The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: LCP on September 12, 2005, 08:35:07 PM

Title: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 12, 2005, 08:35:07 PM
I went to the range today with the new R9 that I picked up at the gun show over the weekend.  In fact, I just finished cleaning it and putting it back together.  About two hours of tender loving care.  I now understand why everyone wants a take down tool. I made something that worked okay from a dowel. Disasssembly and assembly are definitely a job. I am sure it will get easier the more that I do it.  I remember the problems I had when I first field stripped my  Ruger Mark II (come to think of it that did not get a whole lot easier). I am sure the R9 will get easier.  The reassembly was harder than disassembly.  I did use my vise for the third hand which did help.

Went to the range with Gold dots in 115 and 124 grain, winchester white box in 115 grain and blazer in 147 grain. I fired 80 rounds through the pistol. Not something that I will do on a regular basis. Recoil was stout but manageable.  The trigger was smooth and light for a DA, about the best DA I have ever had. Accuracy was exceptional for such a little pistol. I fired from 3 ft out to about 8 yards.  I have never had a pistol without sights so I did not know what to expect. Looking down the top of the slide was like having sights. I was pleasantly surprised.  Good and accurate double taps at all distances and with more practice the flash sight picture should be even quicker than if it had small sights on the pistol.  The gun fired flawlessly up to about 50 rounds. At that point I began to get  failure to feed which occured 5 times in the last 30 to 35 rounds that I fired. I noticed the bullet pitching up above the barrel breech. I noticed at that time that the gun was getting very dirty and heating up. When racking the slide to put a round into battery I also noticed it did not move forward as smoothly.  I attribute this to the build up of powder, gunk etc. I thought that the slide was not moving back as well with all the dirt build up as the reason for the multiple FTF, especially with the bullet going up so high.  The slide might have been grabbing the round while cycling.  Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
All in all a very nice shooter.  I am looking forward to carrying this pistol.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: itguy on September 12, 2005, 08:57:29 PM
Hi LCP,

As regards your takedown tool (and I know I'll get flamed for this) I use my wife!  Hey honey, can you come tap this pin through for me?  Who knows...maybe this will contribute to another wonderful 38 years of marriage.  After all, why not get them involved in your R9S life?
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on September 12, 2005, 09:17:54 PM
The wife should be a fine assistant.  I may try it, too.

Bill
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 12, 2005, 09:25:32 PM
Hey guys, I might take you up on that suggestion as soon as she finds out about the R9.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on September 12, 2005, 09:31:18 PM
Quote
Hi LCP,

As regards your takedown tool (and I know I'll get flamed for this) I use my wife!  Hey honey, can you come tap this pin through for me?  Who knows...maybe this will contribute to another wonderful 38 years of marriage.  After all, why not get them involved in your R9S life?

Until I got one of RJ's "Stop Sticks," my little wife always provided a well manicured third hand whenever I needed to take down and reassemble my R9s.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Fud on September 12, 2005, 10:08:29 PM
How do I get one of these "Stop Sticks" to assist with the assembly and disassembly process?
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: bigyimmy on September 13, 2005, 01:03:05 AM
LCP stated above: "Went to the range with Gold dots in 115 and 124 grain, winchester white box in 115 grain and blazer in 147 grain."

---------------------------------------------------------

I was wondering LCP what ammo was giving you the grief with the malfunctions.  I know blazer ammo is supposed to be 'ok' in these R9's, but I wonder if 147 grain has a bigger bullet and getting caught up.

If it was all feeding good before I would hope this gun could feed more than 50 rounds reliably.  I bought my R9 a few weeks ago and I am waiting on the two extra mags I ordered from the factory to come in so I can take everything to the range and see how reliable my R9 shoots.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Newt on September 13, 2005, 12:10:47 PM
Wife? She does'nt mess with my guns and I don't mess with her shoes! :o ::) :P :'( :-/ ;D
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on September 13, 2005, 12:20:54 PM
Fudster,

Send a PM to RJ Hedley and he will give you order information.

That's how I got mine.

Bill
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: RJ HEDLEY on September 13, 2005, 02:51:59 PM
Take down tool  $12 shipped.
Your check is OK...........

To:
RJ Hedley
3133 Walnut St NW
Winter Haven, FL   33881
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on September 13, 2005, 03:14:31 PM
LCP - can you recall which ammo was giving those FTF's?  

