distance or even close. Also, we are talking about a comparable cousin to the R9 in size. Not much larger at all.
I was impressed AGAIN : ))
It's a little beast I tell ya.
Let me know if you have a micro that can even compare to this accuracy.
Also, let me know if you have a micro that can compare to this reliability.
I will probably buy it if it functions as well as the solo. Sounds like the Boberg may compare eh? Anything else?
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I get 4" shot groups at 50 feet with my R9, and it has been reliable with Lawman 124gr and 147gr TMJ ammo.
I think I can hit an 8" target at 75 feet, but I've never tried it.
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I have never tried my r9 at such distances either. I would never guess I would shoot 4" groups at 50 ft since I can't shoot 10" groups at 21 ft : ))
I haven't given up on my R9 for reliability YET. I also really favored the lawman and gold dots. They did the best in mine before I damaged mine at about 350 round (+however many the previous owner had through it. I would guess about 150 from the looks of it)
I will look forward to getting it fixed and trying to see if it's reliable and durable and accurate after repairs. Should be less than a year I hope. Until then the solo just keeps proving to be what a micro CAN BE. it's not as small as the R9 (which I honestly think they could have done by shortening the barrel) but that's where the comparison ends for me and my R9. I understand that there are some better than others though.
All that being said I do not find a fault with my solo after 1250 rounds through it. It's a sewing machine that has earned a degree of confidence only reserved for bigger black polymer guns that start with a G and revolvers.
I am obviously no writer for guns and ammo or some other type of guru. Just a picky guy who wants to carry something I can trust is going to go bang when called upon to do so and is compact and user friendly enough to carry every day everywhere. Kind of a narrow window of tolerance, but the kimber solo fits through it. maybe your R9 fits through it. Maybe not. Mine doesn't, but there good and bad ones apparently. I understand there have been some reported bad solos too. The difference seems to be the factory support.
Also, I should say I only own one other kimber to date (ultra carry II) so know I'm not a fan boy. I just find it to be more than expected in every aspect. I'm actually a sig fanboy, but after owning the 938 and 290RS I can say they don't really compare to the solo for EDC FOR ME.
One word of warning if you are thinking about buying one: I should have gotten the $1150 defensive package in retrospect. I have close to that much invested in mine and still don't have night sights. I do have some extra mags and crimson trace grips though.
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Well ran another box of 115 grain federal range ammo ($25 at Wally World) through the solo today.
I'm posting this to let all know it wasn't as good of an experience as the last 100 and I'm guessing that that's one reason you don't want to run it consistently unless you don't mind an occasional jam etc.
The slide was usually not locking open on the last round almost undoubtedly because of the lack of grain weight to push the slide back. I don't recall having that problem before though.
Now of course I need to get at it with the good stuff again and make sure the gun is as much of a beast as it always has been. I'm confident it will.
I'm waiting for a shipment of 124 gr Slightly hotter military rounds from Midway that I can affordably run through the little giant, but they aren't due here til June or July. Wow.
Anyway, if anyone is interested in owning a solo I needed to let you know to expect mixed results from the federal 115 gr ammo that YOU ARENT SUPPOSED TO USE IN THE WEAPON ANYWAY : )
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Oh we are now over 1300 rounds through the little machine
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What I've found is that some companies call their ammo "NATO" but when you look at the muzzle velocity - it is not close to NATO
Georgia Arms has 124gr round nose TMJ with a muzzle velocity of 1150. That is a little hotter than something like Blazzer Brass which is somewhere around 1090,
I started with the Winchester Ranger T "NATO" to break in my CM9 and then moved to the Georgia Arms 124gr. I didn't have FTF or FTE, I did have a problem with the slide bot locking back - but I may have been pressing down on the slide stop lever (another reason I like the R9 - no slide stop lever). It is not so bad if your thumb pushes down - can be a big problem if your thumb pushed up.
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Thanks Count. Where do I get my hands on the Georgia arms stuff?
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Here you go:
http://georgia-arms.com/9mmluger.aspx
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Just ordered 500 of em and 500 .40 cal as well.
Pretty good prices and I like that they pack it in an ammo can. That's great!
Thanks for the tip Count.
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Well after 1400 or so rounds the solo isn't locking the slide open on last round. It kinda seems as if it's something mechanically restricting the slide from traveling back all the way.
Well looks like I need to go back to the trusty G27.
What a pistol! It may not have a soul, but it has everything else a guy would want in a fighting pistol. And 1/2 way concealable.
I've tried everything I can get my hands on, but that would be my choice all year if I could conceal it well enough in summer garb.
