The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: FB3 on December 29, 2005, 05:49:40 PM
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I just picked up my new R9s today.
I have not had the opportunity to fire it yet, so these comments are based solely on handling, disassembling, and inspecting the pistol and are really a small part of what will be my total assesment of this gun after some use.
First, I really like the size. I was initially concerned that it may be a little large and not offer better concealability than the small Kahrs. I am very happy with the gun in this respect. It is a great pocket gun for me, and feels very good in my hand. It is smaller than the Kahr and lighter. Feels great.
The double action only trigger is quite nice. Mine is smooth and of reasonable pull weight.
Overall quality seems very good, but not on a par with my Seecamp 380. I doubt that there is a functional difference, but the Seecamp just seems a little more refined to me.
I am somewhat skeptical about the tiny grip screws. I have heard that some folks have had problems with them, and may look into having larger screws installed, but that will be at a later date.
I am not too happy that the warranty is not transferable. I have had and still have several high end 1911's, and their manufacturers warranty their product, not the initial purchaser. Heck, even automobile manufacturers transfer their warranties to subsequent owners for the duration of the warranty period. This was a major reason that I purchased a new R9 vs a used pistol.
These initial nit picks aside, my overall impression of my R9s is very favorable. Unfortunately, I probably won't get a chance to shoot it until next weekend at the earliest. To me, the function and reliability of a pistol is of utmost importance, and if this one works as advertised, I am sure that I will be extremely happy with it. It fills a carry nich for me very well.
This forum is a wonderful resource. I am sure that I will be spending quite a bit of time here from now on.
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Once again FB3 welcome. I have four Seecamps and you can't compare an all stainless gun with one that is not. There is something special about the stainless that Seecamp uses. A true comparisome would be with a gun like a Kahr PM9.
The warranty bugs me also. I have two R9s. One I got new from Tom on the forum. The other was new in the box but the person had already sent in the warranty card even though the gun was never fired.
My feeling though is that Rohrbaugh will cover any problems I have with the gun.
Let us know how it shoots. Remember the Ammo recommendations.
Dave
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Dave,
Hope that I didn't come off as negative in my initial post. Just my first observations. I have a variety of 9mm ammo, but could not find Speer 115 gr locally nor at Natchez.
Won't be too concerned until I put about 100 rounds thru the pistol. Then, after proper cleaning and lubing during this process, I hope that it will be functioning adequately for carry.
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FB3,
I do not believe I have welcomed you as yet..
Welcome to the forum!!
I believe you will be pleased with the pup!!
Have fun and I wish you great shooting!! ;D
Brenden
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Hey-Looks like I welcomed you in another thread!! ;)
Never enough greetings I say!! ;D
Glad to have you..
Brenden
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FB3
I felt no negativity - just someone who has done a close inspection of the gun they have been waiting for.
Besides Gold Dots Winchester 115 silvertips seem to work well.
Hope your range test goes well - the R9 can be ammo sensitve.
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I have four Seecamps and you can't compare an all stainless gun with one that is not. There is something special about the stainless that Seecamp uses. A true comparisome would be with a gun like a Kahr PM9.
Dave
I don't think the comparison with the PM9 makes much sense. The R9 is certainly going to come out on top in terms of perceived quality when compared to a plastic gun. It seems to me that the Seecamp comparison is a much better one.
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I am not too happy that the warranty is not transferable. I have had and still have several high end 1911's, and their manufacturers warranty their product, not the initial purchaser.
Wow, I did not realize that. Wonder what the reasoning is? That only hurts their reputation (even if only a little) while if they warrantied it regardless of how many owners it had, it would be a huge plus for them.
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IMO,
I do not believe you have to worry about getting the pup serviced at any juncture of ownership..
My first one (Farmingdale) never came with a "form"..
I believe that the Bros would make it right if needed!! ;D
Brenden
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Brenden,
I don't remember getting a warranty form.
My guess was that John (our Michigan dealer) sent our names to the factory, and we were registered that way.
Bill
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Bill,
Should have been a card with yours..
Would have had the Serial # on it to match the pup!!
Mine did on the last batch that John had-these were the Deer Park slides..(same "batch as yours)
When I got my first one (about a yr. earlier-Farmingdale) there were no cards included..