I would not expect that so early on tho we could say break-in is still in prgress but I am sure crud does affect the ability to get into battery satisfactorily.

The energy and speed of slide is I think quite critical such that stripped off next round has no time to tip up too much before chamber entry.  If crud does slow this a bit then I reckon it can be a factor - but also I'd be looking to watch a slow hand controlled slow feed too - to watch fresh round coming out of mag'.  Mag's now should be good - issues on those were way back in time.

Many guns will and should go on rockin' for almost countless rounds but I think with the pup it is still a bit of the ''thorobred'' racehorse syndrome - need for clean stable and oats instead of hay! :D
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 13, 2005, 09:47:51 PM
I took note that the FTF occured with all of the types of ammo that I was using.  It was not limited to any particular type.
R9sCarry we are thinking the same thing re speed of the slide affected by the buildup of gunk. Can you be more specific as to what you mean, "watch a slow hand controlled slow feed-to watch a fresh round coming out of mag." I don't understand.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on September 13, 2005, 11:21:46 PM
Sorry LCP - let me try again.

Instead of a round loading thru cycling after a shot - or, ''sling-shotting'' a fresh round in as we might do to charge the pup normally..........

Instead - from slide fully to rear, let it fwd under manual control, slowly, and observe the pickup of fresh round out of mag - and just observe what happens.  Does round kick up high so bullet might impact top of chamber - or does it strip off and feed into chamber as you'd want.

Hope that is clearer - just looking for any info that might be helpful, even if I have no actual answer!
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 14, 2005, 07:46:37 PM
R9SCarry, now I understand. Once you explained I re-read your prior post and it made sense. I also notice a post today talking about a similar problem with a new R9.
I will try to get to the range on Friday and check out your suggestion.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 17, 2005, 04:24:32 PM
I went back to the range on Friday with my R9.  I fired winchester white box 115; blazer 147 and a few additional gold dots 115.
Using the Blazers I had trouble in getting the slide into battery on the first round with a full magazine. The slide required some pusing on the rear of the slide to chamber the round. The slide did not feel smooth with the Blazers. On the 2nd or 3rd mag one round did not feed, once again it went up too high.
I switched to the winchester white box and fired another 50-60 rounds without any problems. I do feel alot better about its performance based on the last 60 rounds fired with the Winchester and Gold dots.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: theirishguard on September 17, 2005, 05:05:16 PM
The more reports that are posted here show that the R9 likes certain kind and type of ammo. GD 115 & 124's seem to work good as a few others. I would just follow the Rohrbaugh factory suggestion on ammo to use.
Tom
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: LCP on September 28, 2005, 10:37:54 AM
Well, I made a third trip to the range with my R9. I fired 50 rounds that included 15 GD 115 gr and the balance in Winchester white box. I am happy to say there were no problems. In the last 110 rounds through the R9 there was only one failure to feed early in the 110 rounds. Since then no problems.  Perhaps the initial FTF were break in issues. My question now is whether I have to go through another breakin period when I change out the recoil spring. It does not seem like that would be necessary for the spring but anyone have any idea?
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: sslater on September 28, 2005, 11:11:51 AM
LCP,
I changed my recoil spring at 200 rounds, rather than the recommended 250 rounds.  The original one had lost almost two full coils in free length compared to a fresh one.
The ammo I've been using is 115 grain & 124 grain Speer GDHP, plus some white box Winchester 124 grain practice stuff.  There were 20 rounds of 147 gr. GDHP mixed in, but the gunsmith at my local gun shop convinced not to buy more. He said lots of good guns choke on the 147 gr. rounds, so why push my luck.

My next range session (with the new spring)  - no problems at all.  

Note: I'm one of the lucky guys who have been basically trouble-free so far. ;D
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: tracker on September 28, 2005, 12:07:05 PM
I would like to think that the trouble free guys far
outnumber those with malfunctions. The gentleman
who discovered that his thumb impeded the cycling
of the slide seemed very significant to me.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: mefly2 on October 01, 2005, 11:48:28 PM
I really liked the post that encourages wives' participation in this hobby / sport / and, sometimes, vocation.  My gorgeous, loveable, (etc, etc) wife / partner not only encouraged me to read / post to this forum, but OK'ed purchase of one of these fine pistols ... yes, I'm well past 50 yo and nearly 60. But, I'm still carrying a badge and a duty belt as well as CCW.