Maybe the sig 224 will be a contender though heavier and having the 2 different trigger pulls (not into the double action sig). I don't know. We have to see.
Until then, back to the G_ _ _k.
I'll keep anyone who cares posted.
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No one can say you didn't give it a good shot.
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Well after 1400 or so rounds the solo isn't locking the slide open on last round. It kinda seems as if it's something mechanically restricting the slide from traveling back all the way.
Well looks like I need to go back to the trusty G27.
What a pistol! It may not have a soul, but it has everything else a guy would want in a fighting pistol. And 1/2 way concealable.
I've tried everything I can get my hands on, but that would be my choice all year if I could conceal it well enough in summer garb.
Maybe the sig 224 will be a contender though heavier and having the 2 different trigger pulls (not into the double action sig). I don't know. We have to see.
Until then, back to the G_ _ _k.
I'll keep anyone who cares posted.
Remember, this is the Rohrbaugh Forum
The slide not locking back is an advancement and selling point.
Seriously, have you checked the slide stop spring to see if it is still functioning correct or if something is worn or broke in that area?
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Haha.
Hey MRC,
no I haven't, but I had a buddy with me at the range today that noted he couldn't pull the slide all the way back in order to get where the notch in the slide lined up with the slide stop EVERY time. Like there was a mysterious mechanical blockage of sorts.
I wonder a bit if there is something amiss with the recoils spring assembly. Like something in the 0 tolerance area of the assembly that is hindering a full collapse. I guess a quick swap of springs would tell the story. I wonder if I kept the old one. I'll have to look.
Thanks for the idea. If the recoil spring assembly is not the issue I will look to your point next sir. Thanks again.
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Dang it Josh, you just wore it out! Light weight micros are not built to be range guns. You treated your Solo like a rented mule....now go buy another, break it in and then carry it. ;)
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About wore me out, too, reading about that mule getting broken.
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Lol. You guys are funny. That was good. I like a good sense of humor. Hilarious.
I don't really think it's quite ready for the scrap heap yet. It may only have a few thousand more rounds left in it, but we aren't there yet.
Anyway I haven't messed with it since the issue. I need to see if I kept the original recoil spring assembly.
I bought a 224 today to see if I can tear it up (highly doubtful). Beautiful pistol with mixed reviews out there and apparently not a huge following. Perhaps because it's like a G27, BUT heavier, longer, taller, more expensive and a more complex trigger pull to get used to.
Beautiful piece to me anyway.
I'll bore you with more details later.
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Here you go:
http://georgia-arms.com/9mmluger.aspx
Hey Tracker,
Did you know those are factory reloads? I just got em today and discovered that. Not a huge deal, but I didn't see it coming. They don't say it in a bold way on the web site. Look to be nicely done anyway.
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I did know they were reloads; all I did was to forward you their website address after the endorsement by C0unt. The website doesn't say that explicitly they are reloads but there are a lot of clues if you read it carefully. Please let us know how they work; just don't use them in your Glock or R9 when it gets fixed.
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Roger dodger. I'm sure they will be fine. Of course if one did damage a gun it would not be warrantable obviously.
I didn't read it carefully. Grrrr. I'm reasonably sure they will be fine. At least they are factory reloads. I would think the process is not too dissimilar from that of any other ammo production process. Just once fired brass.
I worry about double the powder and other weird things like that on NON-factory reloads.
I'll give em a try.
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One way that you can use reloads in your Glock without as much concern as in the factory barrel is to use an after market barrel like Storm Lake, KKM, or Lone Wolf. I use Storm Lake barrels in several Glocks and like them. Apparently, as good as the factory Glock barrel is the construction of it is not compatible with reloads, particularly lead bullets. That is as technical as I can go on the subject but I read it from an apparently reliable source.
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I know this is a controversial topic in some circles, but if the bullets are not lead what is the problem with factory reloads in a Glock?
It seems like the problem would be the same in any gun if the rounds were reloaded.
I think that you have to take an extra step in prepping due to an unsupported chamber or something if the casings were fired from a Glock.
Anyone got the skinny on it?
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I have shot nothing but my own reloads in my Glocks
I have shot lots of cast lead also in the Glocks with no problems. You just have to clean your guns well and load at low to moderate pressures.
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This issue is like a lot of other things:
1. Recommended: meaning try anything you like without much risk but better performance.
2. Warranty: we will not cover the damage caused by your not following our instructions and policy.
3. Prohibited: you will probably experience a disaster and we are not responsible for your stupidity.
4. Rohrbaugh: "DO NOT LOAD WITH +P OR +P+ AMMUNITION."
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Sounds like some pretty good common sense to me.
