The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: global-security on September 19, 2009, 09:38:07 PM
-
Hi Everyone,
I just purchased a Rohrbaugh R-9S and fired it for the first time today. With that said I have a few questions and hope someone will be patient enough to answer this Newbie’s questions.
First off, I had to use Winchester Walmart ammo as I could not find any Speer Gold Dot and/or similar ammo in my area. Several of the shells did not fire, however in reviewing the casings I could clearly see the firing pin struck the primer/case. What I found odd is that I used the same batch of ammo in my Springfield 9mm and it fired perfectly. Is it possible the Robar doesn’t strike the shell as hard? The impression/impact left on the Robar shell was not as deep or wide as the Springfield casing. Any thoughts?
Next, after I emptied the second mag and went to clear the chamber the slide locked up (jammed in place)and I could not pull it back. To be honest.. I wasn’t sure if their was a live round in the chamber or not. Anyway after pulling on the slide very very hard it finally moved back as it should. Is this normal? I thought maybe this was part of the break-in period.
Thanks in advance for your help ;)
Jordan
-
Jordan, welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase of the Rohrbaugh.
Did you take the gun apart and clean and relube it before the range trip? This is usually a good idea with any new firearm. The light primer strikes could be caused by a tiny particle in the channel restricting the firing pin as it travels forward.
I would clean and lube the gun and return to the range and give it another try. Something else you can do is to make sure the gun is unloaded and cycle the slide by hand several dozen times, this will duplicate shooting and help mate the slide to the frame without going to the range. I have never done this but some people swear by it for any new auto pistol.
John
-
Jordan:
First, let me welcome to the Forum and congratulate you on acquiring the R9.
I second John's recommendations. This little "pocket rocket," being the smallest and lightest pistol yet made for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, is built to extremely close tolerances and must be kept clean and well lubricated. I would give it a good clean and lube, making sure that the firing pin channel is clear of dreck and applying lubricant to the slide/frame interface.
Good luck, and please keep us informed.
-
Jordan, Welcome also to the forum, enjoy both it and the new pup. Try to find some GoldDots, Silver Tips & etc. will make your trip to the range more fun. Tom
-
You should not have to fire the real expensive stuff (gold Dots, etc) at the range. I've had great luck with the Winchester "white box" 115gr FMJ. Are these what you were using? Make *certain* you didn't pick up a box of +P stuff by accident.
Yes, the R9 does strike the primer with less force than a big gun. I've posted pictures of it elsewhere on the forum. I'm sure there is a valid reason for it in this little gun. This is why it doesn't like ammo with hard primers.
I did have the problem you encountered with the slide locking up. Some of the ammo I tried had 'fluffed off' some of the primer plating. That metal found it's way down into the barrel locking mechanism, preventing the barrel from dropping as the slide was pulled back. I believe I posted pictures of that primer and the pieces as well. Instead of a dent, the primer was flat and discolored.
-
Welcome and congrats.
Breakdown the pistol and clean and lube. Given the tight tolerances, a good initial cleaning and lube is important.
Should Shoot Win White Box well for the range. Mine does. I tried it but now shoot Gold Dots so I practice with what I carry. I only shoot a mag a month on the average at this point, so the cost is minimal.
-
I had the FTF happen once and I pulled the trigger again. It worked.
-
Hi,
I just wanted to thank everyone for all there help. I feel this forum is an incredible wealth of information. In addition, I find owning a Rohrbaugh is like being part of a unique family of individuals that appreciate fine quality.
I have not yet attempted to clean and lube the mighty Robar - I guess will have to muster all my patience and courage before I take on this project. :)
Thanks again,
Jordan ;)
-
Welcome, Jordan; if I can do it, you can do it. Just surround yourself with the right tools.
-
Thanks Tracker,but thats exactly my problem finding all the little tools in one place. Like others have said, I wish someone producced a kit that consists of all the necessary tools/items.
I would be the first customer. ;D
Thanks bro
-
The only tricky part is getting the recoil assembly back in place without a tool. I've managed it, sometimes it takes a few tries but I've never needed a tool.
Basically I place the slide top down on the table with barrel in place, muzzle end facing away from me.
I compress the recoil assembly using the index finger and thumb on both hands so the rod sticks out. I then work the index fingers so the finger nails are doing the holding in front.
Using the middle fingers, keep the slide from moving forward as you insert the front of the recoil assembly. The trick is to do it while keeping enough pressure that the rod keeps poking forward. It takes several tries at first, but now I can usually get it within a try or two. Once you have it, your thumb and middle fingers will be holding things and you can lower the back of the recoil assembly in place.
Keep an eye when you take the slide off the frame where the slide sits freely without the pin. If it stops way short of that point when you try to put it back on, the back if the recoil assembly just needs to scoot around a little bit, probably a little up away from the barrel.
A tool makes this process much easier, but it's nice to know I can strip it down with nothing more than a toothpick in the field... :)
-
Welcome to the forum, Jordan. Congratulations on getting the Rohrbaugh. With the abundance of information here, I'm sure your problem will be solved.
-
Global-security
Just an FYI to help clarify the nomenclature.
You have a Rohrbaugh handgun.
Robar is a finish that Rohrbaugh has used on their guns and they also do finishes for the public.
-
Jack,
Thank you for clarifying the nomenclature. I learn something new from this forum daily.
:)
-
sdlsaginaw,
Thanks for your detailed message.
Jordan
-
For the light strike you might need to clean out the striking pin and the chamber since if is oily and greased it can cause the pin to travel slow --it happen to me with NAA guardian. Keep the striker pin dry little if any oil. Too much oil or grease will cause "shock absorber effect"--slowed the speed of the firing pin.
-
Thanks for your help tquieng.
Jordan
-
Today I shot 50 rounds of Gold Tops and experienced zero FTF's. In addition, the slide is no longer locking/sticking in place. One thing for sure,using the recomended ammo makes a huge difference.
I feel much better now. With that said, I have no problem carrying the Rohr 9mm vs my Ruger LCP 380 on a everyday basis..
Last time I shot 40 or so rounds of Walmart Winchester ammo and had several FTF's.
Thanks everyone for your help. ;D
-
It is definitely an asset using recommeded ammo.