Lets hear it for the wives that stand by us (or, as one poster related ... don;t mess with our stuff).

mefly2
   8)
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on October 01, 2005, 11:54:37 PM
I second that, mefly2.

Bill
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 02, 2005, 11:15:52 AM
Quote
Lets hear it for the wives that stand by us (or, as one poster related ... don't mess with our stuff).


I'm also one of those lucky ones, and I second the motion.  
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: sslater on October 02, 2005, 11:31:30 AM
I'll Third the motion.  My B.W. never gives me grief about buying guns or going to the range.
All she asks is that I drop her off at the mall with a current credit card.  ;)
A fair arrangement, I'll say.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on October 02, 2005, 12:42:28 PM
Mefly - you are nearly my age - and I too have a wife in a million.  

Almost a year ago even got her to go get her own CCW permit and tho she is not heavily into guns is competant and aware.

I am always tho saddened by the guys who seem to have to opposite situation - with an anti gun wife who cannot even accept their passion.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: theirishguard on October 02, 2005, 05:56:01 PM
Why would a guy marry or put himself in harms way like that?
Tom
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: tracker on October 02, 2005, 11:26:36 PM
He wouldn't, Tom; it usually comes up later when the
passion shifts.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: theirishguard on October 03, 2005, 09:48:06 AM
Tracker I know what you mean.
My first wife was like that.
When dating the second one, I took her to a 3 gun match on the second date. And later, she worked a gun show with me.
She did the gun show duty for years. Now she lets me and friends do that.
I was lucky I guess.
Tom
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 03, 2005, 11:31:40 AM
Quote
Tracker I know what you mean.
My first wife was like that.

Mine too.  We were both young.  She ended up as a pacifist Jane Fonda supporter.  I ended up as the plaintiff in our divorce.

When I began dating the beautiful lady to whom it is my extraordinary good fortune now to be married, I determined to let her know early on that I was what my first wife had derisively called "a gun nut."  I made my revelation at what seemed to be an appropriate time, wondering if I would be shown the door.  She listened quietly and said nothing for a moment.  I thought to myself, "Get ready to say goodnight, Richard."  However, she suddenly gave me a smile and opened the side pocket of her purse to show me a little S&W J Frame .38 Special nestled inside.  

From that very moment, I was hers for the taking.     8)
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: theirishguard on October 03, 2005, 12:30:22 PM
RichardS, turn out the lights but don't mess with her purse.
Tom
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on October 03, 2005, 01:52:06 PM
Great story, Richard.  They don't get any better than that.

Bill
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 03, 2005, 06:03:45 PM
Thanks, Bill.  She has long since given that .38 to her daughter (my delightful step-daughter) and now carries my former Seecamp .32.  (But I told that story on another thread.)  

She's a real keeper!   :D
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on October 03, 2005, 08:47:34 PM
Funnily enough - my first wife was not anti at all - so it was not a guns disparity that caused problems - more a case of incompatibility over time - but I had the two greatest kids from that marriage and so am very thankful - they are my best friends in life.

She never came shooting but was never critical - so in that respect not too bad at all.

My ''now'' wife, #2 - had a very gunny earlier life - her Dad always went to the door with a revo!  She did tho have a prob' after her bro accidentally shot her grandpap (he died!) - it soured her somewhat.

She was OK with my guns until I first carried and then had a prob' but has gotten used to it all now and is herself a CCW - so I am thankful in so many ways - friend, lover, and gun supporter - it does not get too much better. :)

Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 03, 2005, 08:51:24 PM
Chris:

We are two lucky guys.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: MountainMan on October 03, 2005, 09:55:54 PM
Richard and Chris
Well since you both realize how nice you have it .....   Nice stories - thanks.  My wife came from a family where her dad was well into guns and made black powder guns.  She never has any problem on myself and guns (or knives).

What I do wish is that she would get a CCW, but doesn't have the desire.  The chance that she would need to protect herself is probably many times higher than myself.  She works many times late hours in the city and seems to feel nothing will ever happen.  Maybe some day I can convince her.
Dave
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on October 03, 2005, 10:03:23 PM
I wish my wife could be convinced, too.  But no way.

She obtained an antique  "hat pin" and placed it in her cell phone case, but that would be of limited value.