MRC: have you used the standard Glock barrel for all of your lead cast reloads or aftermarket?
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Sounds like some pretty good common sense to me.
MRC: have you used the standard Glock barrel for all of your lead cast reloads or aftermarket?
Our Gun Club had an indoor range for many years where the traps were only rated for non-jacketed ammunition. I used cast bullet loads to practice with in my G23 and G27 with no problems. All of us at the club who shot Glocks were doing it. The problem arises from lead build up in the polygonal rifling which can raise pressures. With reduced loads and proper cleaning, there is not a problem and they shot very well.
I also had a G31 for which I bought a 40 S&W barrel from Bar-Sto to shoot lead.
At Smith and Wesson's customer service department, there is a "reloading Specialist" to whom I have spoke many times. He told me that they understand that virtually everyone shoots reloads through their Smiths and they are usually the most active and most professional shooters they deal with. The disclaimer about reloads is pure legal department BS.
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That's what I personally enjoy about this site. Real deal experience being shared rather than a bunch of internet hype. Or opinions that have been forged from fear and hype and whatever else.
One day I hope to be able to have this type of real life experience to be able to calmly and confidently pass on, but until then I'm pretty happy to have access to some seasoned minds sharing their experience in a very open way.
Thanks for the insights fellas! This thanks goes to more than just those commenting on this thread. A lot of good helps for a lesser experience guy like myself.
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Well I think it's simply a worn slide stop. See the pic below. Looks like the little beast just needs a wear item replaced. Looks like they should recommend a new one when the spring assembly gets replaced at 1000 rounds.
Do you fellows think this is the issue? I'm ordering one regardless due to the wear, just curious of the thoughts of others.
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Better pic I think. See post below
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Dang it Josh, you just wore it out! Light weight micros are not built to be range guns. You treated your Solo like a rented mule....now go buy another, break it in and then carry it. ;)
Well after discovering considerable wear on the slide stop I decided to call Kimber and order a new one. They are sending it out today free of charge. I explained the gun was 3-4 months old with about 1400 rounds on it and he said he would get it right out.
I HOPE this is the issue. This is my EDC now that the jacket is off most days here in Indy. Want it to be flawless. We will see in 5-10 days.
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Here you go:
http://georgia-arms.com/9mmluger.aspx
Hey Tracker,
Did you know those are factory reloads? I just got em today and discovered that. Not a huge deal, but I didn't see it coming. They don't say it in a bold way on the web site. Look to be nicely done anyway.
So far I ran 24 through the solo. It is still flawless using 124 and heavier. It liked em just fine. I will work through the 500 and report because I know Tracker is on pins and needles to know how they work out 😬
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My main concern is that you will have to return to work and won't have enough range or post time.
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Wow I hope not!! Lol.
The iPhone has sure revolutionized my world. Happy to be able to keep up with emails, texts and phone calls from anywhere I get cell service. It's awesome : )
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Wow I hope not!! Lol.
The iPhone has sure revolutionized my world. Happy to be able to keep up with emails, texts and phone calls from anywhere I get cell service. It's awesome : )
Now all we need is for the forum to be picked up by one of the excellent iPhone web forum apps: Tapatalk, OhubCampfire, or Outdoor Forums. It would save me a lot of zooming and page refreshes :)
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Sounds cool. I'm not familiar with those apps but I see the point. Sounds like it would be an improvement. Especially if this forum receives a heavy influx of new people being exposed to the pistol via a larger marketing budget and a lower purchasing point.
Perhaps some of them will be of the younger mindset that would really appreciate such a convenience.
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I received my slide lock free of charge the other day. I hope this fixes the issue. I'll slap it on and see how it works and post an update : )
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Well I finally put the new slide lock on it and ran some of the Georgia arms 124 gr stuff and ran into the first 124 gr FTE ever out of my solo. Then about 5 more. Then tried 13 golden saber +P and had about 4 more FTE's
So all of the sudden my solo won't run reliably at all.
Bummer.
I only ended up with an additional 60 rounds through it today. It didn't go well.
Also still has trouble not locking open on the last round with the new slide stop.
Looks like its time for a trip back to Yonkers.
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So I've been thinking about the solo not being reliable AFTER running the Georgia arms reload stuff and I've finally cleaned the pistol since my last outing and will try to run some good 124 grain stuff through it and see if it's still what it used to be. To date it was flawless (until I fired the Georgia arms stuff) on the 124/147 NONreload variety out of over 1400 rounds total through the gun.
I guess if it's back to it's success it will have been a duh (like most of my other mistakes), and if not I'm sure is due for a trip back to its homeland especially since it doesn't lock back right.