To the best of my knowledge,no dealer notifies the factory..
I am not concerned though about any problem, not being taken care of... 8)
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Thanks, Brenden. Probably just forgot about sending it in.
I'm like you. I'm sure they would fix any problems.
Happy New Year, my friend.
Bill
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>>I wouldn't be too worried about warranty issues on a second hand R9. A polite letter explaining the situation and accompanying the gun could very well override the stated warranty conditions - especially if a problem is obviously something which other R9 owners have experienced.
I have experienced just what I described on a number of gun and gun related products which were well out of stated warranty. I have always been up front about an item being second hand, and thus far I have never had to pay for warranty-type service. I don't expect this to always be the case, but its amazing the effects of a polite and informative letter...will get you much more in life than an uppity rant (which I have also tried on other things - lol...!).
Fact is most gun companies look to satisfy their customers because they know what a bad reputation can bring, even if unwarranted...and they know the effects of a good reputation and how one guy is likely to share either with his/her buddies.
Regarding the R9 I would suggest just appreciating it for what it is and not worrying about warranty issues. If you have a problem - just contact Rohrbaugh and give them a chance to shine...TW<<
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Well said TW; when you are dealing in a class environment,
usually, all you have to do is to describe your problem and
they will take care of the rest. I had that kind of experience
with Virgil Tripp recently. [ Trippresearch ]
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Didn't intend to stirr up a large debate about the warranty coverage on the R9 pistols.
I know that Wilson Combat has a lifetime "satisfaction guarantee" for their pistols, and will fix anything other than abused or modified guns.
Ed Brown offers no warranty on his products, but will also repair any of them with manufacturing or material defects.
I am confident that Rohrbaugh would do the same.
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I read over at the Seecamp forum that Larry has even repaired flooded Seecamps from hurricane Katrina for 0. When we deal with classy outfits we get 1st class treatment!
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I think the limitation to original owner is an "out" for a company to use if necessary. If a customer is not abusing the company's warranty, there is rarely an issue.
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I think the limitation to original owner is an "out" for a company to use if necessary. If a customer is not abusing the company's warranty, there is rarely an issue.
Duane,
I totally agree with your statement!! ;)
I have had more "good" dealings with "gun people" than, should I say,"non" gun people.. ;)
Cannot say the same about my dryer manufacturer's "warranty" though!!! :o
Brenden
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I think the limitation to original owner is an "out" for a company to use if necessary.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. What are some examples where a company would need an "out?"
If a customer is not abusing the company's warranty, there is rarely an issue.
What would make the second owner more likely to "abuse" the warranty than the first one?
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First, I am not speaking for Rohrbaugh in any way, just putting myself in a manufacturer's shoes...
Its one thing to feel some loyalty to a customer who put money in your pocket. Its another to deal with someone who bought the gun used from someone else and is becoming a problem. I think there is a distinction to be made.
I think we can all envision customers whose unreasonable demands might lead a company to need an "out" from a lifetime warranty.
Several gun companies with similar policies have repaired used guns for me. Others have never asked for proof I was the original owner. But, I always made my requests professionally and sent in guns that were well taken care of and in need of reasonable repairs.
I am sure there are people who buy worn out, used guns for a song and hope for a free factory refurbishing. I am also sure there are people who shoot loads that are too hot and want guns fixed as a result, etc.
I think that if you buy a used gun in decent condition made by any manufacturer and have a true manufacturing defect surface that would have been covered by the original warranty--chances are very good it will be covered.
On the other hand, if you are an unreasonable pain in the ***, you might find your manfacturer looking for a reason to deny your claim. Its human nature.
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On the subject of problem customers: We had one guy bring in a shotgun, can't remember the reason, but we sent it back and Browning fixed it. Then he comes back with a bulged barrel. We took it apart to pack and a clump of soot came out. He probably never cleaned that thing. There was also something that looked suspiciously like dirt stuck in between the choke and barrel. Our supposition was that Mr. Surly stuck his shotgun in the mud while duck hunting and had the brillant idea to pull the trigger to clear the obstruction. :oDUH! :o Browning fixed that too, but could have charged him. I bet this would be the poster boy for the "out" Duane mentioned.