Someone in a magazine or newspaper suggested it.

Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on October 03, 2005, 10:20:35 PM
Bill, Dave - wish you could convince your respective spouses - I know it can be difficult.  I do still have to ''nudge'' my wife to take her ''friend'' along - trying to instill in her that she is way  too precious to me to want to lose.

You may have tried this already but - tell a ''what if'' scenario - and see how they respond.  I know odds of 10,000:1 perhaps seem as good as certainty that nothing will happen, but I do wish some folks would see that things can and do happen - often in the unlikeliest of places and times.

''Trusting to luck'' will not always cut it all the time.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Fud on October 04, 2005, 12:01:30 PM
The Mrs was the same way from a very anti family. Then our little munchkin came along and her motherly instincts kicked in. When she said that she was wiling to "die" for our daughter, I pointed out that she was willing to give up her own life but she was not willing to take the proper preventive measure to ensure our daughter was safe ... AND what good would it do to "die" for her child. Once she was dead, our daughter would be unprotected and the 'bad guy' would then do whatever he wanted to our daughter anyway.

Wouldn't it be better to 'live' for her daughter so that she wouldn't grown up without a mother by ensuring both of their safety?

THAT hit a nerve. She now carries an NAA in .32ACP and has adopted my Browning BDA380 as her reach for gun.

I would prefer that she move up to the .38 / 9mm range but she's recoil shy and a .380ACP is the highest that I can get her to go but 14 rounds of .380ACP is nothing to sneeze at especially if she can put the bullets where they're suppose to go and so far, she's able to keep them in the X-ring a 75 feet.
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 04, 2005, 08:11:44 PM
Quote
What I do wish is that she would get a CCW, but doesn't have the desire.  The chance that she would need to protect herself is probably many times higher than myself.  She works many times late hours in the city and seems to feel nothing will ever happen.  Maybe some day I can convince her.

Dave:

I truly hope you are successful in that regard.  There are a lot of sociopathic criminal types roaming around, especially in the cities at night.  

I've had an abundance of "enemies" in my life, but most of them are now growing old, or languishing in prison, or living overseas, or reaping their eternal reward.  However, as I have previously disclosed on the Forum, my wife is a criminal judge.  She needs no persuasion on the subject of personal protection.  During the nine years since our marriage, the little judge has received four anonymous but credible threats of violence against her.  We both tend to go about our lives in a permanent state of what DHS describes as, "Code Yellow."

Thankfully, the good people in this world far outnumber the bad.  Still and all, the bad ones are out there, and some of them are truly evil.

Stay safe.

Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: theirishguard on October 05, 2005, 10:44:29 AM
Most women believe that everything is ok or is just fine.

One can't just call their secretary and make an appointment for a violent act. Tues at 8:30am or Thurs at 12:45. And then be ready with their husband (who carries) with them.

It will happen when one is least ready for it. Now days this kind of thing happens more often.

Tom
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: R9SCarry on October 05, 2005, 05:33:28 PM
That Tom is so correct - precognition is a rare skill and what you say there I cover with the old saying -

"You can't make appointments, for emergencies" !
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 06, 2005, 08:47:57 PM
Quote
I would prefer that she move up to the .38 / 9mm range but she's recoil shy and a .380ACP is the highest that I can get her to go but 14 rounds of .380ACP is nothing to sneeze at especially if she can put the bullets where they're suppose to go and so far, she's able to keep them in the X-ring a 75 feet.

That should be quite sufficient!   8)
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 06, 2005, 09:12:41 PM
Quote
She obtained an antique  "hat pin" and placed it in her cell phone case, but that would be of limited value.  Someone in a magazine or newspaper suggested it.

Bill:

The technique requires up-close-and-very-personal "wet work," but a hat pin can be a deadly weapon if one knows where to insert it.  Stuck in the wrong place, it just increases the attacker's aggression.  

Take heart, though, for it is a small step from a potentially deadly hat pin to a probably deadly pocket pistol.  It would appear to me that you might soon prevail.

Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Michigunner on October 06, 2005, 09:19:48 PM
Richard,

I make sure we watch Cold Case Files and Investigative Reports on TV.

It is not uncommon for me to say:  "Look!  That could have been prevented if she had a handgun!"

Bill
Title: Re: Range Report on new R9
Post by: Richard S on October 06, 2005, 10:28:36 PM
Right on!