Well I'll plan to take it to the range this week and see how it does and let you know. It's been a good little gun that has taken a lot of abuse from me and I haven't cleaned it more than 10 times probably.
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Good plan Josh. Those tight little pistols prefer premium ammo and like to be clean and lubricated. I have used EEZOX exclusively on all of my small handguns and clean them after each range trip with exceptional results. Good luck with your Solo...I truly enjoy shooting mine...good sight picture, accurate smooth and a pretty little thing as well...it just won't eject properly part of the time so I can't carry it.
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Good plan Josh. Those tight little pistols prefer premium ammo and like to be clean and lubricated. I have used EEZOX exclusively on all of my small handguns and clean them after each range trip with exceptional results. Good luck with your Solo...I truly enjoy shooting mine...good sight picture, accurate smooth and a pretty little thing as well...it just won't eject properly part of the time so I can't carry it.
John - I am just curious, have you talked to Kimber about your problems?
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Thanks backup9. I actually bought eezox a while ago upon your suggestion and just used it on the solo. Hoping for the best with primo 124 or 147 gr ammo.
Enjoy reading your posts.
Along the lines of MRC's inquiry... Mine has been a total beast. 1400 rounds and this is the first failure of any kind while using 124 or 147 grain ammo. I've been impressed to say the least. I would call it a torture test considering the guns size.
Thanks and good luck with yours.
What do you EDC anyway?
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Good plan Josh. Those tight little pistols prefer premium ammo and like to be clean and lubricated. I have used EEZOX exclusively on all of my small handguns and clean them after each range trip with exceptional results. Good luck with your Solo...I truly enjoy shooting mine...good sight picture, accurate smooth and a pretty little thing as well...it just won't eject properly part of the time so I can't carry it.
John - I am just curious, have you talked to Kimber about your problems?
Actually, I haven't. I bought it at a gunshow in February and later found that it was missing the upper left grip screw. Kimber kindly sent me another free, and I found the setting was stripped...the turkey who sold it to me (parking lot FTF sale) had put a screw in with a little stickum I think. Anyway, I haven't had time to do much with it and thought after my wife's surgery next week I'll be pretty much stuck at home as a caregiver through rehab and can get some of that stuff done. First I'll want to put some more rounds through it, but it WILL get fixed...too nice a piece not to make it right.
John
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What can you do when the threads get stripped anyway? I have a sig that I traded from a guy that has one stripped out on it.
Let us know what you end up with on your solo anyway. I hope it's is as solid as mine has been.
Hope mine just needed a good cleaning after the Georgia Arms: ) I think I'll go run a couple clips through mine in the back yard real quick...
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I'm surprised the Georgia Arms gave your Solo problems. I put hundreds of rounds of the stuff through my CM9 without any problems.
I don't still fire it, I was only using it as break-in ammo for the CM9.
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Well after running about 24 through it today I've determined it is definitely sick. It wouldn't extract anything after a good cleaning and all quality high-end hollowpoint stuff. I think perhaps the extractor has been worn down after 1400-1500 rounds. Could be complete coincidence that I was running GA when it failed. The GA .40 has run really well through my Glock 27.
Here are 2 shots of the types of FTE that I am experiencing. Let me know if anyone has an opinion of the cause.
These rounds were fired into a wet Grainger catalog and I thought the hornaday standard load did better than the golden saber +p. Probably not too scientific.
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The Solo seems to have frame inserts to take the grip screws which look to be easily replaced at the factory.
Pictures look to me like either you have worn springs or a bad extractor or both, but I do better with hearts and lungs than with gunsmithing for sure! Send it back for some remediation at Kimber.
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Anything will wear out with prolonged use; on March 15 you reported "237 flawless rounds." Why keep shooting it until it fails?
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I'm still impressed with the little beast. 1400+ rounds and finally a hick up.
Tracker: After I get it back I will be excited to see if it is as reliable as it has been since day 1. If so I obviously won't need or want to do that again, but someone had to test the gun's limits.
Now if we can get guncats to finish his 2000 round test on his collectible R9. Just kidding.
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I was out to the range, finally, last week testing the XR45s successfully. Shot my XR9 for a recoil comparison and a new to me P7.
Finally I pulled the Solo out of my pocket and fired all 7 rounds of the ammo I had been carrying for about 3 months. All on target, no problems. Loaded back up and went home completely confident.
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Sounds smart MRC.
This will probably be close to what I do with my small guns from here on out. I admit I was excessive. I can tend to be kind of an abusive sort, torturing my stuff. I found it somewhat enjoyable reaching the limit of the Solo and then pushing it a bit more. Well now I know.
