Wow. . . . . Congratulations to you both. That is an early R9 model for sure.
In fact, R196 is the 96th pistol made with the prefix "R" which we built.
The updated stronger frames started with serial number R101, an R9S 9mm Pistol, which we were able to reacquire years ago from the original owner, Robert Jenson, A.K.A., "BLACKHAWK".
Very nice find and history to your R196 Pistol . . . . . . Enjoy it!
Regards,
Eric C. Rohrbaugh