I almost found it necessary in light of my poor success with the R9. I was so delighted to keep shooting it, racking up a perfect score with the correct ammo. I don't feel bad about it. I will be excited to find what is wrong with it. If it's only a spring and an extractor I will be happy to get it back and carry my 1400+ round Solo. I am confident the gun is structurally sound still.
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I think it is part of human nature to push the limits on everything.
I swear that some of my friends are trying to find ammo that will not work in their carry pistols. I ask them what they are trying to prove and they have no legitimate answer.
Good luck.
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I will be interested to report on Kimber's service to ya all.
FYI- 100% reliable using 124/147 grain quality ammo through 1400 rounds until it hit the wall. Very impressive for a pistol only slightly larger than the R9 IMO.
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I heard P7 so I have to say how cool the P7M8 is
BEST PISTOL EVER !
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I heard P7 so I have to say how cool the P7M8 is
BEST PISTOL EVER !
That is what it is, P7M8. I purchased it used from Arne Boberg.
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Is there a practical side to the P7M8 or is it merely collectibility/investment worth?
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The practical side is that it is the best shooting most reliable 9mm on the planet.
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Is there a practical side to the P7M8 or is it merely collectibility/investment worth?
I certainly did not consider the P7 as an investment when I bought it or consider it a collector's item.
Everyone I have talked to that owns one has liked them very much. It is an intriguing design and I have always wanted one.
the "squeeze cocker" would take some getting used to if I were to carry it for protection, but really works well and safely when at the range.
I will let you know how I like it probably next spring.
tracker - When I picked it up I was talking to my Dealer about it and mentioned Arne said it was extremely accurate for him. The Dealer said he had one and it was accurate, but he hated the "squeeze cocker".
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To each his own but I squeeze every gun I shoot. The P7 is not the most beautiful or ergonomic pistol but there are some very good reasons for the increasing prices on them and it is not just because they are out of production. HK could not continue to make them because of the high production costs; they will outlast all of the CNC/MIM pieces of junk on the market today. Glock, of course, is in a class all by itself.
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tracker, you are probably correct about the squeeze part. It is something you do without thinking on everything you shoot, but it is something you are very conscious of with the P7
My Dealer by the way is the most experienced and best pistol shot I know. He builds his own target guns and was disappointed in his 10 place finish in the Master Class Bullseye Competition at Camp Perry this year. He won it in 2006 with a score of 2629.
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1400 rounds is amazing
You must have callouses and tunnel carbil by now. I bet 99% of Solo owners shoot 2 boxes and call it a day
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Lol. It's not too bad really. It's a lot milder than the R9 skunk. Probably 50% of the pain going by memory. It's been awhile since i fired the R9.
Hopefully I will be hearing back from new Rohrbaugh soon about warranty.
I'm 42 so I may not be able to do that forever, but I feel like I am fairly competent with the unit after 1400 rounds working the steel targets.
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Well I dropped the solo off at UPS yesterday to be sent back to Yonkers on Kimber's dime. I was up front with them about the gun having 1400 rounds through it and they still shipped it for free.
They said they were exceptionally backed up and to expect 3-4 weeks to look at he pistol.
So far smooth sailing. Tic-toc...
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Well I dropped the solo off at UPS yesterday to be sent back to Yonkers on Kimber's dime. I was up front with them about the gun having 1400 rounds through it and they still shipped it for free.
They said they were exceptionally backed up and to expect 3-4 weeks to look at he pistol.
So far smooth sailing. Tic-toc...
How can these gun companies afford to constantly get guns back - Seecamp says every repair is $50 plus shipping. Imagine how many Solos were sent back
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Well I dropped the solo off at UPS yesterday to be sent back to Yonkers on Kimber's dime. I was up front with them about the gun having 1400 rounds through it and they still shipped it for free.
They said they were exceptionally backed up and to expect 3-4 weeks to look at he pistol.
So far smooth sailing. Tic-toc...
How can these gun companies afford to constantly get guns back - Seecamp says every repair is $50 plus shipping. Imagine how many Solos were sent back
How about the Springfield XDs recall. That was in excess of 220,000 pistols!
A friend of mine sent both of his in the same day and called to see if they received them. The lady in Customer Service said:
"Probably, we received 8,000 pistols yesterday"
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My XDS was turned in a pretty timely manner and they threw in an extra mag for the hassle. That was 6 months ago.
Same with the Shield. Quick turn around. I heard today that they now offer a safety-less shield. Sounds good, but if they bring out the Glock single stack 9mm it will be over for me and the shield or Kahrs. I could see being pretty content with that option for that particular size/need.
As for the cost of repairs... What would the cost of not repairing? Too expensive to tally. Seecamp feels every bump in the road they are so small IMO, but that's just the cost of doing business with the bigger companies. A bad rep in this business is too expensive I think.
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I've trained with the P7M8 since 1985 and I never learned any other MOA. When I bought the P7M8 I passed on the 3rd gen Smiths and the Beretta. I knew it was going to take a lot of training to learn to flip a safety up.
I still remember looking at a P7M8 in Walmart in Leesville, LA and the guy behind the counter recommended that I get the Beretta instead. He said:
It feels better in the hand, it's been adopted by the U.S. military, and it's 50 bucks cheaper.
I knew when I purchased another carry gun, it had to be something I could just grab and shoot. A gun with a good DOA trigger is about as close as I can get to the P7M8.
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Well I received an email perhaps indicating the solo is on its way. Something that needs signed for is on the way. Don't know what else it would be. If it is I'm kinda surprised because they said they were weeks behind. Sounds hopeful anyway.
Keep an eye out and I'll let ya know what it needed after 1400+ rounds.
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Well it made it back already. Looks like they did some fairly extensive work including a new barrel, extractor and a couple other goodies that I will post in detail later.
Got a run.
All in all I am impressed. Nice job Kimber❗️
NO CHARGE. NO CONVERSATION ABOUT WARRANTY FYI.
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Good work, Josh; glad to hear about some good news.
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Well I had the opportunity to range test the solo yesterday and it ran a box of federal hollow point 147 grain and a clip of 124 grain hydra shocks flawlessly. Seems to be back to 100% with the proper ammo.
I will probably run a couple more boxes through it to make sure it is a solid as it was before the crash but I don't think I will get too carried away.
Nice compact 9mm that takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. 1400 + rounds of mixed ammo and a trip to Yonkers and back . it is a little tank.
If anyone really cares to know what all they did to revive it let me know and I will post a pic of the letter. If no one cares I probably won't go digging for the letter in my closet.
Great job Kimber!
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I certainly would be interested in what they did and what they have to say about it.
Thanks for the updates!
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I would be interested to hear too.
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Here ya go.
Replaced barrel, extractor, trigger spring, outer coil spring and solo spring, replaced the sear.
Running like a champ again 😎
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All I can say is good for Kimber for great service.
My first R9 would not function at all and had rifling with"tool marks" and Maria relayed from Eric that all there barrels looked like that, and they did not have trouble with their pistols. It must be operator or ammo problems. When I asked to talk to Eric, she bought the gun back.
I never will forget it.
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When I stripped a grip screw and sent it back to Eric, they couldn't get it out either...replaced the whole frame at no cost to me...one can only hope that Remington will show half the class of the brothers.
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Time will tell. Who knows how much time, but I don't like the story 8 or 9 months has told so far. 😑
Ran another couple of mags of the 124 GA through the solo today. Flawless again. Very accurate little gun.
Looks like Bruce on mouse gun addicts really likes the HST +p.
Any of you have experience with it in 9mm?
Anyone know where to get some?
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After another couple of range sessions I am now up to approx 1600 rounds.
The last time out it failed to eject 1 of the Georgia arms. I can accept that since it is not premium ammo.
It's really about as reliable as a Glock which is amazing for its small size.
I would actually say it is as reliable as a Glock (With the right ammo) except for the need for a overhaul at 1400 rounds and IF you feed it its prefered diet of premium 124 or heavier quality ammo.
Great little pistol. I've not babied it at all. Doesn't get excessive cleanings or any other weird pampering. Just shot and carried and cleaned when I can.
I'm still impressed.
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Ran another 100 flawless rounds through the solo today putting it at 1700.
I wanted to run it against the PM9 to see which would be the Prefered micro holster carry pistol for the better weather coming soon.
I do like the Kahr, but I definitely don't shoot it as well as the Solo even though the felt recoil on the solo is a decent amount more than the Kahr.
The main thing I attribute the difference in the two is the superior trigger of the striker fired pistol. After 1700 rounds this trigger is nigh unto amazing!
It's still a tank and I am still impressed.
Looks like when I carry a micro in the holster it will be the solo again this summer.
GREAT little gun.
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You can't go wrong with either the Solo or PM9.
They are both as dependable as the day is long.
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Josh, Does the safety selector on your Solo stick out as far as it looks? Or is that an illusion?. On the subject of PM-9, My wife has a "Black Rose" which is based on the PM-9. (She likes "pretty guns") But she does not like to shoot it as she has a hard time operating the slide, plus Kahr says not to rely on it until after 500 rounds have been run through it. Her regular carry is a Sig 238
"Titanium Rainbow edition", w/ Crimson Trace Laser guard on it. She loves it, never fails.
Chief
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Hey Chief,
The safety is manageable for me. Big enough, but not too big.
As for the operation for an average shooting woman, it's probably not a fit IMO because...
1) hard to rack slide
2) recoil is quite a bit IMO.
3) kind of a sensitive trigger. Especially after all the rounds it is a soft break.
4) did I mention the recoil? Not as bad as the R9. Not as good as the Kahr.
Those are my takes on it.
My Kahr pm9 has been money as far as reliability goes. My Kahr CW380 is one of the softest shooting 380's I've shot, but it struggles with reliability after 500 rounds and a trip to the factory. I read they like certain ammo, but it's not near and dear to me so I haven't invested the time to crack that code.
As for the 238, my mother in law has one and she loves to shoot it because...
1) The slide is easily racked
2) it's a soft shooter
3) accurate
4) pretty little gun
She does NOT CCW and I wonder if she did how that package would work for her considering the whole 1911 battery of arms thing.
Of course it would lend to options such as not carrying with one in the chamber or other "safe" concepts (since she can racke the slide) that would be better than not carrying at all.
All in all I think it's a good piece. I just am not comfortable/confident with the 1911 arrangement for me or my wife. That being said I'm not real comfortable with more than a G19 without one in the chamber for my wife where she is on her desire to get training time in. Just too many other important things in life right now for her.
Hope that helps chief.
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Chief
I am the one who suggested the Kimber to Josh. I pocket carry daily with the safety off. No problems.
Both the Solo and the PM9 are designed around +P ammo. In my opinion, this is important with short barreled pistols. The recoil springs are strong, the slides are not easy to rack.
I know that the manuals say either 200 or 250 round breakin periods. I have a P380, a PM9, and a P40. All have been 100% reliable right from the box. I had literally dozens of partial boxes of handloads from accuracy testing my 952 Smith and I ran all of them through my PM9 without a failure.
I have only ran high quality SD type ammo through my P380 and have never experienced a failure. If I recommend a semi auto for female CCW, the P380 is my first recommendation.
Personally, I would not be comfortable carrying a 238 cocked and locked.
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My wife is a big 1911 Fan and the 1911 is designed to be carried cocked and locked. I have several Nighthawks and she has a Kimber raptor she really likes,she would rather fire a 1911 style pistol than any I guess. She really prefers the single action trigger. (She is a great shot, we have had lots of range time as well) But she everyday carries her P-238 and I have a P-938 next to me at my office.
Chief
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My wife is a big 1911 Fan and the 1911 is designed to be carried cocked and locked. I have several Nighthawks and she has a Kimber raptor she really likes,she would rather fire a 1911 style pistol than any I guess. She really prefers the single action trigger. (She is a great shot, we have had lots of range time as well) But she everyday carries her P-238 and I have a P-938 next to me at my office.
Chief
Well that changes everything then. We ain't talking about your average woman shooter IMO 😁
Have you guys looked at the new Kimber micro 380 1911 platform? I have not gotten a chance to fire one yet. It's pretty for sure, but not sure how it could hold up to the lil 238. The 238 has definitely been a popular pistol for sure. For good reason too. I wish I could get around my 1911 complex. Every time I strap one on i am too conscious of my gun all day long. In the end I know it's the same as a striker poised to release instead of a hammer, but their is something about seeing it. IDK. It's a good system, but I feel like it's kinda a dangerous one to bounce in and out of for me. I try to go mainly striker or double action only, but NOT between that and 1911 FOR ME.
And then there is the whole double action/single action thing. Momma Mia.
Too many guns too little time. Haha.
Well it's good to hear you guys have a great platform for you. Idk for sure, but I'm not sure how your wife would like the Solo. One thing for sure is that the slide is tough to rack for a gal.
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My wife is a big 1911 Fan and the 1911 is designed to be carried cocked and locked. I have several Nighthawks and she has a Kimber raptor she really likes,she would rather fire a 1911 style pistol than any I guess. She really prefers the single action trigger. (She is a great shot, we have had lots of range time as well) But she everyday carries her P-238 and I have a P-938 next to me at my office.
Chief
Sounds like you are a lucky man to me Chief.
I have no problem with a 1911 being carried cocked and locked. With a 238 there would be too many snags for a pocket or purse to my thinking. Fine for a drawer or night stand though. If I am going to belt carry I would go to something a little larger though, something a little easier to get a hold of.
JMO
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She carries in a few different purse. One is a Colorado Leather purse made in San Diego. (My briefcase is made by them as well <it is made of Bison>) and it has a built in holster. She also makes her own purses at times with conceal carry in mind. As well as if she buys one, she finds them with appropriate sections for her gun. She also like the Flashbang holster and can draw from it in about 1 1/2 seconds. I should also note that her favorite house gun is a S&W Governor with Winchester PDX-1 .410 shells loaded. S&W Performance Center did a nice trigger job on the weapon as well.
Chief
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I should also note that her favorite house gun is a S&W Governor with Winchester PDX-1 .410 shells loaded. S&W Performance Center did a nice trigger job on the weapon as well.
Chief
[/quote]
The shooting the bull YouTube channel was very informative to me on the judge/governor using 410 shells out of a pistol.
After watching that I wished I had not sold my 3 inch magnum judge with Crimson trace and an alloy frame. Sounds like with the proper loadout it is a very effective self-defense tool for home or car.
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Houston we have a problem.
Well for the second time in the time frame that I have carried the solo something troubling has happened.
As I went to unholster the pistol at the end of the day I noticed that the mag was sticking out of the bottom of the mag well. Whoops.
Not cool. Well I have been carrying the ol G27 most of the time again since. I really like my solo, but for IWB carry I'm afraid I've lost confidence in its ability to retain the mag. I don't think this would be a problem for pocket carry, but it's a bit to bulky for that for my pockets.
We'll see. Maybe I will try to get to the nitty gritty of why this is happening in my Crossbread holster. Not sure at this point though.
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Houston we have a problem.
Well for the second time in the time frame that I have carried the solo something troubling has happened.
As I went to unholster the pistol at the end of the day I noticed that the mag was sticking out of the bottom of the mag well. Whoops.
Not cool. Well I have been carrying the ol G27 most of the time again since. I really like my solo, but for IWB carry I'm afraid I've lost confidence in its ability to retain the mag. I don't think this would be a problem for pocket carry, but it's a bit to bulky for that for my pockets.
We'll see. Maybe I will try to get to the nitty gritty of why this is happening in my Crossbread holster. Not sure at this point though.
I have never had that problem with my Solo, but I have always worried about it because of the ambidextrous mag release. I even thought about having the right side button ground off but for three years I have not had a problem.
I guess it is kinda like light hits with a R9, I worry about it but have never had one.
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Houston we have a problem.
Well for the second time in the time frame that I have carried the solo something troubling has happened.
As I went to unholster the pistol at the end of the day I noticed that the mag was sticking out of the bottom of the mag well. Whoops.
Not cool. Well I have been carrying the ol G27 most of the time again since. I really like my solo, but for IWB carry I'm afraid I've lost confidence in its ability to retain the mag. I don't think this would be a problem for pocket carry, but it's a bit to bulky for that for my pockets.
We'll see. Maybe I will try to get to the nitty gritty of why this is happening in my Crossbread holster. Not sure at this point though.
I have never had that problem with my Solo, but I have always worried about it because of the ambidextrous mag release. I even thought about having the right side button ground off but for three years I have not had a problem.
I guess it is kinda like light hits with a R9, I worry about it but have never had one.
I'm glad I posted this. That's a great fix MRC. I will get to it.
I really do not think this would be an issue if I pocket carried it. I think it's how it rides IWB for me. The ambi mag release sees some pressure from my belt occasionally.
Thanks for the reply.
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Josh
How is the Solo doing?
Did you get the mag release thing figured out?
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Josh
How is the Solo doing?
Did you get the mag release thing figured out?
It's strong. Been riding with the R9 lately. Not gotten to it yet Bob. Any suggestions for how to handle it when i do?
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Josh
How is the Solo doing?
Did you get the mag release thing figured out?
It's strong. Been riding with the R9 lately. Not gotten to it yet Bob. Any suggestions for how to handle it when i do?
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Like I said, I was anticipating problems and have not had any in the 3+ years I have carried it.
I was going to take it to my gunsmith and have him remove the release button and grind the right side down enough so it would not get pushed.
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Josh
How is the Solo doing?
Did you get the mag release thing figured out?
It's strong. Been riding with the R9 lately. Not gotten to it yet Bob. Any suggestions for how to handle it when i do?
[/color]
Like I said, I was anticipating problems and have not had any in the 3+ years I have carried it.
I was going to take it to my gunsmith and have him remove the release button and grind the right side down enough so it would not get pushed.
Ok. Well unfortunately I have had a few mags popped out. I may also need to adjust my holster up above the belt. I had been riding with it in a really low position. I think I can raise it up and help the situation as well.